Melica imperfecta

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

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

Flower Color:
Green/Greenish
Exposure:
Sun or light shade
Soils:
Well-drained soil

Suggested Irrigation:
Occasional watering
Estimated Hardiness:
Hardy to 10 degrees F. or less

This is a common member of our native bunchgrass communities--or rather, what remains of them--found in open meadows and light oak woods and chaparral. It is graceful and fountainlike, with densely clustered stems, narrow leaves and slender, arching flowering stems 18-30 inches tall. The flower spikes are open and wispy, with small individual florets. It is a fine choice for natural and artificial meadows. Sun or light shade, reasonably well drained soils, occasional watering when established.