Fauna
Plant

Hairawn Muhly

Muhlenbergia capillaris

Also known as Pink Muhly Grass, Pink Muhly, Gulf Muhly

Hairawn muhly forms dense tussocks of fine dark green foliage that transform into ethereal clouds of vibrant magenta pink inflorescences in autumn. Native to open prairies, pine flatwoods, and rocky glades across eastern North America, this warm season grass thrives in lean soil and bright sunlight. Its airy seed heads drift in late autumn breezes, offering critical winter cover and seed resources for small songbirds.

Warm-Season GrassPink BloomPerennial
Hairawn Muhly reference1 / 7
(c) Lauren McLaurin, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Lauren McLaurin · cc-by
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyPhotosynthetic
Predators
  • White-tailed Deer
  • Cattle
  • Grasshoppers
ThreatsFire suppression, land development, invasive weed competition
HabitatsPrairies, rocky glades, pine flatwoods, coastal dunes
Life span10–20 years
Classification
  1. OrderPoales
  2. FamilyPoaceae
  3. GenusMuhlenbergia
  4. SpeciesMuhlenbergia capillaris
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Best Viewing Season: Visit in mid to late autumn when the delicate purple pink flower plumes reach full bloom.
  • Habitat Spotting: Look along open roadside edges, sunny prairies, and pine flatwoods in eastern North America.
  • Gardening Use: Plant in mass drifts in full sun for dramatic autumn landscapes and low water landscaping.
Related species
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