Common Woodrush: A Native Maine Grass Worth Knowing
If you’re passionate about native gardening and happen to be gardening in Maine, you might want to get acquainted with common woodrush (Luzula multiflora multiflora var. acadiensis). This perennial grass-like plant represents a unique piece of Maine’s native flora, though it’s admittedly one of those plants that flies under the radar in most gardening conversations.
What Exactly Is Common Woodrush?
Common woodrush belongs to the rush family (Juncaceae), making it a grass-like perennial rather than a true grass. This particular variety, Luzula multiflora multiflora var. acadiensis, is native to the lower 48 states but has a very specific geographic footprint – it’s found in Maine, making it a true regional specialty.
Like other members of the rush family, this plant brings a different texture and form to the garden compared to traditional grasses, though specific details about its appearance and growth characteristics are surprisingly scarce in botanical literature.
Where Does It Grow?
This native woodrush calls Maine home, representing an important part of the state’s indigenous plant community. Its limited geographic distribution makes it a plant of particular interest to Maine gardeners who are serious about using truly local natives in their landscapes.
Should You Plant Common Woodrush?
Here’s where things get interesting – and a bit challenging. While this plant is undoubtedly native and therefore ecologically valuable, specific information about this particular variety is remarkably limited. This could mean a few things:
- It might be quite rare or have a very specific ecological niche
- It could be so similar to other woodrush varieties that it’s rarely distinguished in horticultural sources
- It may simply be understudied from a gardening perspective
The Challenge of Growing the Unknown
If you’re determined to grow this specific variety of common woodrush, you’re essentially becoming a pioneer gardener. Without established information about its preferred growing conditions, USDA hardiness zones, or care requirements, you’d be working largely through observation and experimentation.
This isn’t necessarily a bad thing – many native plant enthusiasts enjoy the detective work involved in understanding lesser-known species. However, it does mean you’d need to:
- Source plants or seeds from reputable native plant suppliers (if available)
- Study the plant’s natural habitat in Maine to understand its preferences
- Start with small trials to understand how it performs in your specific garden conditions
A More Practical Approach
Given the limited information available about this specific variety, Maine gardeners interested in native woodrushes might consider starting with better-documented native rush and sedge species that are known to thrive in cultivation. This allows you to gain experience with similar plants while supporting local ecosystems with proven native options.
If you do encounter Luzula multiflora multiflora var. acadiensis in the wild or through specialized native plant sources, approach it as you would any rare or uncommon native – with respect, careful observation, and sustainable practices.
The Bottom Line
Common woodrush var. acadiensis represents the fascinating world of highly localized native plants that exist somewhat in the shadows of more popular native species. While we can’t provide a detailed growing guide due to limited horticultural information, its status as a Maine native makes it worthy of respect and careful consideration by serious native plant gardeners in the region.
Sometimes the most interesting plants are the ones that make us work a little harder to understand them – and this Maine woodrush certainly fits that description.
