Family: Poaceae
Muhlenbergia sericea (gulf muhly, purple muhly) is a perennial grass native to sandy maritime habitats on the barrier islands and in coastal woodlands of the southeastern United States, at elevations of 0-50 m. It is known for its feathery, airy flower clusters that bloom in vibrant shades of pink and purple, making it popular in ornamental landscaping and coastal restoration projects. Also known as “sweetgrass” due to its subtle, sweet fragrance, it is historically significant in basket weaving among Native American communities, particularly the Gullah and Geechee peoples along the southeastern coast.
Although there are no documented reports of naturalization or invasiveness outside its native range, its adaptation and ability to dominate fire prone ecosystems, and its ability to spread by wind and water-dispersed seed suggest it could increase fire risk or impact coastal communities in the Hawaiian Islands.
High Risk Traits:
- Grows and could potentially spread in regions with arid, tropical climates
- Other Muhlenbergia species are invasive or high-risk weeds
- Unpalatable to deer, rabbits and potentially other browsing animals
- Adapted to fire, and likely to increase fuel load, in fire prone ecosystems
- Forms dominant cover within native range
- Reproduces by seed
- Potentially cleistogamous, and self-fertile
- Seeds dispersed by wind, water, and through intentional cultivation
- Tolerates and resprouts after cutting and fire
Low Risk Traits:
- No reports of invasive or negative impacts outside its native range (but cultivation may be limited)
- Reported to be non-toxic
- Grows best in high light environments (dense shade may inhibit spread)
- Grows best in sandy, well-drained soils (substrate may limit spread)
- Herbicides may provide effective control if necessary
