Bamboo Muhly

(Muhlenbergia dumosa)

Bamboo Muhly (Muhlenbergia dumosa)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Muhlenbergia dumosa, commonly known as Bamboo Muhly, is a deciduous perennial grass native to the semi-arid regions, including open woodlands and rocky slopes in Sonora and Chihuahua of Western Mexico. It typically grows to a height of 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters) and a width of 3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 meters), featuring a bamboo-like appearance with its airy, fine-textured foliage and upright, arching stems. The plant produces feathery, light green inflorescences in late summer to fall, which add a delicate, wispy aesthetic to the garden landscape.

Bamboo Muhly is valued for its soft, billowy form and movement it brings to the garden, resembling bamboo but without the invasive tendencies. It is used in ornamental gardens for its texture and as a privacy screen or informal hedge due to its dense growth habit. This grass is adaptable to a range of soil types, provided they have good drainage, and it tolerates drought once established, though it prefers regular watering. It thrives in full sun to part shade and is relatively low-maintenance, requiring only occasional trimming to keep it looking tidy. While generally pest-free, it can be susceptible to spider mites during hot, dry conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Grass
  • Height: 4-6 feet
  • Width: 3-5 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Fall, Winter
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bird Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Semi-arid regions, open woodlands, and rocky slopes in Sonora and Chihuahua of Western Mexico

Other Names

Common Names:

Scientific Names: Muhlenbergia dumosa , Muhlenbergia dumosa var. minor

GBIF Accepted Name: Muhlenbergia dumosa Scribn. ex Vasey