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Bulbous Woodrush

Luzula bulbosa

Last reviewed: October 2026

Bulbous Woodrush (Luzula bulbosa)
Photo: (c) Laura Clark, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Laura Clark

Toxicity unknown

Bulbous Woodrush (Luzula bulbosa) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

6"–12" H × 4"–8" W

Bloom

May, Jun

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 21 more states

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 459 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Cross TimbersEast Central Texas PlainsSouth Central PlainsEastern Temperate ForestsOzark HighlandsCentral Irregular PlainsPiedmontCentral Corn Belt PlainsNortheastern Coastal ZoneMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsBlue RidgeRidge and ValleyInterior PlateauInterior River Valleys and HillsMississippi Alluvial PlainMississippi Valley Loess PlainsAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Wood rush is a clumping grass-like perennial that forms neat tufts of narrow evergreen foliage. It produces small clusters of brownish flowers in late spring and early summer, creating a refined groundcover for shaded areas.

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In an HOA neighborhood

Bulbous Woodrush takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Very uncommon and unfamiliar to most homeowners
  • Grass-like appearance may be mistaken for weedy sedges
  • Subtle flowers provide minimal ornamental impact

Wildlife value

This plant is primarily wind-pollinated so offers limited direct pollinator support. The evergreen foliage may provide minor shelter for small wildlife during winter months.

Common questions

How much sun does Bulbous Woodrush need?
Bulbous Woodrush grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Bulbous Woodrush bloom?
Bulbous Woodrush blooms in May and June.
Where is Bulbous Woodrush native?
Bulbous Woodrush (Luzula bulbosa) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 21 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Bulbous Woodrush HOA-friendly?
Bulbous Woodrush takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

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