How much sun does Nimblewill need?

Nimblewill grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Nimblewill bloom?

Nimblewill blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Nimblewill native?

Nimblewill (Muhlenbergia schreberi) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CA and 36 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Nimblewill toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Nimblewill as toxic to livestock.

Is Nimblewill HOA-friendly?

Nimblewill is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Nimblewill

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Muhlenbergia schreberi

Last reviewed: August 2026

Nimblewill (Muhlenbergia schreberi) is a perennial grass native to AL, AR, AZ, CA and 36 more states. It blooms in June, July, and August. It reads as an intentional, HOA-friendly planting in the right spot.

Toxicity unknown

Nimblewill (Muhlenbergia schreberi) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Nimblewill as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

24"–36" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, CA and 36 more states

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 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

High Plains Central Great Plains Great Plains Cross Timbers Edwards Plateau Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains Eastern Temperate Forests Ozark Highlands Central Irregular Plains Piedmont Western Corn Belt Plains Driftless Area Southeastern Wisconsin Till Plains Central Corn Belt Plains Eastern Corn Belt Plains Southern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift Plains Huron/Erie Lake Plains Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Northern Allegheny Plateau Erie Drift Plain Northern Forests Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Central Appalachians Western Allegheny Plateau Interior Plateau Interior River Valleys and Hills Mississippi Alluvial Plain Mississippi Valley Loess Plains Southern Coastal Plain Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Nimblewill is a low-growing native grass that forms dense, spreading mats with fine-textured foliage. It produces delicate, wispy seed heads in summer and turns golden-brown in fall before going dormant in winter.

Growing Nimblewill

Grow Nimblewill in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 24 to 36 inches tall and spread 6 to 18 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Nimblewill is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 2 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, mid zone.

Cut back in late winter

Wildlife value

This grass provides habitat and nesting material for small wildlife and produces seeds that feed songbirds in late summer and fall.

Common questions

How much sun does Nimblewill need?: Nimblewill grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Nimblewill bloom?: Nimblewill blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Nimblewill native?: Nimblewill (Muhlenbergia schreberi) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CA and 36 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Nimblewill toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Nimblewill as toxic to livestock.
Is Nimblewill HOA-friendly?: Nimblewill 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 Nimblewill? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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