Northern Woodrush
Luzula confusa
- Native to:
- Canada, Finland, Greenland, Iceland, Labrador, Norway, Russia, Svalbard, Sweden, United States
iNaturalist: © jcsvenning (iNaturalist #204841175)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Juncaceae
- Genus:
- Luzula
- Species:
- Luzula confusa
- USDA Symbol:
- LUCO5
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Graminoid
- Height:
- 30 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug
- Bloom Colors:
- brown
Wildlife Benefits
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Arctic woolly bear moth (Gynaephora groenlandica)
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- moist, acidic, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 4.5 - 6.5 (acidic to slightly acidic)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- Commonly found in boggy, peaty areas
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds benefit from cold stratification; sow in fall or stratify for 4-8 weeks before spring sowing.