Deer Grass

Deer Grass

1 Gallon
$18.90
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Deer Grass
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Deer Grass

Muhlenbergia rigens

Majestic native grass forming drought-tolerant, fountain-shaped clumps.

$18.90
Container sizeSize guide

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Description

Deer Grass is a majestic and resilient California native grass that forms stunning, architectural fountains of fine-textured foliage. Its dense, evergreen clumps consist of countless narrow, gray-green leaves that arch gracefully outward. In late summer to fall, it sends up tall, slender, straw-colored flower stalks that rise high above the foliage, creating a striking, airy effect. Exceptionally drought-tolerant, low-maintenance, and providing habitat for wildlife, it is a cornerstone plant for sustainable, water-wise landscapes and naturalistic designs.

  • Majestic Fountain-Like Form: Creates a dense, symmetrical clump of fine, gray-green leaves that arch into a perfect fountain shape.

  • Tall, Airy Fall Flower Stalks: Produces upright, delicate-looking flower panicles in late summer and fall that persist into winter, adding height and interest.

  • Extremely Drought Tolerant & Tough: Once established, it thrives with no summer water and tolerates heat, poor soil, and full sun to light shade.

  • California Native & Ecologically Valuable: Provides essential cover and nesting material for birds and small animals.

  • Low-Maintenance Landscape Specimen: Requires no pruning except an optional cutting back every few years to rejuvenate. Deer resistant.

Quick Facts

  • Features:Slender, gray-green leaves with rough edges and upright to arching stems. Produces yellow or purple flower spikes on slender stalks that age to honey-brown. Forms dense, upright, fountain-like clumps.
  • Mature Height: 4-5 ft
  • Mature Width: 3-4 ft
  • Growth Rate: Fast
  • Light Needs: Full sun to partial shade
  • Key Advantages:Drought tolerant once established,Low maintenance,Attracts deer (hence the name),Year-round visual interest
  • Landscape Uses:Prairie or meadow plantings,Water-wise gardens,Commercial landscapes,Roadway medians
  • Special Care:Cut back in late winter,Avoid overwatering,No fertilizer needed
  • Seasonal Interest:Flowers: Summer to fall,Foliage: Semi-evergreen

Faqs

Q: Should it be cut back? If so, when?
A: Yes, to maintain vigor and a tidy appearance. Cut the entire clump back to about 6-12 inches from the ground in late winter (February-March), before new spring growth begins. This removes old, spent foliage and flower stalks.

Q: Is it really deer resistant?
A: Yes, despite the name "Deer Grass," the foliage is typically not preferred by deer, making it an excellent choice for areas where deer browsing is a problem. The name likely refers to its habitat or its use by deer for nesting material.

📍 Primary Delivery Area · San Francisco Bay Area

Local delivery across the Bay Area — and beyond.

San Francisco Bay Area is our primary local delivery market. Victory Nursery also serves additional California markets and selected extended delivery areas by arrangement.

Regular local delivery: San Francisco, Peninsula, South Bay, East Bay, Marin, Tracy / Mountain House and surrounding service areas.

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1 Gallon

1 Gallon

A practical starting size for perennials, grasses, groundcovers, vines and young shrubs. Lightweight, easy to plant and well suited for projects that need multiple plants.

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5 Gallon

5 Gallon

A popular size for shrubs, screening plants and young trees. Large enough to make an immediate difference in the garden while still manageable for most residential projects.

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Gallon describes the container size, not a guaranteed plant height. Individual plants vary. Contact our nursery for current measurements.

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