Muhlenbergia capillaris

Common Names

Pink Muhly Grass, Muhly Grass, Gulf Muhly, Hairawn Muhly, Hair Grass, Pink Hair Grass, Purple Muhly Grass, Purple Muhly, Pink Muhly, Muhlygrass

Summary

Pink muhly grass is a clump-forming perennial native to Florida and the eastern United States. It grows about 2–3 ft tall and 3 ft wide, with upright dark green foliage and airy pink to pinkish-red plumes that rise above the foliage in fall, creating a dramatic cloudlike display; seed plumes mature to tan for winter interest, often seen when backlit.

Full sun to light shade with well-drained sandy or rocky soils supports growth; drought-tolerant once established and tolerant of heat, it avoids waterlogged conditions; water initially after planting; spacing about 2 ft apart in groups or mass plantings; maintenance is low, with propagation by seed or division and division every few years to renew vigor; uses include borders, mass plantings, erosion control, and wildlife habitat; hardy in USDA zones 5–9; deer-resistant and pollinator-friendly.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

2-3 feet

Spread

2-3 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 5-9

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun.

Soil Type

Well-drained soil; sandy or rocky preferred.

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil (sandy or rocky; not waterlogged)

Soil pH

5.5-7.0, slightly acidic to neutral

Bloom Color

Pink

Bloom Time

Fall

Foliage Color

Green; copper-colored in fall.

Fall Foliage Color

Pink

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Moderate

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds and Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts butterflies, Attracts birds