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Heath Wood-rush

Luzula multiflora

Last reviewed: August 2026

Heath Wood-rush (Luzula multiflora)
Photo: (c) Wolfgang Jauch, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Wolfgang Jauch

Toxicity unknown

Heath Wood-rush (Luzula multiflora) 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 sun

Water

low

Size

6"–16" H × 4"–8" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

CT, DE, IA, IL 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 445 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

Coast RangeMarine West Coast ForestNorthwestern Forested MountainsNorth American DesertsCentral Irregular PlainsPiedmontWestern Corn Belt PlainsGreat PlainsNorthern Lakes and ForestsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsDriftless AreaSoutheastern Wisconsin Till PlainsCentral Corn Belt PlainsEastern Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsHuron/Erie Lake PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneNorthern Allegheny PlateauErie Drift PlainNorthern ForestsMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsBlue RidgeRidge and ValleyEastern Temperate ForestsCentral AppalachiansWestern Allegheny PlateauInterior PlateauInterior River Valleys and HillsAcadian Plains and HillsEastern Great Lakes LowlandsAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Heath wood-rush is a compact evergreen grass-like perennial that forms neat clumps of narrow, soft-textured leaves. It produces small clusters of brownish flowers in late spring and early summer, maintaining an attractive low profile year-round.

In an HOA neighborhood

Heath Wood-rush is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

Wildlife value

This plant provides habitat and nesting material for small birds. The seeds may be eaten by ground-feeding birds and small mammals.

Common questions

How much sun does Heath Wood-rush need?
Heath Wood-rush grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Heath Wood-rush bloom?
Heath Wood-rush blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Heath Wood-rush native?
Heath Wood-rush (Luzula multiflora) is native to CT, DE, IA, IL and 21 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Heath Wood-rush HOA-friendly?
Heath Wood-rush is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

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.

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

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