Scratchgrass
Muhlenbergia asperifolia
- Native to:
- Argentina, Bolivia, Canada, Chile, Mexico, United States
Robert H. Mohlenbrock






Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Poaceae
- Genus:
- Muhlenbergia
- Species:
- Muhlenbergia asperifolia
- USDA Symbol:
- MUAS
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Graminoid
- Height:
- 60 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- purple, green
- Ground Cover:
- Yes
- Lawn Substitute:
- Yes
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts from rhizomes after fire; can increase in abundance with periodic burning.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- commonly found in saline or alkaline soils
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily after cold stratification; surface sow on moist soil.
Pre-treatment: None required
Source: npn.rngr.net
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Native Seed Group (seeds)