Use the table below to compare the growth habits and best uses for our favorite local varieties.
| Grass | Growth Habit | Sun Needs | Best Use |
| Big Muhly | Large Clump (5ft) | Full Sun | Privacy / Hedges |
| Bamboo Muhly | Feathery/Arching | Sun to Part Shade | Softening walls |
| Pine Muhly | Spiky/Upright | Full Sun | Modern/Small spaces |
| Mexican Feather | Delicate/Flowing | Full Sun | Rock gardens |
| Gulf Muhly | Mounded (3ft) | Full Sun | Fall Color / Massing |
Big Muhly (Muhlenbergia lindheimeri)
The Native choice: If you want the height and drama Big Muhly is your best bet. Growing 4–5 feet tall, this Texas native features stunning blue-gray foliage and silvery seed heads in the fall.
Best For: Privacy screens, hedges, or as a focal point in the back of a flower bed.
Austin Pro Tip: It is incredibly tough and handles our heavy “Blackland Prairie” clay soils better than almost any other ornamental grass.
Bamboo Muhly (Muhlenbergia dumosa)
The Lacy, Non-Invasive Beauty Bamboo Muhly is a showstopper for those who love the look of bamboo but fear its spreading nature. It has a delicate, feathery texture and woody stems that arch beautifully over walls or pots.
Best For: Softening hard edges, courtyard gardens, or as a large container plant.
Austin Pro Tip: This one likes a little protection from harsh North winds in the winter and actually appreciates some light afternoon shade during our 100°F July days.
Pine Muhly (Muhlenbergia dubia)
The Modern Minimalist If you have a smaller space or prefer a clean, architectural look, Pine Muhly is perfect. It looks like a tidy clump of green pine needles and stays much more compact than Big Muhly.
Unlike other grasses that can look ‘shaggy’ by mid-summer, Pine Muhly maintains its tight, fountain like shape all year round. Bonus, little grooming required.
Best For: Modern landscapes, rock gardens, or along walkways.
Austin Pro Tip: This grass is the “Xeric King.” It needs excellent drainage, so it’s a perfect choice for the rocky soil found in the Hill Country or West Austin.
Mexican Feather Grass (Nassella tenuissima)
Movement and Grace No grass captures the wind quite like Mexican Feather Grass. Its fine, lime-green blades turn to a soft blonde in the summer. When planted in groups, they create a shimmering, meadow-like effect that looks particularly stunning when backlit by the setting Texas sun.
Despite its delicate appearance, this grass is remarkably drought-tolerant. It thrives in the hottest most exposed areas of your landscape where other plants might struggle.
Best For: Adding motion to the garden or mass planting on slopes.
Austin Pro Tip: It is a prolific self-seeder! If you want to keep it contained, give it a “haircut” in early summer before the seeds drop.
Gulf Muhly (Muhlenbergia capillaris)
The Showstopper of Fall: No Austin garden is complete without the pink clouds of Gulf Muhly. It’s smaller than Big Muhly but packs a massive punch in the fall.
Best For: Front of borders or mass plantings for a “haze” effect.
Austin Pro Tip: Give it the sunniest spot in your yard to ensure the brightest pink blooms!
Visit Vivero Growers Nursery
Ready to see these grasses in person? Nothing beats seeing the different textures and sizes for yourself. Whether you’re looking for Gulf Muhly for its pink fall clouds or a structural Big Muhly, we have them all in stock and ready for your landscape.
Stop by Vivero Growers Nursery on Hwy 290 West to pick the perfect ornamental grasses for your yard!
