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.

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
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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.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Pacific Woodrush? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
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