Family: Poaceae
Author: (Willd.) Trin.
Bibliography: Gram. Unifl. Sesquifl.: 191 (1824)
Year: 1824
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Muhlenbergia
Vegetable: False
Observations: Subarctic America to U.S.A.
Description
Spiked muhly, scientifically known as Muhlenbergia glomerata, is a perennial grass species that belongs to the Poaceae family. Its intriguing botanical classification can be attributed to the works of the noted botanist Willdenow, and it was later described by Trinius in 1824, as referenced in “Gram. Unifl. Sesquifl.”
This distinctive grass is native to a broad range extending from Subarctic America all the way to the United States. Its adaptability to various environmental conditions makes it an interesting subject of study for botanists and ecologists alike. Spiked muhly tends to thrive in wetland areas and is often seen flourishing in habitats where moisture is prevalent, such as marshes, wet meadows, and along stream banks.
The plant features erect stems and offers an appealing texture to natural landscapes. Its seed heads form dense, spike-like clusters—hence the name “spiked muhly”—which can vary in color from green to purple, contributing to its ornamental value.
In natural ecosystems, Muhlenbergia glomerata plays a crucial role. It helps in stabilizing soil and preventing erosion, particularly in riparian areas. Through its root systems, it supports soil structure and contributes to the ecological balance, providing habitat and food for various wildlife species.
Adventurers and plant enthusiasts who come across spiked muhly are often captivated by its meadow-like appearance and the gentle sway of its clusters in the breeze. Though unassuming at first glance, this grass is a testament to the diversity and resilience of native flora in North American landscapes.
Common Names
Eng: spike muhly, bog muhly, bristly muhly, common bog muhly, marsh muhly
Fra: muhlenbergie agglomérée, muhlenbergia agglomérée
En: Spiked muhly, Spike muhly, Bog muhly, Bristly muhly, Common bog muhly, Marsh muhly
Fr: Muhlenbergie agglomérée, Muhlenbergia agglomérée
Synonyms
- Cinna glomerata ((Willd.) Link)
- Alopecurus glomeratus (Poir.)
- Podosemum glomeratum ((Willd.) Link)
- Polypogon setosus (Biehler)
- Trichochloa glomerata ((Willd.) Trin.)
- Polypogon glomeratus (Willd.)
- Agrostis festucoides (Schult.)
Distribution
- Alberta (native)
- British Columbia (native)
- Colorado (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- District of Columbia (native)
- Idaho (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Maine (native)
- Manitoba (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Montana (native)
- Nebraska (native)
- Nevada (native)
- New Brunswick (native)
- New Hampshire (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New York (native)
- Newfoundland (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- North Dakota (native)
- Northwest Territorie (native)
- Nova Scotia (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Oregon (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Prince Edward I. (native)
- Québec (native)
- Rhode I. (native)
- Saskatchewan (native)
- South Dakota (native)
- Utah (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Virginia (native)
- Washington (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
- Wyoming (native)
- Yukon (native)
Additional Images
Habit
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Soreng, R.J. (cc-by-nc-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2703976)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:409033-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Muhlenbergia glomerata (Willd.) Trin.)
Specifications
Growth form>: Rhizomatous
Growth habit>: Graminoid
Growth rate>: Moderate
Growth
Ph maximum: 7.5
Ph minimum: 5.3
