June grass
Koeleria macrantha
Care
full sun, part shade
low
Fast, Medium, Slow; Tolerates a variety of soils.
0–2ft tall , 1–1ft wide
Mar-May
Deciduous
Resistant
Friendly
Grasslands throughout California from sea level to 10000 ft elevation, extending to Oregon and east.
Care Guide
Planting
Plant June grass in full sun in a location with good drainage - it tolerates fast, medium, or slow-draining soils and adapts to a variety of soil types, making it very forgiving. Plant in spring or fall when temperatures are mild. Space plants about 12–18 inches apart to allow room for the tuft to develop. This California native thrives in Bay Area conditions and requires no special soil preparation.
After Planting
Water weekly during the first summer to establish deep roots, then taper off to the low-water schedule this grass prefers once it's established (typically by fall of year one). June grass is deciduous and will go dormant and brown in summer - this is normal, not a sign of problems. The #1 mistake is overwatering; once established, this plant needs very little supplemental water and actually prefers drier conditions. You can cut back dead foliage in late winter if desired, but the plant is otherwise maintenance-free.
Wildlife Supported
Birds
Primary seed foraging in fall and winter months
Insects
Specialized feeder on Koeleria macrantha; persistent throughout active growth periods
Larval host plant for skipper butterflies in spring and early summer
Foliage consumption in fall months
Primary herbivory during summer growing season
Fungal pathogen affecting foliage in spring under humid conditions