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Forest Muhly

Muhlenbergia sylvatica

Last reviewed: August 2026

Forest Muhly (Muhlenbergia sylvatica)
Photo: Robert H. Mohlenbrock. USDA NRCS. 1995. Northeast wetland flora: Field office guide to plant species. Northeast National Technical Center, Chester. Provided by USDA NRCS Wetland Science Institute (WSI) / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Toxicity unknown

Forest Muhly (Muhlenbergia sylvatica) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Forest Muhly as toxic to livestock.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–36" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, CT and 31 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Great PlainsOzark HighlandsCentral Irregular PlainsPiedmontWestern Corn Belt PlainsDriftless AreaEastern Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneNorthern Allegheny PlateauNorthern ForestsNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsBlue RidgeRidge and ValleyCentral AppalachiansWestern Allegheny PlateauInterior PlateauInterior River Valleys and HillsAcadian Plains and HillsEastern Great Lakes Lowlands

Woodland muhly is a delicate native grass that forms neat, arching clumps with fine-textured foliage. It produces graceful, airy flower panicles in late summer that add movement and texture to shaded garden areas. This grass thrives in partial shade conditions where many other grasses struggle.

In an HOA neighborhood

Forest Muhly is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

  • May look sparse in early spring before new growth emerges

Wildlife value

The flowers attract bees and butterflies during summer blooms. Seeds provide food for various songbirds in fall and winter.

Common questions

How much sun does Forest Muhly need?
Forest Muhly grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Forest Muhly bloom?
Forest Muhly blooms in July, August, and September.
Where is Forest Muhly native?
Forest Muhly (Muhlenbergia sylvatica) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CT and 31 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Forest Muhly toxic to livestock?
The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Forest Muhly as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Forest Muhly attract?
Forest Muhly draws bees and butterflies.
Is Forest Muhly HOA-friendly?
Forest Muhly is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Forest Muhly? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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