Spiked Woodrush: A Hardy Alpine Native for Specialized Gardens
If you’re looking for a plant that thrives where most others fear to tread, meet the spiked woodrush (Luzula spicata). This unassuming little grass-like perennial might not win any beauty contests, but it’s tough as nails and perfectly at home in some of the harshest environments on Earth.
What Exactly Is Spiked Woodrush?
Spiked woodrush is a perennial grass-like plant that belongs to the rush family. Don’t let the name fool you – it’s not actually a true grass, but rather a hardy little survivor that grows in small bunches and reaches about 1.3 feet tall. With its fine-textured green foliage and modest green flowers that bloom in late spring, it’s definitely more about function than flash.
Where Does It Call Home?
This plant is a true native across a massive range of North America, including Alaska, Canada (including Greenland and St. Pierre and Miquelon), and the lower 48 states. You’ll find it naturally growing in an impressive list of locations: Alberta, British Columbia, Alaska, Manitoba, Arizona, California, Nova Scotia, Colorado, Quebec, Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Idaho, Maine, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wyoming, Labrador, and Newfoundland.
Should You Plant It in Your Garden?
Here’s where things get interesting – and a bit challenging. Spiked woodrush is definitely a specialist plant that’s not for everyone. Here’s what you need to know:
The Good News:
- Extremely hardy (survives temperatures down to -33°F)
- Native across much of North America
- Excellent for erosion control on slopes
- Tolerates shade well
- Perfect for alpine and rock gardens
- Very drought-tolerant once established
The Challenges:
- Requires very specific growing conditions
- Not particularly attractive or showy
- Slow to establish with low seedling vigor
- Commercial availability is extremely limited (contracting only)
- High moisture requirements despite drought tolerance
Growing Conditions: Not for the Faint of Heart
If you’re still intrigued, here’s what spiked woodrush demands:
- Soil: Acidic conditions (pH 4.0-5.5), medium to fine-textured soils
- Moisture: High moisture needs, though it can handle some drought
- Light: Shade tolerant, which is unusual for many grass-like plants
- Temperature: Extremely cold hardy (USDA zones 2-7)
- Drainage: Must have good drainage despite high moisture needs
Where It Fits in Your Landscape
Spiked woodrush isn’t your typical garden center impulse buy. It’s best suited for:
- Specialized alpine or rock gardens
- Naturalized mountain landscapes
- Erosion control on challenging slopes
- Native plant restoration projects
- Areas where you need something tough but don’t care about flashy looks
Planting and Care Tips
If you decide to take on this challenge:
- Propagation: Grow from seed or sprigs (good luck finding either!)
- Timing: Plant in spring when soil can be worked
- Spacing: Allow 4,800-10,000 plants per acre if doing large-scale plantings
- Patience required: Slow growth rate and slow seed spread
- Maintenance: Once established, it’s pretty much hands-off
Wildlife and Ecosystem Benefits
While specific wildlife benefits aren’t well-documented, as a native grass-like plant, spiked woodrush likely provides habitat and food for various small creatures in alpine environments. It’s wind-pollinated, so it won’t attract bees and butterflies like flashier flowers might.
The Bottom Line
Spiked woodrush is definitely a niche plant. It’s not going to transform your suburban garden into a showstopper, and it’s challenging to source and grow. However, if you’re working on alpine restoration, have a specialized rock garden, or need something incredibly tough for a difficult site, this little survivor might just be your answer. Just don’t expect instant gratification – this is a plant that rewards patience and persistence.
For most gardeners, there are probably easier native alternatives that will give you more bang for your gardening buck. But for the right situation and the right gardener, spiked woodrush offers the satisfaction of growing something truly specialized and incredibly resilient.
