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Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?

A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.

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Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

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Wednesday - July 01, 2015

From: Fort Worth, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Shade Tolerant, Grasses or Grass-like
Title: Seep Muhly in limited sunlight.
Answered by: Joe Marcus

QUESTION:

Can Seep Muhly withstand just 3 or 4 hours of direct sunlight in an urban setting?

ANSWER:

We think you're asking about the shade-tolerance of Seep Muhly (Muhlenberbia reverchonii).  The answer to your question is a qualified yes. The density of shade your grass is growing in will be the determining factor of whether or not it will thrive there.  If the shade is heavy, then Seep Muhly will decline.  If the shade is light, then it has a chance.  Whether or not the setting is urban or rural should have little or no effect on the grass's performance.

 

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