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Description
Muhlenbergia Reverchonii, also known as Reverchon’s Muhly, is a clumping ornamental grass native to Texas and Oklahoma in the United States. It belongs to the Poaceae family, which includes over 10,000 species of grasses. Reverchon’s Muhly can grow up to 3-4 feet tall and wide. It has thin, green leaves that arch gracefully and turn reddish-brown in the fall. The plant produces delicate, airy panicles of pinkish-purple flowers in late summer to early fall that can reach up to 2 feet long.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Genus | Muhlenbergia |
| Species | Reverchonii |
Appearance
Reverchon’s Muhly is a beautiful grass that can add texture and movement to any garden. Its thin leaves can grow up to 18 inches long and 1/4 inch wide. They are green in the spring and summer, but turn reddish-brown in the fall. The plant’s flowers, which appear in late summer to early fall, are its most striking feature. They are pinkish-purple and arranged in airy panicles that can be up to 2 feet long. The flowers can persist well into the winter, adding interest to the landscape.
Care Guide
Reverchon’s Muhly is a low-maintenance plant that can thrive in different conditions. Here are some care tips to keep it healthy:- Water: The plant is drought-tolerant but can benefit from occasional watering during dry spells. Water deeply but infrequently to avoid overwatering.- Fertilization: Reverchon’s Muhly doesn’t need much fertilization, but you can apply a slow-release fertilizer in the spring to encourage growth and flowering.- Soil: The plant can grow in a variety of soils, including clay, loam, and sand. Make sure the soil is well-draining to avoid waterlogging.- Sunlight: Reverchon’s Muhly prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. The more sun it gets, the more flowers it will produce.- Hardiness zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 6-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Reverchon’s Muhly is generally pest and disease-free, but it can be affected by some issues, such as:- Rust: A fungal disease that causes orange or yellow spots on the leaves. Remove infected leaves and apply fungicide if necessary.- Leaf spot: A fungal disease that causes brown or black spots on the leaves. Remove infected leaves and apply fungicide if necessary.- Spider mites: Tiny pests that suck the sap from the leaves, causing yellowing and webbing. Spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil to control them.
Habitat
Reverchon’s Muhly is native to rocky slopes, prairies, and open woodlands in Texas and Oklahoma. It can tolerate different soil types and moisture levels, but it prefers well-drained soils and full sun. The plant can be used in xeriscapes, borders, or mass plantings, and it attracts birds and butterflies.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Reverchon’s Muhly deer-resistant?
A: Yes, the plant is deer-resistant.
Q: Can I grow Reverchon’s Muhly in a container?
A: Yes, you can grow the plant in a container as long as it has good drainage and enough sunlight.
Q: When should I prune Reverchon’s Muhly?
A: You can prune the plant in late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged leaves and to promote new growth.
Q: Can I divide Reverchon’s Muhly?
A: Yes, you can divide the plant in the spring or fall by digging up the clump and separating it into smaller sections. Replant the sections in well-drained soil.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants that you might like:- Muhlenbergia capillaris (Gulf Muhly)- Muhlenbergia rigens (Deer Grass)- Panicum virgatum (Switchgrass)- Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem)- Bouteloua curtipendula (Sideoats Grama)
References
– Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: Muhlenbergia reverchonii- Missouri Botanical Garden: Muhlenbergia reverchonii- University of Arkansas: Reverchon’s Muhly
