Muhlenbergia capillaris

Common Name
Hair-awn muhly
Long-awn hairgrass
Plant Form
Grasses, Sedges & Rushes
Duration
Perennial
Max Height (ft)
3.0
Growth Rate
Medium
Region
Coastal
Piedmont
Mountain

Photographer: mrmaloney5873
Licensed under: CC BY-NC 4.0
Original photo: Original photo

Photographer: pgwamsley
Licensed under: CC BY-NC 4.0
Original photo: Original photo

Additional Info

Habitat: Found naturally in clay or thin rocky soils, especially in those soils that were formerly burned and prairie-like. They are also found in open woodlands, savannas, dry woodlands, and the mountains around rock outcrops. Native to DC and to Montgomery County, MD. In VA, it is rare in the Coastal Plain, infrequent in the mountains and infrequent to locally common in the Piedmont.

Wildlife Value: Provides excellent cover year-round. Seeds are eaten by songbirds and small mammals. Attracts beneficial insects like lady beetles; provides perching places for butterflies

Notes: Fantastic cloud of pink flowers in fall. If possible, plant so the sun will be behind the flowers. Must have good drainage - slopes are ideal - will not tolerate winter wetness. Clump forming. Long-lived, with little to no insect or disease pests, and highly resistant to deer grazing, this ornamental grass is perfect for the low-maintenance garden. Not hardy in Zone 6. 

Flower Color
Red/burgandy
Pink
Purple/lavender
Flower Prominence
Conspicuous
Bloom Time
Fall
Bloom Month
September
October
Light Requirements
Full sun
Soil Texture
Clay
Loamy
Sandy
Low Maintenance
Yes
Good Choice for Public Spaces
Yes
Deer Resitant
Yes
Seed or Fruit eaten by wildlife?
Yes
Pollinators
Butterfiles
Bona Terra Nursery

Small family-run native plant nursery with a focus on the local genetics necessary to restore diversity in the Chesapeake eco-region. Offers free remote design service for small gardens up to 400 square feet. Orders are placed via email and items can be picked up at their NW DC office or delivered for a fee. This plant list is from the beginning of the 2025 season and may be out-of-date

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