Sonoran Desert Naturalist >>> Field Guide >>> Sonoran Desert Flora >>> Poaceae >>> Muhlenbergia rigens

Deer Grass

Muhlenbergia rigens

 

Photo © by Mike Plagens

This photo was taken along Mesquite Wash, Four Peaks foothills, eastern Maricopa Co., Arizona, USA. May 2009.

PERENNIAL: May become partially dormant after severe frost or drought, but remains alive with new growth from crown when conditions improve. Clumps are typically a meter or more tall and wide.

LEAVES: Long blades are about a half cm wide and flat.

RANGE: Common in sandy washes near/in mountains in the Sonoran Desert: requires a pretty good underground water source. Being pushed out by exotic invasives: Buffel Grass, Fountain Grass and Tamarisk.

FLOWERS: Long, narrow spikes reach up 2 meters and flower late spring to early fall.

UNARMED:

Poaceae -- Grass Family

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Copyright Michael J. Plagens, 1999-2009