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Muhly Grass

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.