plains muhly

Muhlenbergia cuspidata

characteristics

A densely tufted stiff, slender bunchgrass with short, fibrous roots. Maximum root depth .9 m. Leaves may be flat or folded, tapering to a sharp tip. Flowerheads are dense, narrow spike-like panicles. Spikelets are tight to the central stalk. Some seeds harden into yellow balls due to a parasitic insect.

1,200,000 seeds/pound; starts from seed, container

habitat

Sandy to gravelly areas.

uses

A variety of insect species (aphids, cicadas) feed exclusively on this grass.

Cover for ground nesting birds.