Bush muhly
Muhlenbergia porteri
Poaceae
Description
Bush muhly forms large bunches of wiry, tangled stems and leaves that may resemble a bird's nest. Blades and stems are short and fine. Blades fall from the sheath at maturity. The inflorescence is 2 to 4 inches long, purplish to white, with single, short-awned florets borne on short pedicels. Has also been called "mesquitegrass" and "bush-grass".
Bush muhly is a perennial, warm-season, native - 6 to 24 inches tall.
Good grazing for livestock. Poor grazing for wildlife.
Habitat
Grows on hills, mesas and plains, often under the protection of brushy or thorny plants. Decreases with heavy grazing.
Images
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial
Stem Texture: Hairless/Smooth
Growth Habit: Bunch grass, Grasses
Season: Warm
Distribution
: 06 - South Texas Plains, 07 - Edwards Plateau, 09 - High Plains, 10 - Trans-Pecos
Distributions
Distribution refers to the ecological region in Texas that a plant has been found. You can also view a clickable map.
Book: Know Your Grasses (B-182)
Collection: Grasses
