Ontario Grasses website

Hairy Wood Rush
Luzula acuminata
(formerly Luzula pilosa)

Other scientific names: Luzula pilosa, Juncoides pilosa, Luzula vernalis

Family: Rush Family (Juncaceae)

Group: Rushes

Distinctive features: Looks like grass. Hairy leaves. Blooms very early in spring in sunny patches in woods.

Flowers: Spring;  Very early spring.

Leaves: Hairy.

Height: 10-25 cm (4-10 in)

Habitat: Forests;  Clearings in woods.

Native/Non-native: Native

Status: Common.

Origin and Meaning of Names:
 Scientific Name: pilosa: soft; hairy


Photographs: 67 photographs available, of which 7 are featured on this page. SCROLL DOWN FOR PHOTOGRAPHS.

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Hairy Wood Rush (Luzula acuminata)

Early growth in mid-April.

Hairy Wood Rush (Luzula acuminata)

Hairy Wood Rush (Luzula acuminata)

Unopened flower buds.

Note the hairy aspect to this plant.

Hairy Wood Rush (Luzula acuminata)

Note the hairs along the leaf edges.

Hairy Wood Rush (Luzula acuminata)

A patch in the early spring woods. Looks just like a patch of grass.

Hairy Wood Rush grows where there are patches of sunlight in the woods.

Hairy Wood Rush (Luzula acuminata)

The flowers about a week later. They're pretty well spent.

Hairy Wood Rush (Luzula acuminata)

Same time frame as above.
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