Deergrass

Muhlenbergia rigens

Family:: Poaceae
Elevation:: 1,500 ft – 7,000 ft
Bloom:: Aug – Oct
Region:: Southwest

A large, fountain-like bunchgrass that erupts in a dense mound of arching gray-green leaves pierced by tall, narrow, spike-like seed stalks. A favorite landscape accent that anchors garden borders and streambanks, traditionally harvested for basketry.

Care · tuned to the Southwest

Water

Drought tolerant once established but looks lushest with occasional deep watering; tolerates seasonal moisture along drainages.

Sun & exposure

Full sun to light shade.

Soil

Adaptable to sandy, loamy, or clay soils with reasonable drainage; handles periodic wetness.

In the Southwest

Warm-season grass that fades to tan in winter dormancy; cut the whole clump back hard every year or two in late winter to renew it. Provides cover and seed for birds.

Common problems & fixes

Center flops open or dies out with excess water
Fix — Ease off irrigation and cut the clump back hard in late winter to restore a tight, upright form.
Tan winter dormancy mistaken for a dead plant
Fix — Leave it or shear it back in late winter; it flushes green again once temperatures rise.

Pets & toxicity

Non-toxic to dogs and cats.

Easy to confuse with

Bull grass (Muhlenbergia emersleyi) — more open, often purplish panicles
Alkali sacaton (Sporobolus airoides) — airy, spreading seed head, not narrow erect wands

Sources

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