Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Poaceae

Genus:

Muhlenbergia

Species:

Muhlenbergia californica

USDA Symbol:

MUCA

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Graminoid

Height:

90 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Medium

Bloom Months:

jun,jul,aug,sep,oct

Bloom Colors:

purple, green

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds, small mammals

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fall Color:

tan, brown

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Resprouts vigorously from the root crown following fire. Common in fire-prone chaparral and riparian margins.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

well-drained, sandy or rocky soil

pH:

6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

prefers open, sunny areas

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days

Germination Time:

14–30 days

Notes:

Germinates best with light exposure and consistent moisture. Cold stratification improves germination rates.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI