Plant Profile: Muhlenbergia schreberi

Muhlenbergia schreberi, commonly known as Nimblewill, is a native perennial grass that forms fine-textured mats. This species is distinguished by its slender stems, upright growth in the early season, and narrow leaves that extend horizontally in various directions. In the autumn, it produces panicles of spikelets that rise above the foliage, measuring between 3 to 15 inches in length and about one inch in width, displaying a purplish-green hue with a silky texture. As the plant matures, it tends to droop and spread more horizontally. Nimblewill reproduces through seeds and stolons, and its fibrous root system allows for vegetative reproduction by developing rootlets along the lower nodes of its culms. Although it lacks rhizomes, this grass often establishes colonies.

Nimblewill is adaptable to a variety of soil conditions but thrives in disturbed environments such as fields, roadside areas, woodland edges, and railroad tracks, particularly in partial sunlight and loamy, sandy, or rocky soils. It can also tolerate clay soil, full sun, and dense shade. While many consider it a weed, it is marketed as a native warm-season grass alternative in southern regions. In winter, it takes on a distinctive tan color.

As a warm-season grass, Nimblewill is easily uprooted, but any small remnants left in the soil can sprout new growth. It shows resilience against moderately cold temperatures and invasive insect species.

**Diseases, Insects, and Other Plant Problems:**

Currently, there are no known diseases or insect issues associated with this grass.