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Cliff Muhly

Muhlenbergia sobolifera

Last reviewed: July 2026

Cliff Muhly (Muhlenbergia sobolifera)
Photo: Shaun Pogacnik / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–36" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 27 more states

Pollinators

bees, moths

Rock dropseed is a native grass that forms neat, compact clumps with fine-textured foliage. It produces delicate, airy flower panicles in late summer that add graceful movement to the landscape.

In an HOA neighborhood

Cliff 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 and turns tan in winter

Wildlife value

The flowers attract bees and moths during summer blooming. Seeds provide food for songbirds and small mammals in fall and winter.

Common questions

How much sun does Cliff Muhly need?
Cliff Muhly grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Cliff Muhly bloom?
Cliff Muhly blooms in July, August, and September.
Where is Cliff Muhly native?
Cliff Muhly (Muhlenbergia sobolifera) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 27 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Cliff Muhly attract?
Cliff Muhly draws bees and moths.
Is Cliff Muhly HOA-friendly?
Cliff 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 Cliff 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