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.
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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- 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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Annual 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