Pacific Woodrush
Luzula comosa var. comosa
Care
part shade
moderate
1–1ft tall
Resistant
Friendly
Forests and meadows in the Sierra Nevada, northern California, and Coast Ranges, typically at 4,000-10,000 ft elevation
Care Guide
Planting
Plant Pacific woodrush in partial shade to deep shade - it thrives in the dappled light under trees, making it perfect for those darker corners of your Bay Area garden. This native perennial prefers moist soil, so choose a spot with good drainage that won't dry out completely. Space plants about 12 inches apart to allow room for their grasslike tufts to develop. Plant in fall or early spring when the soil is naturally moist.
After Planting
Water moderately to generously during your plant's first summer to help it establish - weekly watering is a good baseline depending on how quickly your soil dries. Once established in year two, Pacific woodrush is fairly low-maintenance and can handle the moisture levels it naturally encounters in its native forest and meadow habitats. The main mistake gardeners make is planting this moisture-lover in dry shade or letting it completely dry out; keep the soil consistently moist, not soggy, and it will reward you with minimal fussing.
Wildlife Supported
Birds
forages on grass seeds during fall and winter months; important supplemental diet
winter resident; gleans seeds from grass during migration and overwintering
resident year-round; utilizes seeds and forages in grassland habitat