
Muhly Grass
Muhlenbergia capillaris
Basic Information
🌿 Family: Poaceae🗺️ Zone: 6-10
Other Names:
- Hairawn Muhly
- Gulf Muhly
🌡️ Ideal Temperature : 50°F (10°C)°F – 95°F (35°C)°F
🔥 Heat Tolerance: Up to 100°F (38°C)°F
❄️ Cold Tolerance: Down to -10°F (-23°C)°F
🌱 Type: Perennial
Layers
- Herbaceous
Functions
- Ornamental
- Erosion Control
- Wildlife Attractor
Pests
No pests associated with this plant.
Companions
- Coneflower
- Black-eyed Susan
- Aster
Plants to Avoid
- None
Description
Muhly Grass is a clump-forming perennial grass native to North America, reaching heights of 0.9 to 1.2 meters (3 to 4 feet) and widths of about 0.9 meters (3 feet). It is renowned for its airy, pink to purple flower plumes that emerge in the fall, creating a striking visual display. The slender, dark green foliage remains attractive throughout the year, providing texture and movement in the landscape. Muhly Grass thrives in full sun and is adaptable to a variety of soil types, including sandy and rocky soils, as long as they are well-drained. It is drought-tolerant once established and requires minimal maintenance.
✂️🫘 Methods to Propagate:
- **Division:** In early spring, divide established clumps by separating the root mass into smaller sections and replanting them.
- **Seeds:** Sow seeds in late fall or early spring directly into the soil or start indoors and transplant seedlings after the last frost.
🌞💧 Sun and Water Requirements:
- **Sun:** Prefers full sun exposure (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily) for optimal flowering and growth.
- **Water:** Requires moderate watering; water regularly until established, then reduce frequency. Tolerates drought conditions but benefits from occasional watering during prolonged dry periods.
🧑🌾👩🌾 When to Harvest:
- **Seeds:** Collect seeds in late fall when the flower plumes have matured and turned brown. Cut the seed heads and allow them to dry before extracting the seeds.
Purpose
- **Ornamental:** Adds aesthetic value to landscapes with its vibrant fall blooms and graceful foliage.
- **Erosion Control:** The dense root system helps stabilize soil, making it useful for preventing erosion on slopes and embankments.
- **Wildlife Attractor:** Provides habitat and shelter for various wildlife species, including birds and beneficial insects.