Muhlenbergia capillaris aka Purple Grass

Taxonomy

Genus Muhlenbergia Family Poaceae Order Poales Class Liliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Muhlenbergia capillaris, commonly known as the hairawn muhly, is a densely tufted perennial grass that forms a mound of linear, dark green leaves measuring up to 30cm long. This sedge-like plant grows to be about 30–90 cm (0.98–2.95 ft) tall and 60–90 cm (2.0–3.0 ft) wide. It features a double layer of foliage, with green leaf-like structures surrounding the understory. From mid- to late autumn, it produces airy, open panicles that reach up to 50cm in height. These panicles are composed of deep pink spikelets, creating a haze above the foliage and giving the grass a cloudlike appearance. The hairawn muhly is a warm-season grass, with leaves beginning growth in the summer. During this time, the leaves maintain a vibrant green color, but they gradually transform into a copper hue during the fall. The same seasonal changes occur with the flowers, as they emerge from the bottom up during the fall and remain healthy until the end of autumn. This plant can be found along the borders of roads and on plain prairies, forming clumps that resemble bush-like establishments. Native to eastern North America, Muhlenbergia capillaris is highly versatile and can serve various purposes. It is often used in ornamental gardening due to its general beauty and low maintenance requirements. Additionally, it has proven to be an excellent garden plant as it attracts beneficial insects, such as ladybug beetles. The clumping habit of this grass also makes it ideal for providing wildlife cover, offering nests and shelter for native birds. Notably, the hairawn muhly was voted the 2012 plant of the year by the Garden Club of America.

Common names

Purple Grass, Long Awn Hairgrass, Hairy Awn Muhly

How to care for Purple Grass

Difficulty

If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Purple Grass is a great choice to test your gardening skills.

Water

Purple Grass should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Purple Grass loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Purple Grass prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Purple Grass to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Fertilizer

Repotting the Purple Grass should be done either when it has doubled in size or on a yearly basis, whichever occurs sooner. Fresh potting soil with all the required nutrients, refreshed annually, will provide the plant with all the necessary sustenance, making the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that plants receive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

Clumping is a defining characteristic of the Purple Grass, with new growth appearing from the soil surrounding the primary plant.

More info:
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More Species in Muhlenbergia Genus

Muhlenbergia lindheimeri Lindheimer's Muhly

Muhlenbergia porteri Bush Muhly

Muhlenbergia reverchonii Seep Muhly

Muhlenbergia paniculata Muhlenbergia Paniculata

Muhlenbergia schreberi Nimblewill

Muhlenbergia glomerata Spiked Muhly

Muhlenbergia capillaris Purple Grass

Muhlenbergia rigens Deergrass