MUHLENBERGIA rigens. Deer grass. I admired this California native for years in botanical gardens before I recognized it as a frequent companion on my trips in the wild. It forms dense, fountainlike clumps, 2-3' tall in leaf, up to 6' in bloom. The narrow light green leaves extend to nearly 2' long. Short flower clusters are narrowly pressed along the tall blooming stems, giving them a wandlike appearance. They persist through the winter, creating beautiful silhouettes. Sun or light shade, most soils, moderate to occasional watering.