Purple Moor Grass
(Molinia caerulea)
Purple Moor Grass (Molinia caerulea)
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Photo by David J. Stang
CC BY-SA 4.0
Image By:
Photo by David J. Stang
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Copyright:
CC BY-SA 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Photo by David J. Stang | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 | Uploader: David Stang | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Molinia_caerulea_2zz.jpg | Notes: |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Molinia caerulea, commonly known as Purple Moor Grass, is a deciduous perennial grass native to temperate regions of Europe and West Asia, specifically thriving in open grasslands, damp moorlands, and peat bogs. It is a tussock-forming bunchgrass that can reach up to 90 cm (35 in) in height, and even taller when sheltered by gorse and heather. Its dense tussocks provide resilience against heath fires. The plant features long, narrow purple spikelets that are a key identification feature, with panicles measuring about 15 cm (6 in) long. Purple Moor Grass blooms between July and September, which is later than many other grass species, and its flowering is considered moderately showy.
This grass is valued for its ability to create texture in the landscape with its fine foliage and for its adaptability to a range of soil acidity, preferring acid soils with pH values between 3.5 and 5 but tolerating conditions as low as pH 2. It is often used in naturalistic plantings, as an accent in gardens, and for stabilizing soil in restoration projects. Purple Moor Grass requires full sun to flourish and prefers high moisture levels, making it suitable for wetland gardens and riparian plantings. It can tolerate soils with slow or medium drainage. While generally low-maintenance, it can suffer from rust diseases in some conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
This grass is valued for its ability to create texture in the landscape with its fine foliage and for its adaptability to a range of soil acidity, preferring acid soils with pH values between 3.5 and 5 but tolerating conditions as low as pH 2. It is often used in naturalistic plantings, as an accent in gardens, and for stabilizing soil in restoration projects. Purple Moor Grass requires full sun to flourish and prefers high moisture levels, making it suitable for wetland gardens and riparian plantings. It can tolerate soils with slow or medium drainage. While generally low-maintenance, it can suffer from rust diseases in some conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Grass
- Height: 1-2.5 feet
- Width: 1-2.5 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bird Garden, Border Plant, Deer Resistant, Erosion Control, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Street Planting, Water Garden
Natural Habitat
Temperate grasslands, damp moorlands, and peat bogs
Other Names
Common Names: Blåtop, Blaues Pfeifengras, Gewöhnliches Pfeifengras, Molinie, Molinie Bleue, Pijpenstrootje, Blåtåtel, Moor Grass
Scientific Names: , Molinia caerulea, Molinia arundinacea, Molinia litoralis, Molinia caerulea subsp. arundinacea, Molinia coerulea, Molinia caerulea subsp. altissima, Molinia altissima, Festuca caerulea, Molinia caerulea var. arundinacea
GBIF Accepted Name: Molinia caerulea (L.) Moench