California Melic
Melica californica
Care
full sun, part shade
very low
Medium; Tolerates a variety of soils as long as drainage is good. Tolerates serpentine soil..
1–4ft tall , 1–1ft wide
Jun-Aug
Resistant
Friendly
Chaparral, oak woodlands, and grasslands throughout California from sea level to 6,000 ft elevation
Care Guide
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.
Endangered & Threatened Species Supported
California endemic kangaroo rat
California Species of Special Concern due to habitat loss and localized population declines
Wildlife Supported
Birds
important winter diet supplement; forages ground-level seeds November-April
critical seed resource during fall migration and winter resident period; peak foraging September-March
Mammals
primary granivore; caches grass seeds; critical dietary component throughout year in appropriate habitat
Insects
fungal rust infection; critical during cool, wet spring conditions and fall senescence
fungal pathogen colonizing leaf surfaces; more prevalent in spring and fall with moderate temperatures
Reptiles
dense grass clumps provide shelter and hunting habitat for small vertebrates; active April-October