New Jersey Muhly

Muhlenbergia torreyana

Native to:
United States

📍 View on iNaturalist →

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Poaceae
Genus:
Muhlenbergia
Species:
Muhlenbergia torreyana
USDA Symbol:
MUTO

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Graminoid
Height:
60 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Low
Bloom Months:
aug,sep,oct
Bloom Colors:
purple

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds, small mammals
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fall Color:
bronze
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts from base following fire; historically maintained by fire in pine barren habitats.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
adapted to arid and semi-arid regions

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
14–30 days
Notes:
Seeds require light for germination. Sow on surface and keep consistently moist.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI