Pink muhly grass Muhlenbergia capillaris
Pink muhly grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris) is a deciduous perennial grass in the Poaceae family, native to Eastern and south-central United States. It grows 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft) tall and 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -20 °C (-4 °F). Space plants about 60 cm (24 in) apart.
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Pink muhly grass at a glance
| Type | Perennial grass, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Poaceae |
| Mature height | 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft) |
| Mature spread | 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft) |
| Spacing | 60 cm (24 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5.5–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -20 °C (-4 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 6) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 40 °C (104 °F) |
| Flowering | from about September for 7–11 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Eastern and south-central United States |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇨🇳 China, 🇦🇺 Australia |
Is Pink muhly grass toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Pink muhly grass
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Pink muhly grass
- How far apart should I plant Pink muhly grass?
- About 60 cm (24 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft).
- Does Pink muhly grass need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Pink muhly grass need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Pink muhly grass?
- It tolerates about -20 °C (-4 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 6.
- When does Pink muhly grass flower?
- From about September for 7–11 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Pink muhly grass poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
- What grows well with Pink muhly grass?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Pink muhly grass. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Native Plant Information Network, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, University of Texas at Austin
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
Notes and assumptions
- Clouds of hazy pink flowers in autumn, best seen with low sun behind them; planted en masse in parks from Texas to Shanghai.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
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- Clumping bamboo Fargesia murielae
- Maiden grass (miscanthus) Miscanthus sinensis
- Golden bamboo Phyllostachys aurea
- Switchgrass Panicum virgatum
- Little bluestem Schizachyrium scoparium