Carex luzulina, commonly known as woodrush sedge, is a perennial herb native to moist, open habitats such as wet meadows, stream banks, and forest clearings in western North America, from British Columbia to California and east to Wyoming. It typically forms loose to dense clumps reaching up to 35 inches in height, with rhizomatous stems that spread to form colonies. The plant’s inflorescence is composed of a few flower spikes, each with dark-colored scales, and the fruit is enveloped in a sac-like structure called a perigynium, which is usually greenish with some dark purple coloration. The flowering season occurs in late spring to early summer, and while the flowers are not particularly showy, they add a subtle texture to the landscape.

Woodrush sedge is valued for its ability to thrive in wet conditions and is often used in rain gardens, riparian plantings, and as a naturalizing element in moist garden areas. It is relatively low maintenance, requiring minimal care once established. For successful cultivation, it prefers consistently moist to wet soils and can tolerate a range of light conditions from full sun to part shade. While it is not known for significant problems with diseases or pests, it can spread vigorously in ideal conditions, potentially becoming aggressive in garden settings.CC BY-SA 4.0