Deer grass (Muhlenbergia rigens, J. Washington Acad. Sci. 23: 453 (1933))

Family: Poaceae

Author: (Benth.) Hitchc.

Bibliography: J. Washington Acad. Sci. 23: 453 (1933)

Year: 1933

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Muhlenbergia

Vegetable: False

Observations: SW. & SC. U.S.A. to Mexico

Description

Deer Grass, known scientifically as Muhlenbergia rigens, is a perennial grass species that belongs to the Poaceae family. Described by renowned botanist (Benth.) Hitchc. in a 1933 publication in the Journal of the Washington Academy of Sciences, this versatile and hardy plant is notable for its wide distribution across the southwestern and south-central regions of the United States, extending down into Mexico.

Thriving in diverse climates ranging from arid deserts to riparian zones, Deer Grass has adapted well to its various habitats. It is recognized for its tall, slender stems that can reach heights of up to several feet, providing both aesthetic appeal and functional benefits in landscaping and ecological restoration projects. The plant’s lush, green foliage and graceful, arching inflorescences not only contribute to its visual charm but also serve practical purposes by offering habitat and food for local wildlife.

Muhlenbergia rigens is typically utilized in garden settings and natural landscapes for erosion control and as a drought-tolerant ground cover. Its deep root system stabilizes soil and prevents erosion, making it an invaluable component in sustainable gardening practices and habitat conservation efforts.

From a botanical perspective, Deer Grass displays the characteristic features of the Poaceae family, including linear leaves, a fibrous root system, and flowers arranged in panicles. Its significance is underscored not only by its ecological roles but also by its cultural importance among indigenous communities who have historically used the plant for basket weaving and other crafts.

In summary, Deer Grass (Muhlenbergia rigens) stands out as a resilient and vital species within the Poaceae family, contributing to biodiversity and ecosystem stability across its range in the southwestern and south-central U.S.A. and Mexico.

Common Names

Eng: deer grass
En: Deer grass, Deergrass, Deer muhly

Synonyms

• Muhlenbergia mundula (I.M.Johnst.)
• Muhlenbergia leptoura ((Piper) Hitchc.)
• Muhlenbergia marshii (I.M.Johnst.)
• Epicampes leptoura (Piper)
• Crypsinna rigens ((Benth.) M.E.Jones)

Distribution

• Arizona (native)
• California (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Nevada (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• Texas (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Dec 22, 2017 by dekhu (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 28, 2020 by Johnny Johnny Burgess (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 19, 2022 by Kenji Liu (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 17, 2020 by Laurent Mortier (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 20, 2020 by Rodrigues Catarina (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Sep 6, 2021 by David Hinds (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 31, 2015 by EOL − James Bailey (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 31, 2015 by EOL − James Bailey (cc-by-nc)

Taken Feb 13, 2016 by EOL − Alison (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Peterson, P.M. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jul 6, 2015 by EOL − Cedric Lee (cc-by-nc-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2703951)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:164873-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Muhlenbergia rigens (Benth.) Hitchc.)

Specifications

Growth form>: Bunch

Growth habit>: Graminoid

Growth rate>: Moderate

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 5.5