Whenever anyone asks what is my favorite plant, of course I can never answer.

I usually have at least 3 or 4 plants that are my favorite on any given day.

This could include the first plant I come across in the garden and the ones I read about at night.

If push came to shove, I could produce a list of favorite plants of all time.

Near the top of my list would be the fantastic, native grass, Muhlenbergia capillaris. Or as it is commonly known – hairy-awn muhly or the fabulous pink muhly grass.

I first came across this muhly grass back in the late 90’s while working at Plant Delights Nursery.

We were expanding the gardens into a new property and we planted one entry point with Muhlenbergia capillaris en masse.

This grass is made for mass plantings.

When planted in a group, the effect of the reddish-pink flowers is more dramatic. Hairy-awn muhly will mature at 2-3′ tall and wide. In late summer into early fall, the gorgeous flowers are borne above the foliage.

Muhlenbergia capillaris is native from Connecticut over to Texas and some selections are hardy up here at Coastal Maine Botanical Garden (zone 6a).

I was relieved when I saw it growing here as it is truly the one ornamental grass I would want in the garden. If you plan on growing it (which I recommend you do), be sure to grow this fantastic grass in full sun and in well-drained soil.

Hairy-awn muhly will take a few years to establish if you plant it as a small plant. It will go dormant in the winter but given the proper growing conditions, it will come back larger each year until it reaches full size.

I am not sure why more people do not use Muhlenbergia capillaris where they can, but I for one, hope you will try it in your garden this year.

– Rodney

Photos: texasgardeninginfo.com, land8.com