Muhly Grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris) is a native perennial known for its striking ornamental appeal, particularly its signature pink or purple plumes that appear as a hazy cloud in the fall landscape. This aesthetic appeal is matched by a practical benefit for gardeners concerned about local wildlife. The species is reliably categorized as a highly deer-resistant plant.
The Definitive Answer: Muhly Grass Characteristics
Muhly Grass is rarely eaten by deer due to the physical and chemical characteristics of its foliage. Deer are highly selective foragers, and the mature blades of this grass are wiry, tough, and fine-textured, making them difficult to chew. This abrasive texture is further enhanced by the presence of silica within the grass blades, which acts as a natural deterrent by irritating the mouth of a browsing animal.
The plant also offers a poor nutritional return for the effort required to consume it. Deer instinctively seek out soft, protein-rich, and easily digestible vegetation to meet their energy needs. Muhly Grass is low in both moisture and overall nutritional content, meaning the effort of struggling with the tough blades provides little reward. Because of this inherent lack of palatability, Muhly Grass is not considered a preferred food source.
When Deer Might Still Graze
While Muhly Grass is highly resistant, no plant is completely deer-proof, and external pressures can sometimes override this natural defense. In extreme environmental conditions, such as severe drought, deep snow, or widespread habitat loss, deer may be forced to consume non-preferred plants out of sheer necessity. During these times of high nutritional stress, any available plant material, regardless of taste or texture, becomes a temporary food source.
High population density in a local area also increases the pressure on all vegetation, pushing animals to settle for less palatable options. The most vulnerable time for the grass is during the spring, when new shoots emerge. This tender, young growth has not yet developed the tough, wiry texture of the mature foliage, making it slightly more susceptible to initial browsing. Once the plant matures and the blades toughen, it typically becomes unappealing again.
Landscape Strategy for Deer Control
Gardeners can enhance the natural resistance of Muhly Grass through strategic placement in the landscape. Planting the grass in large masses or using it as a dense border creates a physical and textural barrier that deer are reluctant to traverse. This method utilizes the grass’s unappealing nature to protect entire sections of a garden.
The abrasive foliage can also be strategically placed around plants that deer are known to prefer, such as hostas or certain flowering shrubs, using the grass as a living shield. Overly fertilizing or excessively watering the plant can lead to softer, lusher growth, which might temporarily increase its attractiveness to browsing animals. Allowing the grass to mature fully in lean soil maximizes its natural defense mechanisms.