Muhlenbergia capillaris, commonly known as pink muhly grass or pink hair grass, is a warm-season and perennial grass that forms clumps. This grass is admired for its attractive summer foliage and magnificent clouds of fall flowers. It is native to various habitats, such as prairies, pine barrens, and open woodlands, ranging from Massachusetts to Kansas and from Florida to Texas. Glossy, wiry, thread-like, dark green leaves and stems arise from a beautiful basal clump that can reach up to 2 feet tall. However, it is the fall flowering that makes this grass stand out. The masses of airy, open, and loosely branched inflorescences in pink to pinkish-red color float above the foliage in lengthy fall bloom. The tan seed plumes remain attractive even in winter. The plants usually grow to 3 feet tall and wide when in flower.
Pink muhly grass thrives best in sandy or rocky, dry to medium moisture, and well-drained soils. It prefers full sun, but it can also tolerate light shade. It can withstand heat, humidity, and drought. However, it usually grows taller with consistent moisture. It can also tolerate poor soils and urban conditions. It does not spread through rhizomes and can be grown from seed. Propagation can be done through seed or division in spring.
