Gulf muhly is an important grass for coastal ecological communities, as its root system has the ability to keep the soil stabilized. It features purple, feathery-like inflorescence, which makes it a popular ornamental plant. The grass has historic importance as well – it was often used as a material for basket weaving among Seminole Native Americans and Gullah African Americans.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Muhlenbergia sericea, synonym Muhlenbergia filipes, known as gulf hairawn muhly or sweetgrass, is a species of grass in the family Poaceae. It is native to the Southeastern United States (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas).
Sweetgrass is a perennial grass. It grows in clumps, with stems sometimes reaching as high as 120 centimetres (47 in). Most of the growth happens during spring and summer. The foliage is yellow-green. In the autumn, it produces large (30–70 cm long by 20–30 cm wide) effuse inflorescences (clusters on a stalk) of tiny red and purple spikelets (the type of flower seen in grasses). It produces purple seeds weight about a third of a milligram. Propagation is by seed or sprigging.
Sweetgrass is neither shade tolerant or drought tolerant, but it is fire tolerant and salt-tolerant. With a minimum temperature of 7 °F (−14 °C), it can tolerate freezing temperatures.
II. How to Grow and Care
Gulf muhly thrives best in well-draining soil and full sunlight, making it adaptable to various growing conditions, including dry habitats. Special care points for gulf muhly include its preference for periodic watering, which supports its growth while preventing root rot, and its tolerance for poor soil quality, requiring minimal fertilization. With its resilience and low-maintenance nature, gulf muhly is an easy plant to care for, particularly suited for gardeners of all levels.
Sunlight
One of the most crucial factors in successfully growing gulf muhly is sunlight. This plant thrives in full sun and will tolerate light shade, but does not do well in full shade. It needs at least six hours of direct sunlight per day for optimum flowering. Plant your gulf muhly anywhere bright and sunny and avoid areas where its light source is limited. Too much shade may result in fewer flowers or limp plants.
Temperature
This stunning ornamental grass is exceptionally hardy and easy to grow and care for, as it’s not finicky about soil, light, water, and other conditional requirements. It tolerates drought, humidity, heat, poor soil, and high salinity. Warm temperatures encourage fast growth, but the plant is hardy down to -18 ℃.
Watering
Originating from the warm climates of North America, gulf muhly thrives in conditions that mimic its natural habitat—moderate humidity and periodic rainfall. It is drought-tolerant, yet it benefits from a steady moisture level to support its lush growth. Watering should be consistent, with the plant receiving hydration once every week. Typically grown outdoors due to its size and ornamental grass structure, gulf muhly flourishes when the soil is kept moist but not waterlogged, particularly during its active growing season.
Soil
Although gulf muhly natively grows in sandy or rocky soil, this plant can be planted in any type of soil as long as it drains well. It tolerates a wide range of soil conditions, including alkaline to acid, loam, sandy, and sandy loam soil types. The plant needs well-draining soil for optimum growth and to survive wet winter conditions. Like most plants, it does not like a wet and soggy condition.
Fertilizing
To foster robust growth in gulf muhly, applying a layer of mulch or compost annually is beneficial, typically in the spring. This sustenance enriches the soil, aiding in moisture retention and providing essential nutrients. Excessive fertilization can harm gulf muhly, so moderation is key. Seasonal variations may necessitate adjustments, with less fertilizer needed during dormant winter months. Effective fertilization requires evenly spreading the compost around the plant’s base without crowding the stem, ensuring nutrients penetrate the root zone. Safety for gulf muhly comes with avoiding chemical overfeed, which may incite foliage at the expense of flowers.
Planting Instructions
Gulf muhly can be planted either by seeds or through division, though you can easily buy one in pots or as plugs too. If planting from seeds, starting them indoors will help to keep them warm enough. Transplant outdoors when the weather is right. You can likewise sow the seeds directly outside after the last frost.
You can plant several plants together in the ground, but allow at least 61 to 91 cm of spacing in between clumps for mass plantings or solid borders, or at least 1.8 m between plants for other purposes. The best time to plant your gulf muhly is in the spring, as it will take its form throughout the summer.
Pruning
Gulf muhly is a semi-evergreen grass, but a little bit of pruning may be beneficial to this beautiful ornamental plant. Cutting back the plants in late winter to early spring removes dead and brown leaves and encourages new growth of green leaves. Use hedge trimmers, pruning shears, or sharp scissors when pruning. Trim the foliage to about 2.5 to 5 cm above the ground.
Propagation
Originating from the family Poaceae, gulf muhly is a grass well-adapted to a variety of conditions, thriving in both moist and well-drained soils. Its propagation primarily relies on division, a method suited for its clumping growth habit. To propagate gulf muhly, gardeners should carefully separate the plant at the root ball, ensuring each new section has adequate roots. Divisions should be spaced properly in the planting area to allow room for mature spread, and watered consistently to encourage establishment. This tactic not only expands the garden with new plants but can rejuvenate older clumps, enhancing their vigor and aesthetic appeal.
Transplanting
For gulf muhly, rehoming is most successful in the vitality of late winter to burgeoning summer months because it coincides with its active growth phase. Choose a sun-drenched location with well-draining soil to encourage robust establishment. When transplanting, gentle handling supports its delicate roots.
III. Uses and Benefits
- Seminole basketry
Among Florida’s Seminole People, sweetgrass was the most commonly used material for basket weaving. These baskets were often sold in tourist gift shops. In recent years, sweetgrass is becoming harder to find in South Florida. It is now only harvested during certain times of the year and in just a few locations.
- African American arts
This grass has historical importance in South Carolina, where it has been used for basket weaving. African Americans from the Gullah tradition in the South Carolina Lowcountry still weave artistic baskets using this native grass.