Muhlenbergia capillaris: White Muhly Grass

Latin name: Muhlenbergia capillaris
Common name: White Muhly Grass
Flowers: Showy¹²
Fruit: Not noticeable¹²
Height & Width: 3’ x 3’¹²
Type: Perennial ornamental grass¹²
Habit: Upright grass¹²
Wetland indicator category**: FACU¹⁷
Texture: Fine textured basal foliage¹²
Growth rate: Medium¹²
Light: Sun to light shade¹²
Moisture: Very drought tolerant¹²
Soil: Well drained soil does well in hot dry sandy sites¹²
Zones: 6-9¹²
Origin: Western-central United States¹²
Features: An airy inflorescence colored creamy white, which dries to a light grey in early November. These grasses have dark green glossy leaves and are excellent winter interest plants⁹. The cultivar White Cloud exhibits the same traits as the pink muhly grass except that it flowers white.

Siting: Belongs in well-drained soils because it is very drought tolerant, also does well in sandy soils. Should be planted in mass to create a statement in the landscape, does well in edging and borders as well as centerpieces.^13

Care: Plant in suitable site with adequate soil organic matter so that the crown of the plant is at the soil surface¹⁸. Ensure the soil is adequately moist immediately after planting. Keep soil moist but not soggy until plant is established. Once plant is established water deeply but infrequently whenever the soil surface is dry or almost dry 2” below the soil surface¹⁸.

Pests: Plants are relatively pest resistant if cultural preferences are met⁹.

Author: Whitney Blue Fraser
Editor: Alexander Smolka

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