Wirestem muhly (Muhlenbergia frondosa, Rhodora 45: 235 (1943))

Family: Poaceae

Author: (Poir.) Fernald

Bibliography: Rhodora 45: 235 (1943)

Year: 1943

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Muhlenbergia

Vegetable: False

Observations: E. Canada to C. & E. U.S.A.

Description

Wirestem muhly, scientifically named Muhlenbergia frondosa, is a notable species within the Poaceae family. This grass species has a remarkable distribution range extending from Eastern Canada to Central and Eastern United States. Renowned botanist Merritt Lyndon Fernald in the year 1943 precisely categorized this species in his publication in Rhodora, highlighting its significance in the botanical community.

Wirestem muhly is commonly identified by its delicate and flexible stems, which exhibit a wire-like appearance, giving it its descriptive common name. This perennial grass typically flourishes in a variety of habitats, including wetlands, meadows, and along stream banks, displaying a great adaptability to different environmental conditions.

A key characteristic of Muhlenbergia frondosa is its lush, green foliage which forms a dense, bushy clump, contributing to its aesthetic and ecological value. The inflorescence of wirestem muhly is composed of loose, open panicles that create a visually appealing, airy texture. This makes it an attractive choice for natural landscaping and restoration projects aimed at enhancing biodiversity.

Ecologically, wirestem muhly plays a crucial role in providing habitat and forage for wildlife. Its dense root system aids in soil stabilization, reducing erosion, and supporting overall ecosystem health. For botanists and ecologists, studying Muhlenbergia frondosa offers valuable insights into the dynamics of grassland and wetland environments.

Understanding the broad distribution and ecological importance of this species is vital for conservation efforts, particularly in regions where natural grasslands face the pressures of development and climate change. Wirestem muhly stands as a testament to the rich biodiversity within the Poaceae family, representing a resilient and adaptive species worthy of both study and preservation.

Common Names

Ita: mulenbergia messicana
Eng: wirestem muhly, leafy muhly, common satingrass, leafy satingrass, wire-stemmed muhly
Fra: muhlenbergie feuillée
En: Wirestem muhly, Wire-Stem Muhly, Leafy muhly, Common satingrass, Leafy satingrass, Wire-stemmed muhly
Fr: Muhlenbergie feuillée
It: Muhlenbergia messicana, Mulenbergia messicana

Synonyms

• Agrostis frondosa (Poir.)
• Vilfa frondosa ((Poir.) P.Beauv.)
• Muhlenbergia frondosa f. commutata ((Scribn.) Fernald)
• Muhlenbergia mexicana var. commutata ((Scribn.) Farw.)
• Muhlenbergia commutata ((Scribn.) Bush)
• Muhlenbergia mexicana f. commutata ((Scribn.) Wiegand)
• Calamagrostis compressa (Döll)
• Muhlenbergia brachyphylla f. aristata (E.J.Palmer & Steyerm.)
• Muhlenbergia mexicana subsp. commutata (Scribn.)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Maine (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• North Dakota (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 7, 2022 by Renée-Louise Lamontagne (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 7, 2022 by Renée-Louise Lamontagne (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Sep 7, 2022 by Renée-Louise Lamontagne (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 7, 2022 by Renée-Louise Lamontagne (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)

Bark

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2704029)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:164779-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Muhlenbergia frondosa (Poir.) Fernald)

Specifications

Growth form>: Rhizomatous

Growth habit>: Graminoid

Growth rate>: Moderate

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.9

Ph minimum: 5.9