Greater Woodrush (Luzula sylvatica), 3 plants in 7 cm square pots
Greater Woodrush, Luzula sylvatica, Found growing on the banks of streams and brightening the floor of open woodland, Greater Woodrush can help solve the problem of what to grow in damp, shady places in the garden in damp soil. The evergreen leaves pour out from the centre of the plant glistening after a shower of rain. It has long, narrow, evergreen, leaves, slightly hairy at the edges, a feature that distinguishes them from most other similar-looking species with which they might be confused.
The leaves are topped with panicles of airy brown flowers, which appear above the foliage in summer and remain throughout autumn. The flowers give rise to seed capsules containing three hard almost spherical seeds.
Biodiversity value
Relationship with ants
Each seed has an oily appendage, visible under a magnifying glass, called an elaiosome. Its purpose is to attract acts They carry the seeds away, consume the oily elaiosomes but leave the seeds intact, thus helping to disperse them. The seeds of many woodland plants, including violets and Wood Anemone, have similar fatty appendages to attract ants. In some cases the seeds are sown and fertilised by the ants - they carry them away to their underground nest, and discard them along with their own waste, thus proving some moist fertile soil to help germination and early growth of the seedlings.
Your purchase
You are purchasing, three, well rooted plants in 7 cm square pots. As they are perennial they can be purchased at any time of year and planted out when conditions are suitable. In the wild they tend to be found in largest amounts in slightly acid soil, but will also tolerate most kinds of soil, as well as, once established, short periods of dryness.
Please note that our plants are sold purely for their biodiversity, educational and aesthetic value and should not be consumed unless you are absolutely certain of their safety.
Please note also that our nursery is located at Cupar, our St Andrews address being for correspondence only.
Ladyburn Plant Nursery has been registered by the Scottish Government as a Professional Operator who is authorised to issue plant passports, now required for internet sales of all plants including native plants grown and sold within the UK (not just those for those shipped abroad, as previously). Registration Number GB-S 03473.