The Gulf Muhly Grass Muhlenbergia capillaris is a clump forming perennial grass that grows 2-3 feet tall and wide with dark green thread like foliage. (Photo by Ginny Rosenkranz)
There are many lovely decorative grasses available to brighten up the Eastern Shore landscapes but with the rise of many invasive grasses, it is a better idea to look for and plant only native grasses.
One of the most beautiful native grasses is the Gulf Muhly Grass because it is not only drought tolerant, deer resistant, pollution tolerant but also salt tolerant, making this a delightful addition to landscapes along creeks, rivers and marshes on the Shore.
The Gulf Muhly Grass Muhlenbergia capillaris is a clump forming perennial grass that grows 2-3 feet tall and wide with dark green thread like foliage.
In September the grass begins to form masses of loosely branched inflorescence that hold delicate the bright pink flowers that seem to billow cloud like over the foliage.
The pink clouds sparkle in the sunlight from September to November when the pink flowers fade to tan colored seeds adding both color and texture to the winter landscape.
These beautiful native grasses love to grow in full sun, well drained soils, and are perfect for our summers with high temperatures and higher humidity.
There are no serious insect or disease pests to bother the Gulf Muhly grass, which allow it to grow for many long years with very little maintenance other than trimming back the grasses in the early spring.
Gulf Muhly grass can be planted in cottage gardens, perennial borders, or as a mass planting in native gardens.
(Editor’s Note: Ginny Rosenkranz is a commercial horticulture specialist with the University of Maryland Extension.)
