General Culture:
Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun. Also grows well in light shade. Good drought tolerance. Wide range of soil tolerance except for consistently wet conditions. Many nurseries rate this grass as only winter hardy to USDA Zones 7-10 which is consistent with where it grows in nature. However, it may be able to withstand the colder winter condition of USDA Zones 5 and 6. In the St. Louis area, it may be best to grow this grass in a protected area due to the current uncertainty regarding the limits of its winter hardiness.
Noteworthy Characteristics:
Deer grass is a clump-forming, cool season perennial grass which is native to the southwestern U.S. (California to Texas) and Mexico. Features slender gray-green leaves typically growing in a dense clump to 2-4' tall. Stems are initially erect, but begin to arch outward as the summer progresses producing an attractive weeping effect. Narrow purple to yellow flower spikes (color comes from the anthers) rise above the foliage clump in September-October to a height of 5-6'. Foliage turns the color of light straw in fall and clump may retain good color and form in milder winters. Dried leaves may be used in basketry.
Problems:
No serious insect or disease problems.
Uses:
Naturalized areas, native plant gardens or dry slopes. Can also be an effective rear border accent.
© Missouri Botanical
Garden, 2001-2009
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