Bush Muhly
Muhlenbergia porteri
Last reviewed: June 2026
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.
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 Bush Muhly fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.