Deergrass is a California native, warm-season grass that can be grown in both dry and regularly-watered gardens as long as it has well-draining soil. Mounds of thin foliage grow about 2 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide. In summer thin, rigid flower stalks rise an additional 2 to 3 feet above the foliage where they remain through fall. Once established it can go without supplemental water over the summer in many areas but looks best with water. . Performs best in full sun but can take light shade. If the shade is too dense, the foliage will collapse on itself and make for an unsightly appearance.
Over the last few years, M. rigens has been replaced in many commercial landscapes with M. dubia, a very similar looking non-native Muhlenbergia that is also very drought tolerant, more rigid, and compact. Many believe the M. dubia is more durable. Unfortunately, for a few years, very large quantities of poor quality strains of Muhlenbergia rigens were produced from inferior seed that was commercially distributed. Thankfully in recent years these strains have largely been eliminated but the long term damage to this wonderful plant’s reputation has not been shaken.
Contrary to what the name may imply, deergrass is remarkably deer resistant.
- Common Name:
- Deergrass
- Mature Height:
- 2-4'
- Mature Spread:
- 2-3'
- Exposure:
- Sun/Part Sun
- Growth:
- Evergreen
- Flower Color:
- Tan
- Soil:
- Not particular
- Foliage Color:
- Green
- Flower Time:
- Summer - Fall
