california melic grass
Melica californica
USDA zones6 to 10
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterNeeds dry soil
Size1 to 4 feet tall12 to 24 inches wide
- Habit
- Grass/grass-like
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn, winter
- Bloom color
- Green , purple , brown
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
California melic grass (Melica californica) is a grass for borders and low maintenance gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 6, or down to -10°F (-23°C). This plant likes full or part sun and dry, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. It handles drought well and draws butterflies. Deer usually look elsewhere for a meal. The flowers show green, purple, and brown tones.
Pairs well with California poppy, Hummingbird sage, and California buttercup.
Native range
CA and OR.