Deer Grass

Scientific Name: Muhlenbergia rigens (Benth.) A.S. Hitchc.,
Synonym: Epicampes rigens, Muhlenbergia marshii, Muhlenbergia mundula
Family: Poaceae

Recommended Temperature Zone:
Sunset®: 7-24
USDA: 9-11

Frost Tolerance: Hardy in Phoenix

Sun Exposure: Full sun to light shade

Origin: USA (California to New Mexico), northwestern Mexico

Growth Habits: Perennial grass, fast growing, up to 3 feet (90 cm) tall, 5 feet (1.5 m) when in bloom

Flowers: Yellow or purple flowers

Watering Needs: Moderate to little water, cannot tolerate poorly-drained soils.

Propagation: Seeds, division

Muhlenbergia mundula, Hitchcock, A.S. (rev. A. Chase). 1950. Manual of the grasses of the United States. USDA Misc. Publ. No. 200. Washington, DC. 1950.

The genus is named for Henry Muhlenberg (1753-1815), a Lutheran minister and botanist from Pennsylvania.
Deergrass is a significant basketry material to central and southern California Native Americans who utilize the flower stalks in the foundations of coiled baskets. Frequently thousands of flower stalks are needed for completion of each basket. Culms are gathered in late spring while still green, or summer or early fall when golden brown depending upon the tribe, individual family preference, and elevation of the deergrass site.

Culture:
Once established, deergrass is quite drought-tolerant. To maintain its vigor and reduce accumulated dead material, deergrass can be mowed every several years. Mowing should be in the fall, after it has gone to seed.

Propagation:
The flower stalks can be cut, bundled, and then beat over a tarp or bucket to release the seeds. The seeds are usually highly viable, and do not need special treatment to initiate germination.

Links:
USDA (source for much of this information)