Deer Muhly

Muhlenbergia rigens, called Deer Muhly Grass, is a clump-forming, cool-season perennial grass native to the southwestern U.S. (California to Texas) and Mexico. Features slender gray-green leaves typically growing in a dense clump to 2-4' tall. Stems are erect initially but begin arching outward as the summer progresses, producing an attractive weeping effect. Narrow purple to yellow flower spikes (color comes from the anthers) rise above the foliage clump in September-October to a height of 5-6'. Foliage turns the color of light straw in fall, and clumps may retain good color and form in milder winters.

It is quickly grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun. It also grows well in light shade. Good drought tolerance. Wide range of soil tolerance except for consistently wet conditions.