Deer Grass (Muhlenbergia rigens)

This native bunchgrass, Deergrass (Muhlenbergia rigens) is a popular plant choice for groundcover and lawn replacement applications. It's an attractive, low-water grass that's very easy to grow. Deergrass does best in sandy soil and full sun, but it is versatile enough to tolerate shade and a variety of soil types. The leaf blades are pale green, and in spring the plant produces tall spikes of yellow flowers. The seeds provide food for birds in summer. Plant this large mounding grass in groups for an impressive display. From Calscape.

Grower: Larner Seeds

Other Names Used: 

Family: Poaaceae

Life Cycle: Perennial

Plant Type: Grass

Sun Exposure: Full

Bloom Period: Spring, Summer (May to June)

Bloom Color(s): Yellow, Cream

Plant Height: 4-5 feet tall

Plant Width: 4 feet wide

California Regions:

• North Coast
• Central Valley
• Sierra Foothills
• Sierra Nevada
• Central California Coast
• Southern Coast
• Southern California Inland
• Desert

Ecological Benefits:

• Drought Tolerant
  
• Deer Resistant
• Attracts pollinators, birds, wildlife
  

Ecological Functions:

• Grows in Containers
• Hedge
• Bank Stabilization
  

Habitat Type:

• Chaparral
• Yellow Pine Forest
  
• Valley Grassland
• Wetland 
  
• Riparian

Human Uses/Cautions: Basketry

Skill Level: Beginner

Seed Pretreatment: None