Muhlenbergia rigida, commonly known as Purple Muhly, is an evergreen perennial grass native to a variety of habitats including open woodlands, grasslands, and desert areas throughout the Americas. It typically grows to a height of 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters) and a width of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters). This grass is characterized by its stiff, upright growth habit and slender, purple-tinged inflorescences that appear in late summer to fall, adding a soft, feathery texture to the landscape.

Purple Muhly is valued for its drought tolerance and its striking visual interest when in bloom. It is often used in naturalistic plantings, xeriscaping, and as an accent in borders or mass plantings. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soils, making it suitable for a range of garden settings. While it is low-maintenance, it can benefit from occasional watering during prolonged dry spells and should be cut back in late winter to early spring to encourage fresh growth. It is not commonly associated with serious pests or diseases, but overwatering can lead to root rot.CC BY-SA 4.0