Alkali Muhly
Muhlenbergia asperifolia
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Alkali Muhly (Muhlenbergia asperifolia) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Alkali Muhly as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–24" H × 8"–16" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, IA and 25 more states
Pollinators
bees
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Alkali sacaton is a fine-textured native bunch grass that forms compact clumps with delicate, airy seed heads. This drought-tolerant perennial thrives in alkaline soils and requires minimal water once established. It produces feathery plumes from summer through early fall that add graceful movement to the landscape.
In an HOA neighborhood
Alkali Muhly is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
Wildlife value
The seeds provide food for birds and small wildlife. Summer blooms attract bees and other pollinators.
Common questions
- How much sun does Alkali Muhly need?
- Alkali Muhly grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Alkali Muhly bloom?
- Alkali Muhly blooms in July, August, and September.
- Where is Alkali Muhly native?
- Alkali Muhly (Muhlenbergia asperifolia) is native to AZ, CA, CO, IA and 25 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- Is Alkali Muhly toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Alkali Muhly as toxic to livestock.
- What pollinators does Alkali Muhly attract?
- Alkali Muhly draws bees.
- Is Alkali Muhly HOA-friendly?
- Alkali Muhly is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Alkali Muhly? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz