Muhlenbergia dumosa (17/08/2014, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun to partial shade
Flowering period: Late autumn to early spring
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 1.2m
Eventual Spread: 1m
Hardiness: 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11
Family: Poaceae
Muhlenbergia dumosa is a semi evergreen grass with a clump forming, arching habit . Its mid green leaves are lanceolate with entire margins, up to 30cm long and 15mm broad. Its pink/ green flowers appear en mas at the foliage tips .Its roots have runners which aids its slow spread.
Muhlenbergia dumosa, commonly known as Faury Bamboo, Muhly Grass or Bamboo Muhly, is native to south west USA and north west Mexico.
The etymological root of the binomial name Muhlenbergia is named after Gotthilf Heinrich (Henry) Ernst Muhlenberg (1753-1815). Dumosa is from the Latin meaning ‘overgrown with thorns’, although I would suggest this does not accurately describe this grass.
The landscape architect may find Muhlenbergia dumosa useful as a large clump forming grass species with an undense habit. Once established this grass is drought tollerant.
Muhlenbergia dumosa Leaf (17/08/2014, Kew Gardens, London)
Ecologically, Muhlenbergia dumosa is of little value to UK wildlife.
Muhlenbergia dumosa prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil.
Muhlenbergia dumosa requires little maintenance. Older canes of this plant may be removed to maintain a tidy appearance.
