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Deer Grass (Muhlenbergia rigens): Elegant California Native Bunchgrass

Overview

Deer Grass is a majestic, clump-forming perennial bunchgrass native to California and the Southwest. It forms dense, fountain-like mounds of narrow, bright green leaves up to 3 feet tall, topped in late summer by slender, arching flower spikes that rise another 2 feet. It provides superb texture and movement in the garden.

Taxonomy & Nomenclature

Family:	Poaceae (poh-AY-see-ee)
Genus:	Muhlenbergia (mew-len-BERG-gee-uh)
Species:	rigens (RIG-ens)

Synonyms: Epicampes rigens, Muhlenbergia marshii, Muhlenbergia mundula.

Cultivation & Uses

Thrives in full sun to light shade and well-drained soil. Extremely drought-tolerant once established. Ideal for mass plantings, slopes, meadow gardens, and as a specimen. Provides seeds for birds and nesting material. Cut back to 6 inches in late winter to rejuvenate.

Grasses and Bamboo: Pampas Grass (Cortaderia selloana); Texas Muhly Grass 'Regal Mist' (Muhlenbergia capillaris 'Regal Mist'); Palm Grass (Setaria palmifolia); Indian Grass (Sorghastrum nutans); Tiger Grass (Thysanolaena latifolia): A Tropical, Bamboo-Like Grass for Foliage Effect; Centipede Grass (Eremochloa ophiuroides): A Low-Maintenance, Acid-Loving Lawn Grass; Egyptian Grass (Dactyloctenium aegyptium): A Spreading Annual Grass with Crowfoot Seed Heads; Buffalo Grass (Buchloe dactyloides): Synonym of Bouteloua dactyloides; Bear Grass (Xerophyllum tenax): Iconic Western Native for Fire-Adapted Landscapes; Grass Tree (Xanthorrhoea nana): Dwarf Australian Grasstree

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