Muhlenbergia capillaris
Muhlenbergia capillaris, commonly called pink muhly grass or pink hair grass, is a clump-forming, warm-season, perennial grass noted for its attractive summer foliage and spectacular clouds of fall flowers. It is native to prairies, pine barrens, and open woodlands from Massachusetts to Kansas south to Florida and Texas. Glossy, wiry, thread-like, dark green leaves and stems from an attractive basal clump to 2’ tall. It is the fall flowering, however, that most distinguishes this grass. Masses of airy, open, loosely branched inflorescences (each to 12” long) in pink to pinkish-red float above the foliage in lengthy fall bloom. Tan seed plumes remain attractive in winter. Plants typically grow to 3’ tall x 3’ wide when in flower.
Best grown in sandy or rocky, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to light shade. Best in full sun. Tolerant of heat, humidity, and drought but generally grows taller with consistent moisture. Tolerates poor soils and urban conditions and does not spread by rhizomes. It may be grown from seed. Propagate by seed or division in spring.
Height: 2’-3’
Spread: 2’-3’
Bloom: September-November
Light: Full sun
Water: Low
Zone: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Origin: Western-Central U.S.
