Nimblewill
(Muhlenbergia schreberi)
Nimblewill (Muhlenbergia schreberi)
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Robert H. Mohlenbrock
Public domain
Image By:
Robert H. Mohlenbrock
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Copyright:
Public domain
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Photo by: Robert H. Mohlenbrock | License Type: Public domain | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/public-domain/ | Uploader: Stickpen | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Muhlenbergia_schreberi_NRCS-1.jpg | Notes: User created page with UploadWizard |

















Estimated Native Range
Summary
Muhlenbergia schreberi, commonly known as Nimblewill, is a perennial grass that is typically semi-deciduous in cooler climates and can remain evergreen in warmer regions. It is native to open woodlands and forest edges as well as riparian areas in the South-Central USA and Mexico. Nimblewill reaches a modest height of 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) and spreads through stolons, forming a dense mat. It has fine-textured, wiry leaves and produces inconspicuous greenish flowers in late summer.
Nimblewill is valued for its ability to form a low-maintenance ground cover, especially in shaded areas where other grasses may struggle. It is often used in naturalized areas, as a turf substitute in shady lawns, and for erosion control due to its spreading habit. While it turns brown in winter, its shade tolerance and ability to withstand moderate cold make it suitable for southern lawns. However, gardeners should be cautious as it can spread aggressively and may become difficult to manage. Nimblewill prefers part shade but can tolerate light sun, and it grows best in moist, well-drained loamy soils. It requires medium to high amounts of water for optimal growth.CC BY-SA 4.0
Nimblewill is valued for its ability to form a low-maintenance ground cover, especially in shaded areas where other grasses may struggle. It is often used in naturalized areas, as a turf substitute in shady lawns, and for erosion control due to its spreading habit. While it turns brown in winter, its shade tolerance and ability to withstand moderate cold make it suitable for southern lawns. However, gardeners should be cautious as it can spread aggressively and may become difficult to manage. Nimblewill prefers part shade but can tolerate light sun, and it grows best in moist, well-drained loamy soils. It requires medium to high amounts of water for optimal growth.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Grass
- Height: 1-1.5 feet
- Width: 0.5-1.5 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bank Stabilization, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant
Natural Habitat
Native to open woodlands, forest edges, and riparian areas in the South-Central USA and Mexico
Other Names
Common Names: Schreber’s Muhly, Schreber’s Satingrass, Nimblewill Muhly, Muhlenbergie De Schreber
Scientific Names: , Muhlenbergia schreberi, Muhlenbergia diffusa, Muhlenbergia schreberi subsp. schreberi, Muhlenbergia palustris, Muhlenbergia schreberi var. palustris, Muhlenbergia minutiflora, Agrostis oligantha, Agrostis pauciflora, Dilepyrum minutiflorum
GBIF Accepted Name: Muhlenbergia schreberi J.F.Gmel.