Sweetgrass Muhlenbergia sericea Play pronunciation

Purple muhly, or sweetgrass, is a native ornamental perennial warm-season grass found in the southeastern United States, as far west as Texas, along coastal woodlands or on barrier islands. This upright, clump-forming grass grows 3 to 4 feet tall and equally as wide, and is a member of the grass family (Poaceae). The foliage is slender, bluish-green, with airy, delicate purplish flowers rising above another foot or more. The genus name Muhlenbergia honors Gotthilf Heinrich Ernst Muhlenberg, a Lutheran minister and amateur botanist. The specific epithet sericea is Latin for "silky" and refers to its flower inflorescences.  Purple muhly is used in weaving sweetgrass baskets in the South Carolina Low Country.

This grass prefers full sun and adapts well to moist to wet, sandy or clay soils with a neutral pH. It is wet-soil and salt-tolerant but intolerant to drought. Purple muhly also helps control erosion and can withstand a harsh coastal environment. Cut back the grass in late winter, before new growth. This ornamental grass is best propagated by division or seedlings at a nursery. The seedlings and divisions require fertilization throughout production.

This plant is especially well suited for planting in landscape areas that receive minimal maintenance. This species is an important component of the coastal ecological community. Purple muhly is listed as vulnerable in North Carolina and Mississippi and imperiled in South Carolina. It has been deeply impacted by land development and urbanization.

Attractive, delicate foliage and striking purple plumes when planted in groups or mass plantings in coastal settings.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No significant insect pests or diseases.