Muhlenbergia sericea

Muhlenbergia sericea, synonym Muhlenbergia filipes,[1] known as gulf hairawn muhly or sweet grass, is a species of grass in the family Poaceae. It is native to the Southeastern United States (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas).[1][2]

Muhlenbergia sericea
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Clade: Commelinids
Order: Poales
Family: Poaceae
Genus: Muhlenbergia
Species:
M. sericea
Binomial name
Muhlenbergia sericea
(Michx.) P.M.Peterson[1]
Synonyms[1]
  • Agrostis sericea (Michx.) Elliott
  • Muhlenbergia filipes M.A.Curtis
  • Podosemum filipes (M.A.Curtis) Bush
  • Polypogon sericeus (Michx.) Spreng.
  • Stipa sericea Michx.

Uses

Seminole basketry

Among Florida's Seminole Indians, sweetgrass was the most commonly used material for basket weaving. These baskets were often sold in tourist gift shops. In recent years, sweetgrass is becoming harder to find in South Florida. It is now only harvested during certain times of the year and in just a few locations.[3]

African American arts

This grass has historical importance in South Carolina, where it has been used for basket weaving. African Americans from the Gullah tradition in the South Carolina Lowcountry still weave artistic baskets using this native grass.[4]

References
  1. "Muhlenbergia sericea (Michx.) P.M.Peterson", Plants of the World Online, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, retrieved 2021-08-30
  2. Muhlenbergia filipes M.A. Curtis, USDA PLANTS
  3. Seminole Basket Collection : Technique, Florida Museum of Natural History
  4. Sweetgrass for Baskets Archived 2010-07-15 at the Wayback Machine


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