Annual Muhly
Muhlenbergia minutissima
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
2"–8" H × 1"–4" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, ID and 10 more states
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Annual muhly is a tiny native grass that forms small, delicate tufts in summer. This diminutive annual produces fine-textured foliage and wispy seed heads during the growing season before completing its life cycle.
In an HOA neighborhood
Annual Muhly takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Extremely small size makes it nearly invisible in landscape
- Annual lifecycle creates gaps when plants die
- Can appear weedy or incomplete in formal settings
Wildlife value
As a native grass, it provides seeds for small birds and habitat for beneficial insects. The fine structure offers nesting material and shelter for tiny wildlife.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Annual Muhly fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.