LUZULA. Wood rush. Europe, Asia, North America. Most members of the rush family—Juncus, for example—are known for their cylindrical stems. Often the leaves are barely visible as bracts and scales on the stems. The luzulas, however, are leafy plants, much resembling some of the sedges. They grow in tight clumps or mats. Each shoot includes a crown of arching, channeled leaves of variable size. The flower clusters are often more decorative than those of other rushes, sometimes forming airy sprays, usually held above the foliage. Wood rushes are elegant perennials for poolside plantings and borders at the edges of woods. They are mostly plants of cool climates and dislike heat and drought. Part shade, reasonably well drained, non-alkaline soil, moderate to regular watering. The following are hardy to 0^oF or less.

nivea. Mediterranean region. This species makes graceful fountains with softly hairy leaves up to 1’ long. The densely clustered flowers are creamy white and held on stems up to 2’ tall. They are beautiful in floral arrangements.

purpurea. Purple woodrush. A smaller plant than the last in all respects. It forms tight, narrow clumps with deep green 6" leaves. These take on purplish overtones as they mature, particularly in the sun, and become bright purple in winter. Tan flower clusters are elevated a little above the foliage in summer, adding little to the impression.

sylvatica. Europe, widespread. This is a robust species, forming broad thickets of clumps. It has shiny, dark green leaves about 1’ high. Flowers are light brown, in dense clusters held on 1-2’ stems. The selection ‘Marginata’ is particularly decorative, with pale yellow leaf margins around deep green centers.