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Melica californica (California Melic Grass)

California Melic Grass, California Melicgrass

Melica californica, California Melic Grass, California Melicgrass, California Native Plants

Melica californica (California Melic Grass) is a cool-season bunchgrass with narrow, bright green leaves in winter and spring, turning golden brown by summer. Pretty flower spikes with translucent, papery bracts rise above the clump of basal foliage in spring to late summer. The flower clusters are attractive even after this perennial grass has gone dormant in late summer or fall. Native to Oregon and California, California Melic Grass can be found in many types of habitats, from mountain forests to open grassland at sea level. Its deep root system and drought tolerance makes it a good choice for slope stabilization. Great for water-wise gardens or dry shade gardens too.

  • Grows up to 1-4 ft. tall (30-120 cm) and 1-2 ft. wide (30-60 cm). Most readily self-seed.
  • Performs best in full sun or part shade in a variety of well-drained soils. Infrequent to no summer water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers part shade with moderate water. Tolerates sand, clay and serpentine.
  • Good background or accent plant for perennial borders, cottage gardens, rock gardens, banks and slopes for erosion control or meadows.
  • No serious pest or disease issues. Deer resistant.
  • Native to California, Oregon.

Requirements

Hardiness 6 - 10
Climate Zones 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 5, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Ornamental Grasses
Plant Family Poaceae
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 1' - 4'
(30cm - 120cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 24" (60cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Showy
Native Plants United States, California, Pacific Northwest, Oregon
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Dry Soil
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Banks And Slopes, Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Informal and Cottage, Gravel and Rock Garden
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Recommended Companion Plants

Eschscholzia californica (California Poppy)
Salvia spathacea (Hummingbird Sage)
Ranunculus californicus (California Buttercup)
Heteromeles arbutifolia (Toyon)
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 6 - 10
Climate Zones 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 5, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Ornamental Grasses
Plant Family Poaceae
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 1' - 4'
(30cm - 120cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 24" (60cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Showy
Native Plants United States, California, Pacific Northwest, Oregon
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Dry Soil
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Banks And Slopes, Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Informal and Cottage, Gravel and Rock Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?

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