Bush Muhly

Muhlenbergia porteri

Petey Mesquitey

Plant Type(s)	Grass
Native to Arizona	Yes!
Water Needs	Low
Sun	Full sun, partial shade
Has Spines	No
Size In relative feet, width by height	1-3' × 1-4'
Freeze Tolerant	Yes
Flowering Season	August-November
Flower Color	Pink
Minimum Temperature Range	10-15 °F
Leaf Description	Sheaths point away from stems, one of the few grasses which branches aboveground
Fruit	Tan with a long awn (stiff terminal hairs)
View on SEINet	View SEINet Entry
Range Map	View SEINet Range Map
Elevation Range	2000-6000 ft.
Description	Bush muhly is fairly understated most of the year, often appearing as a tangled mass of dry stems and leaves tucked under the covering of mesquite (Prosopis velutina) or other shrubs. This species occurs across western, central, and southern Arizona on rocky or sandy, well draining soils on slopes or wash margins. When (if) the rains come in the summer then this species springs to life, greening up and developing loose sprays of pinkish seedheads. These masses of densely branched grass plants are truly gorgeous, and this is one of the best grasses for arid gardens, as long as you are willing to accept the portion of the year where bush muhly is dormant.