Muhlenbergia capillaris

muhlygrassfull
(Photo by Brittany Mixon)

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Taxonomy (3)

Classification: Angiosperm, monocot
Family: Poaceae
Common name: Muhly Grass 

General Information (1,2,3)

Region of Origin: United States
USDA Plants Hardiness Zones: 5-10 

  • Size: 3 feet tall
  • Deciduous/Evergreen: Semi-evergreen
  • Flowering: Late summer to fall

Diagnostic Characteristics

Leaves (2,3)

  • Arrangement: Alternate
  • Simple/Compound: Simple
  • Shape: Linear
  • Other: 1.5-3 feet

muhlygrassleaf
(Photo by Brittany Mixon)

Flower (1,3)

  • Color: Purplish red to pink
  • Size: 18 inches
  • Inflorescence type: Panicle

muhlygrassflower
(Photo by Brittany Mixon)

Fruit (2)

  • Size: <0.5 inch
  • Color: Brown

Horticultural Information (1,3)

  • Light: Full sun to partial shade
  • Maintenance: Easy to care for
  • Landscape Uses: Borders, accents
  • Other: Needs deadheading

Interesting Facts (1)

  • There is a tradition in South Carolina of weaving baskets from this grass

References

1) Christman, S.(2004). Muhlenbergia capillaris. Retrieved from http://www.floridata.com/ref/M/muhl_cap.cfm
2) Gilman, E. (2012). Muhlenbergia capillaris. Retrieved from http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fp415
3) Pelczar, R., and Barrick, W.E. (2004). Book.  American Horticultural Society: Southeast Smart Garden Regional Guide. New York, New York:  DK Publishing.

Prepared by Brittany Mixon as a course requirement for BIOL 3630/5630, Spring 2013
Edited by Jessica Bartek