''Melica californica'' is a species of
grass known by the common name California melic.
Distribution
This grass is native to
Oregon and
California, where it grows in many types of habitat, from mountain forests to open
grassland at sea level.
[POACEAE_GRASS FAMILY](_blank)
/ref>[Melica californica Scribn._California melicgrass_USDA](_blank)
/ref>
Description
''Melica californica'' is a perennial bunch grass, generally with rhizome
In botany and dendrology, a rhizome (; , ) is a modified subterranean plant stem that sends out roots and shoots from its nodes. Rhizomes are also called creeping rootstalks or just rootstalks. Rhizomes develop from axillary buds and grow hori ...
s, producing a dense cluster of stems up to about in maximum height. The inflorescence is a narrow series of purple-banded green spikelets.
Cultivation
''Melica californica'' is cultivated in the specialty horticulture trade and available as an ornamental grass for: natural landscape
A natural landscape is the original landscape that exists before it is acted upon by human culture
Culture () is an umbrella term which encompasses the social behavior, institutions, and norms found in human societies, as well as the kn ...
, native plant, drought tolerant water conserving, and habitat garden
A wildlife garden (or wild garden) is an environment created by a gardener that serves as a sustainable haven for surrounding wildlife. Wildlife gardens contain a variety of habitats that cater to native and local plants, birds, amphibians, ...
s
See also
*California native plants
California native plants are plants that existed in California prior to the arrival of European explorers and colonists in the late 18th century. California includes parts of at least three phytochoria. The largest is the California Floristic ...
References
External links
Calflora Database: ''Melica californica'' (California melic, California melicgrass)Jepson Manual Treatment: ''Melica californica''Grass Manual Treatment: ''Melica californica''''Melica californica'' Photo gallery
california
Native grasses of California
Bunchgrasses of North America
Flora of Oregon
Flora of the Sierra Nevada (United States)
Natural history of the California chaparral and woodlands
Natural history of the California Coast Ranges
Natural history of the Peninsular Ranges
Natural history of the San Francisco Bay Area
Natural history of the Santa Monica Mountains
Natural history of the Transverse Ranges
Garden plants of North America
Drought-tolerant plants
Plants described in 1885
Flora without expected TNC conservation status
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