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Products > Muhlenbergia lindheimeri   Muhlenbergia lindheimeri - Lindheimer's Muhly    [2nd Image] Habit and Cultural Information Category: Grass Family: Poaceae (Gramineae) (Grasses) Origin: Southwest (U.S.) (North America) Flower Color: Light Gray Bloomtime: Fall/Winter Height: 3-5 feet Width: 3-4 feet Exposure: Sun or Shade Seaside: Yes Drought Tolerant: Yes Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs Winter Hardiness: <15° F Muhlenbergia lindheimeri (Lindheimer's Muhly) - Native to Mexico and Texas this stunning clump-forming grass is winter dormant in cold climates, but usually semi-deciduous in mild climates. From the fall into winter emerge the 5 ft tall upright flower inflorescence, that rise well above the blue-gray foliage. The flowers are at first purple then mature to a gray color. Best in full sun with regular watering but will tolerate drought and light shade. Tolerant of many different types of soil. Reportedly tolerant of ocean spray and saline soils. Is attractive if left unmanaged but can also be cut back to 1 foot tall or raked hard in spring to remove old leaves and flowers. This is one of our favorite grasses and can be seen planted throughout our gardens. The German naturalist Johann Christian Daniel von Schreber (1739-1810) named the genus for Gotthilf Heinrich (Henry) Ernst Muhlenberg (1753-1815) who was American born but returned to his ancestral Germany for schooling and later returned to America. He was an ordained Lutheran minister but devoted his free time to the study of the botany. The specific epithet was named to honor Ferdinand Jakob Lindheimer (1801 - 1879), a German-born explorer who spent his working life on the American frontier and settled in the New Braunfels area (near San Antonio) in the mid-1850s.  This description of this plant is based on our research and our observations of it growing at the nursery, in our own garden and in other gardens. We always appreciate receiving feedback of any kind from those who have any additional information about this plant, particularly if they disagree with what we have written or have additional cultural tips that would aid others growing Muhlenbergia lindheimeri .     [MORE INFO]