Plants

Purple Moor-grass (Molinia caerulea)

Purple Moor-grass is an upright tussock forming grass found in a wide range of habitats including blanket bogs, raised bogs and fens. Its stems end in a purple tinged flower spike giving it its name. It is one of the few grasses that is specifically associated with bogs. In parts of Ireland it has historically played an important role in the rural economy signifying good grazing ground and thus commanding higher rents. It was also used as a thatching and weaving material as well as bedding for animals. It is common and widespread throughout Northern Ireland.

Click here to view a distribution map of the Purple Moor-grass in Northern Ireland.