Deer Grass
Muhlenbergia rigens
A fast-growing versatile native bunch grass with lush flower plumes that dries to an attractive tan.
A tough Southwestern native for USDA zones 7-11, semi-evergreen in the low desert and hardy through local frost while thriving in intense heat and drought.
AMWUA Notes
A versatile very low-water native bunchgrass; renew it with a late-winter cutback every year or two rather than frequent shearing.
Care Guide
Water every 1-2 weeks the first summer to establish, then every 2-3 weeks or less; it is very drought tolerant but stays greener and fuller with occasional deep water.
Cut the large fountain-shaped clump back to about 6 in every year or two in late winter to remove built-up thatch and renew fresh growth; avoid shearing it into a hard ball, which ruins its natural form.
No fertilizer needed; it flourishes in ordinary lean desert soil.
Trouble-free and not considered an allergen problem.
Slender tan flower spikes rise above the green fountain of foliage in summer and persist into winter; it is semi-evergreen in mild winters, browning in harder cold.
Soil, Feeding & Propagation
Adaptable to most soils from sandy to clay-loam; tolerates poor and periodically moist ground and is excellent for holding streambank and swale soil.
Needs well-drained soil.
None — thrives in lean desert soil without fertilizer.
Seed, or division of the large clumps in late winter or spring.
3-4 ft on center for rhythmic masses (4 ft mature width)
Deep, soil-binding clumping roots hold slopes and streambeds; non-invasive.
Placement Tips
- •Space 3-4 ft apart to form rhythmic masses or a soft informal screen; each clump reaches 4 ft wide.
- •Superb along dry streambeds, swales, and slopes where its roots hold soil.
- •Let it keep its natural fountain shape as a specimen or in drifts; do not over-prune into balls.
- •Give full sun; a late-winter cutback every year or two keeps it fresh.
Features
Best Uses
Ecological Value
Attracts
Wildlife Value
Companion Plants
Quick Stats
Design Styles
Include in Your Project
Love Deer Grass? Our landscape team sources from wholesale nurseries and can incorporate it into your design.
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Use this care guide to maintain your Deer Grass. Questions about your landscape? Reach out anytime.
Data from 2024 AMWUA “Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert” guide.
Deer Grass — common questions
Answers for low-desert Phoenix conditions, drawn from this plant’s growing data.
How much water does Deer Grass need in Phoenix?
Deer Grass is a low-water ornamental grass once established. Water every 1-2 weeks the first summer to establish, then every 2-3 weeks or less; it is very drought tolerant but stays greener and fuller with occasional deep water. A versatile very low-water native bunchgrass; renew it with a late-winter cutback every year or two rather than frequent shearing.
How big does Deer Grass get?
Expect roughly 4 ft tall and 4 ft wide at maturity, with a fast growth rate. Allow about 3-4 ft on center for rhythmic masses (4 ft mature width) of spacing when planting. Deep, soil-binding clumping roots hold slopes and streambeds; non-invasive.
Can you plant Deer Grass near a pool?
Yes. Deer Grass is considered pool-friendly, meaning it stays clean enough around water features and hardscape. Litter is rated low.
Can Deer Grass handle Arizona heat and winter frost?
Deer Grass is hardy in USDA 9-11 and wants full sun. A tough Southwestern native for USDA zones 7-11, semi-evergreen in the low desert and hardy through local frost while thriving in intense heat and drought. Slender tan flower spikes rise above the green fountain of foliage in summer and persist into winter; it is semi-evergreen in mild winters, browning in harder cold.
Does Deer Grass have thorns?
No. Deer Grass is thornless, so it is safe alongside walkways, patios and play areas.
Is Deer Grass safe around pets?
Deer Grass is listed as pet-friendly in this guide. If your dog is a determined chewer, check any new plant with your vet before planting.
When does Deer Grass bloom in Arizona?
Deer Grass blooms in summer, with tan flowers. The bloom draws wind-pollinated.
How much maintenance does Deer Grass need?
Deer Grass is low-maintenance. Leaf, flower and pod litter is rated low. Cut the large fountain-shaped clump back to about 6 in every year or two in late winter to remove built-up thatch and renew fresh growth; avoid shearing it into a hard ball, which ruins its natural form.
What kind of soil does Deer Grass need?
Adaptable to most soils from sandy to clay-loam; tolerates poor and periodically moist ground and is excellent for holding streambank and swale soil. It needs no supplemental feeding. No fertilizer needed; it flourishes in ordinary lean desert soil.
Is Deer Grass native to Arizona?
Yes. Deer Grass is native to Arizona and to the Southwestern US, northern Mexico, so it is adapted to local rainfall, soil and heat.