How to Grow Deergrass
Wikimedia Commons
Deergrass
Muhlenbergia rigens
grassDeergrass is a native perennial bunchgrass of the southwestern United States known for its fine-textured, upright clumps of narrow green foliage that turns copper-red in fall and winter. It produces delicate, wispy flowering stems that create an airy, feathery appearance from late summer through winter. This drought-tolerant ornamental is valued in xeriscaping, native gardens, and contemporary landscape designs.
When should you plant Deergrass in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Deergrass timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Deergrass
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Deergrass
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Deergrass dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 6-10, excellent choice for zones 7-9
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Get my Deergrass timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
6-12 weeksFine, delicate seedlings or young transplants with minimal visible growth above ground; root system developing
Keep soil lightly moist but not wet; provide shade cloth in intense heat; avoid fertilizer; establish deep roots before next season
Vegetative Growth
Spring through early summerUpright, fine-textured clumps of narrow green foliage forming dense bunchgrass habit; plant height increases to 2-3 feet
Minimal watering once established; no fertilizer needed; maintain excellent drainage; no supplemental inputs required
Flowering
Late summer through fall (August-October)Wispy, airy panicles of delicate flowering stems rise above foliage, creating feathery, ethereal appearance; flowers range from cream to rose-purple
Do not deadhead; allow flowers to develop and persist through winter for ornamental value; this is the most visually striking stage
Dormancy & Winter Color
November through FebruaryFoliage and flowering stems gradually turn copper-red, rust, or burgundy; maintains ornamental structure and dried seed heads through winter
Allow dried foliage and flowers to stand; do not cut back until late winter or early spring; provides wildlife habitat and winter interest
Spring Renewal
Late February to AprilOld foliage begins to brown; new green growth emerges from base of clump; cut back old growth as new growth appears
Cut back to 4-6 inches above ground as new growth emerges (late February to March); remove dead material carefully; do not cut into new growth
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Rarely problematic; tolerate light feeding; no control usually needed. Remove by hand if present in large numbers.
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Infrequent; improve air circulation and avoid overwatering. Spray with insecticidal soap if severe.
Uses
Traditional food source
CulinaryMuhlenbergia seeds were historically harvested and ground into flour by Native American tribes of the Southwest, providing nutritious grain. [source]
Drought-tolerant landscaping
HouseholdIdeal for xeriscaping, water-conservation gardens, and arid region landscapes. Reduces irrigation needs and maintenance compared to conventional turf. [source]
Dried flower arrangements
CraftWispy flowering stems dry beautifully and provide airy texture to dried arrangements, wreaths, and floral crafts through winter. [source]
Native habitat and food source
WildlifeProvides seeds for songbirds and other wildlife; dense clumps offer shelter for small animals and beneficial insects. Native to western ecosystems. [source]
Contemporary and native garden design
HouseholdValued in modern landscape architecture for year-round visual interest, fine texture, and seasonal color changes from green to copper-red tones. [source]
Harvest Tips
Not typically harvested; grown as ornamental. Dried seed heads and foliage can be cut for arrangements in fall/winter after fully dried. Cut material back to ground level in late winter as new growth emerges (late February-March in most zones).
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Deergrass can live 15-25 years or longer in optimal conditions, making it a long-term landscape investment that improves with age.
- 🌱 The plant's common name 'deergrass' comes from the historic use by deer and other wildlife as preferred browse and habitat within southwestern ecosystems.
- 🌱 In its native range, deergrass is a key indicator species of healthy, fire-adapted grasslands and has been used in restoration ecology to recover degraded arid landscapes.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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