What exactly is the "Pink Muhly Grass" that is popular on the Internet?

Audit expert: Shi Jun

Doctor of Botany, well-known popular science writer

Time flies so fast, and it's autumn again.

"Since ancient times, people have felt sad and lonely in autumn. I say autumn is better than spring."

What do you think of autumn? Is it a season of bright and colorful weather or a season of withered grass and trees?

However, since some time ago, Beijing's autumn has had a unique pink hue.

Beijing Anzhen Hualian Plaza 1500 square meters of pink muhly grass open source | bj.people.com.cn/

In late autumn, there is a slight chill in the air, the sun shines on the pink weeds, and the world is shrouded in a hazy pink...

The above is the editor’s first impression of the “Internet celebrity grass” that has become popular in recent years. This beautiful pink “muhly grass” also has a unique name - pink muhly grass .

Is this "Internet celebrity grass" that was once popular all over the Internet now popular in your circle of friends again this year? Today, the editor will talk to you about what this autumn photography tool that has become popular in recent years is.

What is Pink Muhly Grass?

Pink muhly grass (scientific name: Muhlenbergia capillaris), also known as hairy muhly grass, belongs to the Poaceae, Gramineae, and Muhlenbergia genus. It is native to grasslands and open woodlands in North America. It has strong adaptability to the environment, is resistant to water, drought, and saline-alkali, and can grow in all kinds of soil.

Source | anniesannuals.com

September to November is the best viewing season for pink muhly grass. A single plant can be 30-90 cm tall and 60-90 cm wide. The slender green leaves are covered with pink inflorescences. The hair-like flower spikes grow from the base and are arched at the top. When planted in large areas, they present a spectacular view of a pink "sea of ​​clouds".

Seasonal limited “hot internet celebrities”

Currently, there are more than 120 species of the genus Muhly Grass, which are mainly distributed in the southwestern United States and Mexico. They are relatively common grass plants. There are also a few species distributed in other parts of North America, East Asia and India.

Through screening and cultivation, people have domesticated a group of ornamental grasses from the wide variety of Muhly grass plants. The pink muhly grass we are familiar with is the most planted and most widespread one among them.

The so-called ornamental grass refers to herbaceous plants that are specially cultivated with stems and leaves as the main ornamental parts. The members mainly come from the Gramineae, Cyperaceae and Juncaceae. According to their ecological adaptability to temperature, they can be divided into two categories: warm-season ornamental grasses and cool-season ornamental grasses.

Cool-season grasses are highly cold-resistant, have strong self-repair capabilities, and have a high fertilizer absorption and utilization rate. After planting, they can be managed in an extensive manner, saving manpower and material resources. Warm-season grasses , on the other hand, are highly competitive and invasive. Once they reach a certain scale, it is difficult for other grass species to invade.

Pink muhly grass is a perennial warm-season herb. The color of its leaves and inflorescences changes with the seasons. In spring and summer, the leaves are mainly green. In autumn, it will present the familiar green leaves and pink inflorescences. In winter, the pink inflorescences are replaced by brown-yellow caryopsis, and the green leaves will dry up and fade.

These plants are also beautiful

In fact, in addition to the popular pink muhly grass, there are many ornamental grasses that also have super high appearance and can bring us different aesthetic experiences.

Blue Fescue (Festuca glauca Vill.)

Source | archiwum.allegro.pl

An evergreen herbaceous plant of the genus Fescue in the Poaceae family, it is a cold-type ornamental grass. The plant can be up to 40 cm tall, with soft needle-shaped leaves, usually blue with silvery white powder. It is native to Europe and was introduced to my country around 2009. It is often used for edging flower beds and borders.

Miscanthus sinensis 'Zebrinus'

Source | Plant Intelligence China

It is a perennial warm-season herbaceous plant of the Gramineae family and the Miscanthus genus. It grows in clumps, with stems up to 1.7 meters high and a crown width of several meters. The leaves have irregular yellow spots, sparsely covered with soft hairs and covered with white powder. The spots are obviously affected by temperature. When the temperature is low, there are often no spots, while too high a temperature will weaken the spots or even turn them yellow. The best time to appreciate them is from May to November.

Pennisetum × advena 'Rubrum'

Source | Plant Intelligence China

A species of Pennisetum in the Poaceae family, Pennisetum genus, and Pennisetum, it is a perennial warm-season ornamental grass. The plant height can reach 30-120 cm, and the leaves, stems and inflorescences are all purple-red. It has high ornamental value when planted alone, in groups or in patches, and is often placed on grasslands, banks, and beside stones.

Mexican Feather Grass (Nassellatenuissima)

Source | Natural History Museum

The Poaceae family, Stipa genus plant is a cool-season ornamental grass native to the American continent. It has soft and delicate stems and leaves, fluffy and shiny inflorescences, and a very unique texture. Both flowers and leaves can be used as flower materials. In clumps, patches and potted plants, it is often matched with rough landscapes such as rocks, achieving a unique beauty through sharp contrast.

It’s time to “appreciate the grass” again this year. The editor wishes all of you wonderful autumn memories. At the same time, I also call on everyone to remember to check in in a civilized manner and not to take beautiful photos but ruin the beautiful scenery!

Beijing Ao Sen Pink Daisy "Mulla" grass (Reminder: Don't damage the "flowers" when taking photos~) Source | Hui Junbo