How much sun does Annual Muhly need?

Annual Muhly grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Annual Muhly bloom?

Annual Muhly blooms in July, August, and September.

Where is Annual Muhly native?

Annual Muhly (Muhlenbergia minutissima) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 10 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Annual Muhly HOA-friendly?

Annual Muhly takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Annual Muhly

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Muhlenbergia minutissima

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Annual Muhly (Muhlenbergia minutissima) 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.

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

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 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northwestern Forested Mountains Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range North American Deserts Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Chihuahuan Deserts Southwestern Tablelands Madrean Archipelago

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.

Common questions

How much sun does Annual Muhly need?: Annual Muhly grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Annual Muhly bloom?: Annual Muhly blooms in July, August, and September.
Where is Annual Muhly native?: Annual Muhly (Muhlenbergia minutissima) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 10 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Annual Muhly HOA-friendly?: Annual Muhly takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Annual Muhly? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz