Cotton Candy Grass

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This is an ornamental grass called Pink Muhly Grass (Muhlbergia capillaris), or cotton candy grass due to its bright pink-purple inflorescences which it grows in the fall. There are other varieties with white inflorescence and hybrids with other grass species. It is said to be native to Florida or the southeastern US and can grow naturally along coastal dunes. It grows in a clumping pattern, up to 3 or 4 feet tall, and it is drought- and salt-tolerant and resistant to deer. These features make it an appealing plant for landscaping because it’s very low maintenance.  Since Pink Muhly is so easy to grow, it has been recommended by the California PlantRight program as an alternative to invasive grasses, such as pampas grass.

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