Plant encyclopedia›Australian glow worm grass

Australian glow worm grass

Also known as: black head grass; chimney sweeps; cuckoo grass; field wood-rush

A grass-like perennial to 15cm high, with broad-bladed dark green leaves, edged with fine silky hairs. Produces distinctive dark brown flower and seed heads in spring. Spreads rapidly and is often found in lawns where turf grasses are weakened by poor drainage or acidic conditions

Scientific classification

Species: Australian glow worm grass (Luzula campestris)
Genus: Luzula
Family: Juncaceae

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Toxicity: Grass Like
Plant type: 0.1-0.5 metres
Height: 0.1-0.5 metres
Spread: Deciduous
Foliage: Tufted
Habit: Spring · Summer
Season of interest: Full shade · Full sun · Partial shade
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Australian glow worm grass pictures

Distribution of Australian glow worm grass

Distribution map

Cosmopolitan

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Culture

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Toxicity

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Quick identification of Australian glow worm grass

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Australian glow worm grass care guide

Moderate regular watering, allowing brief slight drying between soakings
Watering: Full shade · Full sun · Partial shade
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Watering

Moderate regular watering, allowing brief slight drying between soakings

Fertilizing

Balanced perennial feed every four weeks from spring through summer

Pruning

In lawns, regular mowing can prevent the development of flowers and seed heads; clippings should be removed to prevent spread. Rake before mowing to raise runners from the soil surface

Propagation

Propagates by seed and by creeping stolons (runners) on the surface of the soil; hand weeding can remove runners

Growing

Prefers moist conditions, and often dies back by midsummer. Rapid growth and spread mean that this plant is generally considered a weed. Improving soil conditions can help fine turf grasses to compete, see coarse grasses in lawns for more advice

More growing and care information →