Purple Moor-grass
Molinia caerulea
Tap image to enlarge · Wikimedia Commons
Overview
Purple Moor-grass forms large, dense tussocks in the wet dune slacks at Ainsdale. In autumn it turns spectacular shades of gold and amber before dying back completely. The Large Marsh Grasshopper is associated with the boggy areas where it grows. It can become rank and dominate wet heath if not managed by grazing or cutting — another management challenge at Ainsdale alongside Sea Buckthorn. The purple tinge of the flower heads in late summer gives it its name.
At a Glance
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Habitat | Wet dune slack · Damp heathland · Bog edge |
| UK population | Common on wet heathland, moorland and dune slacks throughout Britain |
| Sefton Coast | Present in wet dune slacks and damp heath at Ainsdale NNR |
| Conservation | UK Green List |
Where to See It
Wet dune slacks and damp heathland at Ainsdale NNR. Forms large tussocks.
Identification
Dense tussock-forming grass. Broad, flat leaves in summer; dies back completely in winter leaving only brown tussocks. Purple-tinged flower heads in late summer. In wet dune slack or damp heath.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Walk the wet slack areas at Ainsdale in October. The gold and amber autumn colour of large Molinia tussocks is striking.
Conservation Status
UK Green List
This species has a favourable conservation status in the UK and remains an important part of Sefton Coast biodiversity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Purple Moor-grass a problem on some heaths?
On overgrazed or underburned heathland, Purple Moor-grass can spread from wet hollows into drier heath, forming dense rank swards that smother Heather, bog plants and the specialist invertebrate communities of lowland heath. Management (grazing, cutting, burning) is required to prevent it from dominating. At Ainsdale NNR its spread is carefully monitored alongside Sea Buckthorn and scrub encroachment.
Related Species
Plan your visit to the Sefton Coast
Marshside RSPB, Formby pinewoods, Ainsdale NNR — practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.