Grass · Sonoran native
Deer grass
Muhlenbergia rigens · Poaceae
Also called: Deergrass, Basketgrass
Deer grass (Muhlenbergia rigens) is a low-water grass native to the Sonoran Desert region well suited to Tucson and the low desert. It thrives in full sun to partial shade, with a moderate to fast growth rate.
Deer grass at a glance
- Water use
- Low (established)
- Sun
- Full sun to partial shade
- Mature size
- 3-4 ft H x 4-5 ft W (flower spikes reach 4-5 ft)
- Growth rate
- Moderate to fast
- Bloom
- Pale green to straw/tan, aging to grayish-tan, Late summer into fall (Aug-Nov)
- Cold hardiness
- Hardy to about 0 to -10 F; USDA zones 6-10
- Soil
- Adaptable; tolerates a wide range from sandy to clay soils. Prefers some soil moisture but handles well-drained native desert soil once established.
- Native range
- Southwestern U.S. and northern Mexico; in Arizona occurs in mountain canyons, washes, and along streams. Native to the broader Sonoran Desert region (foothills/riparian) though chiefly a montane and riparian species.
- Best used as
- Accent grass, Mass plantings and naturalistic groupings, Erosion control on slopes and washes, Desert/riparian landscape restoration, Median and roadside plantings
- Wildlife
- Provides cover and nesting material for birds and small wildlife; seeds eaten by birds. Larval/host habitat for some butterflies and skippers. Traditionally used by Indigenous peoples (e.g., Tohono O'odham, Cahuilla) for basketry foundation coils.
- Toxicity
- Non-toxic; not known to be poisonous to humans, pets, or livestock.
How to grow Deer grass in Tucson & the low desert
Watering
Drought tolerant once established but looks best with periodic deep irrigation. In Tucson, water deeply every 1-2 weeks in summer for a lush look; can survive on much less. Supplemental water keeps foliage green and full.
Fertilizer & nutrients
Low needs; generally no fertilizer required in landscape soils. A single light application of balanced or nitrogen fertilizer in spring will encourage faster, greener growth if desired.
Pruning & care
Cut back hard to 4-6 inches every 1-2 years in late winter (Feb) to remove old thatch and rejuvenate; not strictly necessary every year. Avoid shearing into a ball - let the natural fountain form show.
Notes
Large, fine-textured fountain-shaped bunchgrass valued for its strong architectural form and movement. One of the most durable and widely planted native ornamental grasses in the Southwest. Tolerates heat, cold, and a range of soils. Reseeds modestly but not aggressively weedy.
Sources: AMWUA Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert; University of Arizona Cooperative Extension; Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum; Tohono Chul / Tucson Botanical Gardens plant references