Muhlenbergia reverchonii

Muhlenbergia reverchonii, also known as seep muhly or undaunted muhly, is a type of perennial bunch grass known for its beautiful foliage and fall flowers. It is mainly found on rocky slopes, flats, limestone outcroppings, and seep areas from central Oklahoma to central Texas.

This grass has densely tufted, thread-like, green leaves that grow in an arching basal clump, reaching up to 2 feet tall and wide. During August, masses of open inflorescences rise above the clump, bearing clouds of pink flowers followed by attractive seed heads that last well into fall. The seed plumes and foliage turn tawny brown in winter, and old basal sheaths form a distinctive fibrous mass at the edges of the basal clump.

A specific variety called UNDAUNTED is a compact, cold, and heat-hardy selection of muhly grass that grows up to 2 feet tall with an equal spread. The flowering stalks emerge in late summer and mature in autumn to soft-textured, pink plumes. UNDAUNTED was discovered as a seedling of Muhlenbergia reverchonii' Autumn Embers' and is also found in the trade under the cultivar name 'PUND01S'.

This grass thrives in sandy or rocky, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to light shade, but it's best grown in full sun. It's tolerant of heat, humidity, and drought but grows taller with consistent moisture. It also tolerates poor soils. This grass grows in dense clumps and not through rhizomes. It may be grown from seed or propagated through division in spring. It may also self-seed in the garden. Despite its native growing range, this species has better winter hardiness (to USDA Zone 5) than many other species of Muhlenbergia.

BONAP MAP

Height: 1.5’-2'
Spread: 1.5’-2'
Bloom: August-November
Light: Full sun
Water: Dry, Medium
Zone: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Origin: United States