Creeping Muhly
(Muhlenbergia repens)
Creeping Muhly (Muhlenbergia repens)
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© Sue Carnahan
CC BY 4.0
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© Sue Carnahan
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CC BY 4.0
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Photo by: © Sue Carnahan | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Uploader: suecar | Publisher: iNaturalist |



















Estimated Native Range
Summary
Muhlenbergia repens, commonly known as Creeping Muhly, is a perennial grass native to a variety of habitats across North America and Mexico, including moist meadows, stream banks, and shaded woodland areas. It is particularly well-suited to riparian zones where it forms dense mats, typically reaching up to 1 foot in height. Creeping Muhly has a fine-textured foliage that is light green in color, and it produces delicate, purplish inflorescences in the late summer to fall, which are not particularly showy but add a subtle beauty to the plant.
Creeping Muhly is valued for its ability to stabilize soil and prevent erosion, making it an excellent choice for ground cover in landscape settings. It is also used in rain gardens and as a low-maintenance option for shaded areas. This grass thrives in partial shade but can tolerate full sun in cooler climates. It prefers moist to wet soils but can adapt to drier conditions once established. While generally disease-free, it can suffer from root rot if the soil is too waterlogged. Creeping Muhly is not known for aggressive roots or invasiveness, making it a safe choice for gardeners looking for a reliable and attractive ground cover.CC BY-SA 4.0
Creeping Muhly is valued for its ability to stabilize soil and prevent erosion, making it an excellent choice for ground cover in landscape settings. It is also used in rain gardens and as a low-maintenance option for shaded areas. This grass thrives in partial shade but can tolerate full sun in cooler climates. It prefers moist to wet soils but can adapt to drier conditions once established. While generally disease-free, it can suffer from root rot if the soil is too waterlogged. Creeping Muhly is not known for aggressive roots or invasiveness, making it a safe choice for gardeners looking for a reliable and attractive ground cover.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Grass
- Height: 1-2 feet
- Width: 1-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium, High
- Drainage: Fast, Medium
Common Uses
Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Street Planting, Water Garden
Natural Habitat
Moist meadows, stream banks, and shaded woodland areas
Other Names
Common Names: Marsh Muhly , Red Muhly , Wirestem Muhly
Scientific Names: Muhlenbergia repens , Muhlenbergia abata , Muhlenbergia subtilis , Sporobolus repens , Vilfa repens
GBIF Accepted Name: