Muhlenbergia rigens – California Native Deer Grass

Muhlenbergia rigens – California Native Deer Grass, Muhly

This attractive California native evergreen perennial grass brings structure to sunny or partly shaded gardens. Its grayish spikelets mature to a lovely wheat color in winter; the original growing notes describe two-foot spikes rising above the foliage in spring before arching over it. Tolerant of heat, deer, coastal conditions, and drought, deer grass is an excellent choice for slope cover, erosion control, and lawn-alternative plantings. It tolerates dry rocky soil, sand, and alkaline and saline conditions, and attracts butterflies and birds.

Key Features:

• Evergreen perennial grass
• California native
• Tolerates heat, deer, coastal conditions, and drought
• Tolerates dry rocky soil, sand, and alkaline and saline conditions
• Useful for slopes, erosion control, and lawn-alternative plantings
• Attracts butterflies and birds
• Grayish spikelets mature to wheat color in winter

Growing Details:
Height: 3–4 ft | Spread: 3–4 ft
Exposure: Sun/part shade | Water: Moderate/dry
Flowering spikes: Spring, per original growing notes | Spikelet color: Grayish, maturing to wheat in winter
USDA Hardiness Zone: 7–9