California Melic

Planting

Plant California Melic in part shade with well-draining soil - it tolerates a variety of soil types, including serpentine, as long as drainage is good. Space plants to accommodate their mature size of 1 to 4 feet tall. Spring is the ideal planting season in the Bay Area to let your new plant establish before summer.

After Planting

Water weekly during the first summer, then wean off to once a week or less once established. This grass is very low-water after year one and needs minimal irrigation - expect it to go dormant and turn attractive golden-brown by late summer or fall, which is completely normal and not a sign of distress. The #1 mistake is overwatering; resist the urge to keep it green through summer dormancy, as excess moisture can rot the roots. No pruning is necessary; simply enjoy the purple-banded flower clusters that persist even after the plant has dried down.

Birds

higDark-eyed Junco

Seeds · Year-Round

important winter diet supplement; forages ground-level seeds November-April

higWhite-crowned Sparrow

Seeds · Year-Round

critical seed resource during fall migration and winter resident period; peak foraging September-March

Mammals

higHeermann's Kangaroo Rat

Seeds · Year-Round

primary granivore; caches grass seeds; critical dietary component throughout year in appropriate habitat

Reptiles

modWestern Terrestrial Garter Snake

Shelter · Year-Round

dense grass clumps provide shelter and hunting habitat for small vertebrates; active April-October