deergrass
Muhlenbergia rigens
USDA zones6 to 9
SunNeeds full sun (6+ hours)
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size3 to 6 feet tall2 to 3 feet wide
- Habit
- Grass/grass-like
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn, winter
- Bloom color
- Purple to yellow
- Foliage color
- Green
- Fall color
- Yes
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Deergrass (Muhlenbergia rigens) is a grass for borders, low maintenance plantings, and ground cover. It is hardy to USDA zone 6, or down to -10°F (-23°C). This plant likes full sun and dry to moist soil of most types. Narrow plumes rise above light-green blades, and it reaches mature size in one or two seasons. Deer tend to browse other plants first. Birds and small mammals eat the seeds and use the foliage for nesting and denning.
Pairs well with Blazing star, Buffalo grass, and Chaste tree.
Native range
Western-central US and Mexico.