Green Muhly
Muhlenbergia racemosa
Last reviewed: August 2026
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Green Muhly as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
24"–48" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AZ, CO, IA, ID and 22 more states
Pollinators
bees, moths
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 432 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Green spikerush is a compact native grass that forms neat clumps with fine-textured foliage. It produces delicate, airy flower spikes in late summer that add graceful movement to the landscape.
In an HOA neighborhood
Green 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 brown in winter
Wildlife value
The summer blooms attract bees and moths, while the seeds provide food for birds. This grass also serves as habitat for beneficial insects throughout the growing season.
Common questions
- How much sun does Green Muhly need?
- Green Muhly grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Green Muhly bloom?
- Green Muhly blooms in July, August, and September.
- Where is Green Muhly native?
- Green Muhly (Muhlenbergia racemosa) is native to AZ, CO, IA, ID and 22 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- Is Green Muhly toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Green Muhly as toxic to livestock.
- What pollinators does Green Muhly attract?
- Green Muhly draws bees and moths.
- Is Green Muhly HOA-friendly?
- Green Muhly is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Green 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