UC Master Gardeners, Santa Clara County, CA
University of California
UC Master Gardeners, Santa Clara County, CA

Water Wise Plants

Muhlenbergia emersleyi

Pronunciation
muh-len-BER-jee-ah e-MERS-lee-eye
Common Name
Bull Grass
Plant Type
Grass
Mature Size
1 1/2 ft tall and 3 - 4 ft wide
Water Requirements
Low: water every three weeks until the root ball is wet
Sun/Shade Requirements
Full to half sun
Wildlife
Flower Color
No flowers
Maintenance- Design- Planting Tips

Muhlenbergia emersleyi is a wonderful grass to include in perennial flower beds because it doesn't get too big. In the late summer and fall this grass has attractive reddish flower spikes on green foliage. The winter form is lovely as well. Some describe the winter color as cream, tan or brown. This grass would look attractive planted in a larger group or even in a meadow.

This plant can be hard to find, but is well worth requesting from a nursery as a special order.

PADG Notes: This grass is extremely low maintenance and unlike many other grasses doesn't need to be divided every couple years. To keep this grass attractive, the old foliage is raked out to make room for the green spring growth. 

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