Luzula comosa var. laxa

Plant

Luzula spp have a spikelike, pan-like, or umbellate inflorescence. Perianth is greenish to brown or purplish-brown, and often scarious. They are generally shiny, have 6 stamens, their caps are one celled, 3 seeded and are generally attached by cottony fibers, sometimes with a caruncle. They are a "grasslike" perennial herb that has closed leaves that are flat blades, fringed with small hairs. ^[1] One native western "woodrush" species found in the south Puget Sound glacial outwash prairies is Luzula comosa.

Ecology

Common. Meadows, open woodlands, coniferous forests ^[2]

Seed

Seed sample from: 2008

Average Measurement: 1.5 x 0.9 x 0.9

Measurement Range: L: 1.2 – 1.8, W: 0.8 – 1, D:0.8 – 1

Features

Shape: Seeds have prominent white caruncle. Seed mostly round except for a slightly pointed tapering at hilum and opposite apex.

Color: Seed coat is white over a dark reddish brown seed body.

Surface: On one side of seed there is a cloudy white line that crosses from hilum to opposite apex. Seed is lustrous and marked with many fine longitudinal lines.

Latitudinal Cross Section: elliptical