Scratchgrass

Muhlenbergia asperifolia

Native to:
Argentina, Bolivia, Canada, Chile, Mexico, United States

📍 View on iNaturalist →

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