What hardiness zones is Muhlenbergia dumosa suitable for?

Muhlenbergia dumosa is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 8, 9, 10, 11.

What are the sun requirements for Muhlenbergia dumosa?

Muhlenbergia dumosa requires Full Sun.

How much water does Muhlenbergia dumosa need?

Muhlenbergia dumosa has Low water needs.

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Grasses & Sedges

Muhlenbergia dumosa

Bamboo Muhly

Poaceae

Southwestern United States and Mexico (Arizona, Sonora) in canyon bottoms and rocky slopes

At a Glance

TypeGrass

HabitClumping

FoliageSemi-evergreen

Height36-72 inches (90-180 cm)

Width36-60 inches (90-150 cm)

Maturity3 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

8 - 11

Zone 8 Zone 9 Zone 10 Zone 11

These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.

What's my zone? →

Frost Tolerancetender

Key Features

Deer Resistant Drought Tolerant Container Friendly

Native to North America

Maintenancevery low

Overview

Muhlenbergia dumosa is bamboo muhly, a southwestern native grass that mimics the appearance of bamboo, growing 36-72 inches (90-180 cm) tall and 36-60 inches (90-150 cm) wide. The species name 'dumosa' means 'bushy', describing the dense branching habit. Bright green delicate narrow leaves on bamboo-like branching stems; the branching habit is uncommon among ornamental grasses (most grasses produce unbranched stems) and creates a convincing bamboo-like effect without the aggressive spreading rhizomes that make true bamboo problematic. The narrow-leaved green cloud of foliage on woody-looking branching stems gives a graceful texture. Inconspicuous flowers. Native to canyon bottoms in Arizona and Sonora, Mexico. Frost-tender; zones 8-11 only, or container culture in colder zones. Well-drained soil. Drought-tolerant. The clumping habit (not running) is the central advantage over true bamboo. Deer avoid the foliage.

Native Range

Muhlenbergia dumosa is native to the southwestern United States and Mexico (Arizona and Sonora), in canyon bottoms and rocky slopes.

Suggested Uses

Used as a bamboo substitute (clumping, not running), tropical-effect screening, and in containers of 10+ gallons (38+ liters) in cold zones. The bamboo look without the bamboo problems. Southwestern native. Canyon garden specimen.

How to Identify

Identified by bright green delicate narrow foliage on bamboo-like branching stems, a grass that looks like bamboo but clumps rather than runs. The branching habit is uncommon among ornamental grasses. The narrow texture and the branching stems are the combined diagnostic.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height3' - 6'

Width/Spread3' - 5'

Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks

Fall

Inconspicuous panicles in October-November. The bamboo-like branching foliage is the year-round display.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Greenish to tan; in airy panicles (inconspicuous)

Foliage Description

Bright green; very narrow delicate; on bamboo-like branching stems

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun Partial Shade

Requires 5-10 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 8.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

sand loam

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Sited in full sun to partial shade. Well-drained soil. Drought-tolerant. Frost-tender, zones 8-11. Container culture in colder zones. Clumping, not invasive like true bamboo.

Pruning

Frost-damaged growth is cleaned up in early spring. In frost-free zones, minimal pruning needed.

Pruning Schedule

early spring

Maintenance Level

very low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 10 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic