Melica californica

Common Name:
California melic
Plant Type:
Grass
Family:
Poaceae (The Grass Family)
Geographic Origin:
California
California Native?:
Yes

Plant Size:
2 feet high
Landscape/Garden Uses:
banks
Flowering Season:
Spring and summer

Flower Color:
Green/Greenish
Exposure:
Sun or light shade
Soils:
Most soils

Suggested Irrigation:
Moderate to little watering
Estimated Hardiness:
Hardy to 0 degrees F. or less

Green leaves form dense clumps to about 12 inches high; flower stems with green and silvery flowers rise to 24 inches. This bunchgrass is similar to small-flower melic grass, Melica imperfecta, but is larger in leaf and a little larger and taller in flower. It occurs throughout California and into Oregon on rocky hillsides, in oak woodland and conifer forests. The rich green leaves and tidy habit provide a nice accent in mixed plantings. Summer drought will encourage dormancy.