Muhlenbergia rigens
deergrass
Southwestern United States and northern Mexico
Overview
Muhlenbergia rigens is a large, clumping perennial grass in the grass family that forms a dense, fountain-shaped tuft 3–4 feet (90–120 cm) tall and 3–6 feet (90–180 cm) wide. The narrow, gray-green to gray leaves are tough and arching, and the base of the clump is thick with persistent old growth. From late summer into autumn the plant sends up many slender, spike-like flowering stems that rise 1–2 feet (30–60 cm) above the foliage, each carrying a narrow, gray to pale-yellow flower spike 8–24 inches (20–60 cm) long. The spikes turn straw-colored as the seed ripens and persist into winter. The clump is evergreen to semi-evergreen in mild climates and goes partly dormant where winters are cold. Muhlenbergia rigens grows along streams, in meadows, and on open slopes from California through the Southwest into Mexico, and its leaves were used in traditional basketry. It tolerates drought once established but also accepts regular water, and it grows in a wide range of soils. It does not stay dense in deep shade, and the heavy clump base can build up thatch over many years.
Native Range
Native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, from California east to Texas, growing along streams, in moist meadows, canyon bottoms, and on open slopes. It ranges from sea level to about 7,000 feet (2,100 m).Suggested Uses
Muhlenbergia rigens is used in native and dry gardens, erosion control along slopes and streambanks, and large massed plantings and medians. Its arching form and tall seed spikes suit borders, parking strips, and naturalized meadows. The clump shelters insects and small wildlife and supplies seed for birds.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 4'
Width/Spread3' - 6'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
gray to strawFoliage Description
gray-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Muhlenbergia rigens grows in full sun to part shade on a wide range of soils, from sand to clay, and tolerates both drought and regular irrigation once established. It withstands heat, wind, and seasonal flooding along streambanks. The clump can be cut back to a few inches in late winter to clear old growth before new leaves emerge. Plants grow from seed or division and reach full size in two to three seasons. It stays densest in full sun and thins in deep shade. Established clumps live for many years with little care.Pruning
Muhlenbergia rigens can be cut back to 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) in late winter every one to few years to remove built-up dead growth. New leaves emerge from the crown in spring. Old flower spikes can be left for winter structure or sheared with the clump.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
winter
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons