Mutton Grass
Poa fendlerianafam. Poaceae
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Pl. 4537 — Poa fendleriana
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IOverview
Overview
Mutton Grass (Poa fendleriana) is a perennial grass native to the western and northern United States as well as parts of Canada and Mexico. It thrives in moist environments with light soil types—both sandy and clay—and prefers full sun exposure. This plant can grow up to 0.5 meters tall and is known for its edible seed, making it valuable for forage or culinary use. Its adaptability to various soil conditions and wide native range make Mutton Grass a notable presence in the grass family (Poaceae).
Quick answers
What is Mutton Grass?
Mutton Grass (Poa fendleriana) is a perennial grass native to the western and northern United States as well as parts of Canada and Mexico. It thrives in moist environments with light soil types—both sandy and clay—and prefers full sun exposure.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Mutton Grass thrives in full sun and requires moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). This perennial grows to a height of about 0.5 meters and is commonly found in habitats across North America and parts of Mexico. For cultivation, propagate via seed. The plant prefers a soil pH between 6 and 8. Being native to temperate regions, it should be hardy in similar conditions. Harvest the edible seed for consumption.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Graminoid
Mature size
0.5 m tall
Soil pH
6–8
For first-time growers
How to grow Mutton Grass for the first time
8steps
Start with Mutton Grass as a simple, low-maintenance perennial for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
A packet of seeds or small plants, a trowel, and water.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring or late fall when the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with full sun. Prepare soil that's light, medium, or heavy by loosening it with a trowel.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 0.5 meters apart in the ground or plant small plants at this spacing.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not soggy, and mulch lightly if needed.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water when the top inch of soil dries out. Mow or trim as needed to maintain shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead foliage in early spring to encourage new growth and a tidy appearance.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too close together, neglecting to prune dead leaves.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Seed
Edible uses: The seed of Mutton Grass is edible and can be harvested for consumption. Typically, the seeds are collected and prepared by drying before being ground into flour or used whole in various dishes. Skip if no further details on preparation methods are provided.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
21 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
21 native · 0 introducedDistribution across0 continents· 21 native
Broader regions
native:Alberta, Arizona, British Columbia, California, Colorado, Idaho, Manitoba, Mexico Northeast, Mexico Northwest, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Poaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Poaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 4537097e-eac4-4f88-9a22-667889a8aa4e
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