// SPECIES PROFILE · GRASS · NATIVE

Plains muhly

Muhlenbergia cuspidata

Plains muhly (Muhlenbergia cuspidata) is a grass in the — family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO. Hardy in zones 2a–9a. Mature size 1"–30". Blooms Apr–May.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: —
Group: grass
Native range: Native to 21 U.S. states, including AR, CO, IA, IL, IN, KS…
USDA hardiness: Zones 2a–9a
Mature size: 1"–30"
Sun: Full sun
Water: Low · xeric
Bloom: Apr–May
Wildlife value: Pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: native species profile

Plains muhly (Muhlenbergia cuspidata) — *Muhlenbergia cuspidata* — Plains muhly. Photo by Matt Lavin via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Plains muhly (Muhlenbergia cuspidata) is a grass in the — family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO. Hardy in zones 2a–9a. Mature size 1"–30". Blooms Apr–May. Low water use makes it a strong candidate for xeric and drought-conscious plantings.

Why it's on this list: native species profile. Native-range data from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (NPIN), cross-checked against iNaturalist observations. Part of Rooted Revival's regional native plant catalog — true natives for Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas.

Companion Planting

[ guild · polyculture · cross-layer pairings ]

In the same native range, plains muhly pairs naturally with: Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), Canada Wild Rye (Elymus canadensis), Fox Sedge (Carex vulpinoidea), Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium).