Luzula acuminata (hairy wood-rush)

Hairy wood-rush is a small grass-like flowering plant with an eye-catching appearance and an ability to thrive in shade. The plant produces whorls of tiny yellow, green, or brown florets in May and June, followed by yellow/green seed capsules within reddish bracts. The red-tinged leaves are fringed with long white hairs. Grows 4–16" tall. Tolerates clay and gravel. Its dense and fibrous root system makes it well-suited for controlling soil erosion.

Hairy wood-rush is commonly found in many central and eastern states from Maine to Florida and west to Wisconsin, South Dakota, and Louisiana. It is an understory plant found in many kinds of forests except those that are extremely wet. Provides forage for various wildlife, including deer and other small mammals.  

BONAP Native Range Map (bright green indicates county native, dark green indicates state native).

Photo from Wikimedia Commons