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Hairy Woodrush

Luzula acuminata

Last reviewed: August 2026

Hairy Woodrush (Luzula acuminata)
Photo: no rights reserved, uploaded by Mara McHaffie

Toxicity unknown

Hairy Woodrush (Luzula acuminata) 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

8"–24" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AL, AR, CT, FL and 26 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 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

PiedmontWestern Corn Belt PlainsNorthern ForestsNorthern Lakes and ForestsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsDriftless AreaSoutheastern Wisconsin Till PlainsEastern Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsHuron/Erie Lake PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneNorthern Allegheny PlateauErie Drift PlainMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsBlue RidgeRidge and ValleyEastern Temperate ForestsCentral AppalachiansWestern Allegheny PlateauAcadian Plains and HillsEastern Great Lakes Lowlands

Hairy woodrush is a clumping native sedge-like plant that forms neat tufts of narrow, grass-like leaves. It produces small, inconspicuous flower clusters on slender stems from May through July and works well as a groundcover or accent in shaded areas.

In an HOA neighborhood

Hairy Woodrush is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.

Works well in: foundation, mid zone.

  • Small flowers may appear weedy to some
  • Less recognizable as an intentional landscape plant

Wildlife value

While not a major pollinator plant, this native sedge provides habitat and nesting material for small wildlife and birds.

Common questions

How much sun does Hairy Woodrush need?
Hairy Woodrush grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Hairy Woodrush bloom?
Hairy Woodrush blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Hairy Woodrush native?
Hairy Woodrush (Luzula acuminata) is native to AL, AR, CT, FL and 26 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Hairy Woodrush HOA-friendly?
Hairy Woodrush is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Hairy Woodrush? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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