Deer Grass

1 Gallon

$16.90

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Deer Grass

Muhlenbergia rigens

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

$16.90

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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

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.

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

A larger gallon size generally means:
- A more established root system
- A sturdier plant
- Faster visual impact after planting
Example:
- 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity
- 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.

🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

Commonly used for:
- Ornamental trees
- Feature plants
- Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.
Why choose Multi:
- Fuller, more sculptural appearance
- Strong visual presence even at younger ages
- Popular for design-focused landscapes

🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

Commonly used for:
- Shade trees
- Street trees
- Orchard and structural plantings
Why choose Stand:
- Clean, classic tree form
- Easier clearance for walkways and lawns
- Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity

🌿 Choosing the Right Size

If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form
If you want long-term structure → Stand form
If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

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

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.