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Turfgrass, native grass #879274

Asked July 29, 2024, 3:10 PM EDT

We have an area that gets a lot of water run-off when it rains, and we are considering filling deeply with rock or making it a rain garden. For the time being, though, it's a cornucopia of weeds. In the middle there is a neat little bunch of fine blade grass. Any ideas as to what it might be? Just another undesirable grass? I kind of like it though, lol!

Clay County Minnesota

Expert Response

Thanks for your question.

Providing an accurate identification was a bit difficult to do. I consulted three different plant ID sources. All three came up with the same result: Nimblewill (Muhlenbergia schreberi). It’s also known as drop-seed grass. It prefers moist places, which is consistent where you found it. It is a perennial plant. From what I have gathered, it is not all that common in Minnesota. Its survival during our winters is “iffy”. Here is some information about it:

https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/grass-sedge-rush/nimblewill

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muhlenbergia_schreberi

https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=MUSC

https://www.humanegardener.com/the-best-native-grass-youve-never-heard-of/

An interesting grass. Perhaps best left in its natural environment.

Thanks for using our forum. Get back to us with any questions.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 29, 2024, 4:10 PM EDT

It definitely looks accurate. Thank you!


On Mon, Jul 29, 2024, 3:10 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied July 29, 2024, 9:15 PM EDT

Glad to be of assistance.  Twas a new grass for me as well.  Enjoy your gardens.  Thanks for using our forum

An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 29, 2024, 9:17 PM EDT

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