Muhlenbergia asperifolia
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Muhlenbergia asperifolia

Alkali muhly · Scratch grass · Rough-leaved dropseed · Rough-leaved muhly · Fine-top saltgrass

Tier 2 Difficulty: easy Water: low Light: full_sun
Temperature
10–35 °C
Soil pH
6–8
Hardiness
Zone 6–9
0
Observations
1

Description

Source: wikipedia (CC BY-SA)

Muhlenbergia asperifolia is a species of grass known as alkali muhly and scratchgrass. It is native to much of North America, including most of southern Canada, most of the continental United States except for the southeastern region, and parts of northern Mexico. It also grows in South America.

Care Guide

💧 Water

Scratch grass thrives under varying moisture conditions, needing only moderate watering—approximately once a week. Its resilience allows it to adapt to both somewhat moist and slightly dry environments, with its growth being influenced by seasonal rainfall patterns.

☀️ Light Full sun

Scratch grass is a perennial herbaceous species that originates in open habitats and is frequently found in meadows and grasslands. It favors full sun exposure but can also tolerate partial sun conditions.

Ideal: Full sun
🌡️ Temperature 10–35°C

Scratch grass can adjust to a wide range of temperature conditions, but its distribution may still be restricted by different combinations of moisture and heat. It performs best in warm summer climates with sufficient rainfall or watering. Long periods of cloudy, rainy weather, as well as prolonged high temperatures, can raise the likelihood of Scratch grass dying. In winter, protecting it from cold can increase the plant's survival rate.

Ideal temperature: 10–35°C
💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 6-8
Soil pH: 6-8
🌱 Fertilizer

Scratch grass needs extra nutrients to encourage healthy new growth. In spring, applying compost around the plant's base can effectively supply the nutrition it requires. Fertilizing supports robust growth and helps the plant withstand diseases and pests.

🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning

Scratch grass, known for its fine texture and sprawling growth, thrives when pruned in early spring. Remove any dead stems to encourage healthy growth, but be careful not to prune too heavily. Gentle shaping helps maintain vigor, prevents overcrowding, and improves air circulation. This practice results in a tidy appearance and promotes robust health for the plant.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Grass
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Muhlenbergia
Family
Poaceae
Hardiness Zone
6-9
Mature Height
10 cm to 61 cm
Mature Spread
30 cm to 61 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Leaf Type
Semi-evergreen
Flower Size
0.20 cm to 0.25 cm
Bloom Time
Summer
Planting Time
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Harvest Time
Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall
Native Area
Mexico, Bolivia

Tags (6)

Common Names (5)

en Alkali muhly
en Scratch grass
en Rough-leaved dropseed
en Rough-leaved muhly
en Fine-top saltgrass