Bush Muhly
Muhlenbergia porteri
Last reviewed: June 2026
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Bush Muhly as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–24" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, NM and 4 more states
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Bush muhly is a compact native bunch grass that forms neat, rounded clumps with fine-textured foliage. It produces delicate, airy flower spikes from summer through fall that add graceful movement to the landscape.
In an HOA neighborhood
Bush Muhly is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
- Goes dormant in winter with brown foliage
Wildlife value
This grass provides nesting material and cover for small birds and ground-dwelling wildlife. The seeds feed quail, doves, and other desert birds.
Common questions
- How much sun does Bush Muhly need?
- Bush Muhly grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Bush Muhly bloom?
- Bush Muhly blooms in July, August, September, and October.
- Where is Bush Muhly native?
- Bush Muhly (Muhlenbergia porteri) is native to AZ, CA, CO, NM and 4 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Bush Muhly toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Bush Muhly as toxic to livestock.
- Is Bush Muhly HOA-friendly?
- Bush Muhly is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
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 Bush 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