Luzula nivea

2 Jun

Luzula nivea flower (16/05/2011, Paris)

Position: Full to partial shade

Soil: Moist, drained soil

Flowering period: Early to mid summer

Eventual Height: 60cm

Eventual Spread: 45cm

Hardiness: 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b

Family: Juncaceae

Luzula nivea is an evergreen perennial grass with a spreading habit that forms loose clumps of foliage. Its leaves are flat, linear and deep green, with the basal leaves being longer. In early and mid summer it bears short, lax panicles composed of shiny, pure white flowers in clusters of up to twenty.

Luzula nivea, commonly known as Snowy Woodrush, is native to central Europe. It has been traditionally used for its flowers which were dried and displayed for their ornamental value due to its long lasting properties.

The etymological root of the binomial name Luzula is the Latinised form of the Italian vernacular name ‘lucciola’. Nivea is derived from the Latin niveum meaning ‘snowy’.

Luzula nivea (16/05/2011, Paris)

The landscape architect may find Luzula nivea useful as a low maintenance specimen for difficult shaded locations.

Luzula nivea will tolerate almost any soil conditions; it will be happy in acid, neutral or alkaline pH levels, in loam, sand, clay or chalk in a sheltered or exposed location facing any aspect.

Ecologically, the foliage of Luzula nivea is used for food by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species as well as members of the genus Coleophora.

Luzula nivea requires no maintenance. Large clumps may be divided in spring.