Ferdinand’s Grass

Ferdinand Lindheimer (1753-1815) is known as the Father of Texas Botany. Lindheimer, born in Germany, arrived at the San Jacinto battlefield the day after the final battle of the Texas Revolution. During the late 1830s and early 1840s he collected botanical specimens in Texas. He is credited with collecting 1,500 species in south Texas and discovering several hundred species. Over 40 species and subspecies bear his name. Lindheimer made his home in New Braunfels where he was granted land on the Comal River

One of the species named for him, Lindheimer’s muhly or big muhly (Muhlenbergia lindheimeri), was mentioned in this column last week. There are a couple of special things about this grass, so I want to write more. This elegant, largescale specimen grass has blue-green leaves and in the Fall displays feathery swaying seed heads 8 to 16 inches long. It makes a nice accent plant and is large enough to use as screening. The exceptionally long root system makes it an important plant for erosion prevention on river and creek banks or any place where runoff is a problem. The roots can penetrate the soil up to 16 feet and carry rainwater and runoff back to our precious aquifers. I planted Lindheimer Muhly in my rain garden.

Another interesting fact is that this lovely grass is endemic to the Edwards Plateau, naturally occurring in our part of Texas and northern Mexico. That means it doesn’t naturally occur in any other locations. So, we can claim it as our grass! As mentioned last week you can see nice specimens in the lovely landscape at our HEB. You will also find at least one around our square. Big muhly can be found at local nurseries, so let’s Keep Wimberley Beautiful by finding a spot to plant a beautiful Lindheimer muhly.

Becky Denton, Hays County Master Naturalists