Muhlenbergia rigens aka Deergrass

Muhlenbergia rigens, or deergrass, is a grass grown for its looks. It is a perennial, which means it lives for years. It belongs to Poaceae, the grass family. Its native range spans the southwestern and south-central United States into Mexico. This range runs from California to Texas. Kew places it in deserts or dry shrublands. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

Deergrass grows in dense clumps of thin, gray-green leaves. The leaves reach about 2–4 feet [0.61–1.22 metres] tall. A full-grown clump spreads about 3 feet [0.91 metres] wide. Its stems stand straight at first. They then bend outward through summer. This gives the plant a soft, drooping shape. Flower stems rise above the leaves to 5–6 feet [1.52–1.83 metres]. Leave room for this height behind shorter plants.

The thin flower spikes show purple to yellow tones. The anthers, which bear pollen, give them this color. Missouri Botanical Garden lists blooms from September to November. Its account of the plant puts blooms in September and October. In fall, the leaves turn a pale straw shade. Clumps can keep their color and shape through mild winters. Tall stems and curved leaves add interest after blooms fade. People also use the dried leaves to make baskets.

The growing guidance favors full sun for deergrass. It also grows well in light shade. It accepts many soil types if water drains well. Soil can be dry to somewhat moist. Avoid sites that stay wet for long stretches. Once it has settled in, it copes well with drought. Missouri Botanical Garden lists USDA Zones 6–9. But it notes doubt about how much cold deergrass can bear. Many nurseries give the warmer range of Zones 7–10. It may survive in Zones 5 and 6. Choose a sheltered site where its cold limits are in doubt.

Use deergrass in native plant gardens or on dry slopes. It also suits areas where plants grow as in the wild. Use it as a tall accent behind border plants, too. Its clump shape, fall color, and winter form suit these uses. Missouri Botanical Garden says it needs little upkeep. It reports no serious insect or disease problems. The grass also copes with city conditions and black walnut nearby. The supplied evidence gives no food use or check of toxicity. Its use in baskets does not show that any part is safe to eat.