Arctic Woodrush
Luzula nivalis
- Native to:
- Canada, Finland, Greenland, Labrador, Norway, Russia, Svalbard, Sweden, United States
(c) Илья Руденко, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Juncaceae
- Genus:
- Luzula
- Species:
- Luzula nivalis
- USDA Symbol:
- LUAR9
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Graminoid
- Height:
- 20 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- 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)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- small mammals, birds
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rocky, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- found in alpine and subalpine regions
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–42 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require light for germination. Cold stratification improves germination rates.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).
Source: Claude AI