California vanilla grass

Planting

Plant California vanilla grass in deep shade, where it thrives in the understory conditions of coastal forests. Space plants to accommodate the spreading rhizomatous growth habit. Plant during the cooler months (fall through early spring) when the plant is dormant or just beginning growth, giving it time to establish before summer heat.

After Planting

Water moderately during the first growing season to help establish the root system, tapering back once the plant is well-established. Expect the plant to spread gradually via rhizomes, reaching about 3 feet tall at maturity. This is a low-maintenance native that prefers to be left undisturbed once settled in - avoid overwatering, which can stress a plant adapted to woodland moisture patterns rather than irrigated garden conditions.

Birds

higSavannah Sparrow

Seeds · Year-Round

resident and winter visitor; forages on grass seeds throughout cool season

higWhite-crowned Sparrow

Seeds · Fall

critical fall migration fuel source; grazes on mature seed heads September-November

modSpotted Towhee

Seeds · Fall

scratches leaf litter for seeds in grassland habitats; important fall food source

Insects

modHover fly

Foliage · Spring

larval host plant; larvae feed on aphids associated with grass