Thicket/ Nimble-will

COMMON NAME: Nimble-Will

OTHER COMMON NAME(S): Wiregrass, Drop-Seed

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Muhlenbergia schreberi

FAMILY: Poaceae

COMMUNITY: Thicket

STATUS: Native

LIFESPAN: Perennial

HEIGHT: 8 to 24 inches

FLOWERING TIME: Late August to mid October

FRUITING TIME: Late August to mid October

DISTRIBUTION: New Hampshire to Florida ~ Statewide outside the central Pine Barrens in New Jersey

IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS: Leaves smooth, short branches that hug the stem, weak stem ~ Flower cluster long (2 to 5 inches) and narrow, delicate bristle on each flower, one on stem, green or purple

GENERAL INFORMATION: This family Poaceae is commonly called the grass family.  The genus Muhlenbergia is named for Gotthif Henry Ernest Muhlenberg, a distinguished American botanist, 1753-1815.  The species scheiberi is named for Johann Daniel Christian von Schreber, 1739-1810. Nimble-Will is often a weed of lawns and gardens and is also found along roadsides and in thickets.

Please note: While harvesting wild berries/fruit is permitted at Island Beach State Park, visitors must adhere to park regulations at all times and must not damage vegetation or go off designated trails.  This information is presented for educational purposes.