Muttongrass

Muttongrass (Poa fendleriana) is one of the West’s most reliable native grasses—rugged, adaptable, and surprisingly attractive in a naturalistic planting. With its tidy bunching habit and soft green blades, it works well for stabilizing soil, feeding wildlife, or simply creating a subtle foundation for native wildflowers and shrubs. It's especially valued in rangeland restoration, but also shines in low-water landscapes and native gardens.

This cool-season grass is a quiet workhorse: fast to establish, highly drought tolerant once mature, and resilient under harsh conditions. While not showy, its delicate flower spikes add texture in late spring and early summer. If you're looking for a native alternative to turf or a soil-holding backbone in a dry garden design, Muttongrass is a time-tested, ecologically sound choice.