Muhlenbergia capillaris

Pink Muhly grass is a very showy, clump-forming, warm season perennial grass that can get to two or three feet tall and just as wide, and to 4 feet or more when in flower. The stems and leaves are thin, wirelike and upright, protruding from a basal clump, sprouting up almost fountain-like. The astonishing pink plumes are silky and airy, and can be breathtaking, especially if backlit. They appear in late summer and persisting into winter, gradually giving way to tan ripe seeds that follow. On the distribution maps its occurrence is spotty from the east coast over to Texas (in NC, coastal plain and piedmont) and does not give a hint as to its character: a denizen of prairies and barrens, it is a great grass to plant for erosion prevention — even better if you are in a dry area, as it is extremely drought tolerant once established. Like all grasses, it is untouched by deer. Here at the nursery we rejuvenate our planting with a controlled burn in spring, to which it responds beautifully. In a home landscape, cutting back in late winter to 6 inches or so before new growth begins is recommended. It is considered endangered in the wild in a number of states. A Mississippi Medallion Native Plant Winner in 2010 and voted Plant of the Year by the Garden Club of America in 2012.