Skip to main content

Green Muhly

Muhlenbergia racemosa

Last reviewed: June 2026

Green Muhly (Muhlenbergia racemosa)
Photo: Jim Pisarowicz / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

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

Browse 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.

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 Green Muhly fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.