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Pacific Woodrush

Luzula comosa

Last reviewed: September 2026

Luzula comosa, or Pacific woodrush, is a grass-like forb that blooms from April through June in part shade with medium moisture, often growing in moist meadows and open woodlands at mid to high elevations in the western mountains.

Pacific Woodrush (Luzula comosa)
Photo: (c) Steve Matson, some rights reserved (CC BY)

Toxicity unknown

Pacific Woodrush (Luzula comosa) 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"–24" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, ID and 8 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.

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Pacific woodrush is a compact evergreen grass-like perennial that forms neat clumps of dark green foliage. It produces delicate clusters of small brown flowers in spring and maintains an attractive, tidy appearance year-round.

Growing Pacific Woodrush

Grow Pacific Woodrush in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 6 to 24 inches tall and spread 4 to 12 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Pacific Woodrush 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 native sedge provides habitat and food for small wildlife and birds, though it is not a major pollinator plant.

Common questions

When does Pacific woodrush bloom?
Pacific woodrush typically flowers from April through June, producing small clustered brownish flower heads on slender stems.
How much light does Pacific woodrush need?
It grows best in part shade but can tolerate conditions ranging from part sun to fuller shade, making it suited to woodland edges and dappled forest understories.
How much water does Pacific woodrush require?
This plant prefers medium moisture and does well in soils that stay consistently moist without becoming waterlogged, such as those found in mountain meadows and seep areas.
What growth habit does Pacific woodrush have?
It is a low, clumping forb with grass-like evergreen foliage, forming tufted patches rather than spreading widely.
Is Pacific Woodrush HOA-friendly?
Pacific Woodrush is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

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

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