Luzula acuminata Raf. var. carolinae (S. Watson) Fernald

Hairy Wood Rush

Herb

Perennial

Vascular

Hairy Wood Rush is a native herbaceous perennial in the Rush family (Juncaceae). It can be found statewide, but is most common in the northern half of the state. Hairy Wood Rush occurs in hardwood forests, in forest clearings, on slopes, and along streams. It is a perennial from short rhizomes with longer white stolons. The culms (stems) are cespitose (forming clumps). Leaves are basal and cauline. The leaves are linear with reddish sheaths. The leaves are pubescent with long white hairs along the margins. Flowers are produced in branching cymes with long erect to spreading pedicels that are commonly paired. Flowers are solitary. The tepals (sepals and petals) are brown with clear margins. The fruit is a brown capsule that exceeds the tepals and has a small mucro. Hairy Wood Rush is the only Luzula species in Alabama with flowers borne singly.—A. Diamond

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Native FAC (NWPL) G% (Global Rank)

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