How much sun does Richardson'S Muhly need?

Richardson'S Muhly grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Richardson'S Muhly bloom?

Richardson'S Muhly blooms in July, August, and September.

Where is Richardson'S Muhly native?

Richardson'S Muhly (Muhlenbergia richardsonis) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 14 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Richardson'S Muhly toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Richardson'S Muhly as toxic to livestock.

Is Richardson'S Muhly HOA-friendly?

Richardson'S Muhly is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Richardson'S Muhly

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Muhlenbergia richardsonis

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Richardson'S Muhly (Muhlenbergia richardsonis) 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 Richardson'S Muhly as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

8"–24" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, ID and 14 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 437 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

Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Southern California Mountains North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains High Plains Southwestern Tablelands Northwestern Glaciated Plains Northwestern Great Plains Great Plains Northern Glaciated Plains Western Corn Belt Plains North Central Hardwood Forests

Mat muhly is a low-growing native bunch grass that forms compact clumps with fine-textured foliage. It produces delicate seed heads in summer and fall, turning golden-tan as it goes dormant in winter. This drought-tolerant grass works well as a groundcover or accent plant in xeric landscapes.

In an HOA neighborhood

Richardson'S Muhly is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

Dormant winter appearance may look brown and sparse

Wildlife value

The seed heads provide food for small birds and ground-feeding species. As a native grass, it supports various insects and small wildlife throughout the growing season.

Common questions

How much sun does Richardson'S Muhly need?: Richardson'S Muhly grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Richardson'S Muhly bloom?: Richardson'S Muhly blooms in July, August, and September.
Where is Richardson'S Muhly native?: Richardson'S Muhly (Muhlenbergia richardsonis) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 14 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Richardson'S Muhly toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Richardson'S Muhly as toxic to livestock.
Is Richardson'S Muhly HOA-friendly?: Richardson'S 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 Richardson'S Muhly? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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