California Oniongrass
Melicacalifornica

Family: Poaceae (poh-AY-see-ee)
Genus: Melica (ME-lee-kuh)
Species: californica (kal-ih-FOR-nik-uh)

Category
Ornamental Grasses and Bamboo

Water Requirements
Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping

Sun Exposure
Full Sun

Foliage

Foliage Color

Height
12-18 in. (30-45 cm)
18-24 in. (45-60 cm)
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)

Spacing
12-15 in. (30-38 cm)
15-18 in. (38-45 cm)
18-24 in. (45-60 cm)

Hardiness

Where to Grow

Danger
N/A

Bloom Color

Bloom Characteristics

Bloom Size

Bloom Time
Late Spring/Early Summer
Mid Summer
Late Summer/Early Fall

Other details

Soil pH requirements
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)

Patent Information

Propagation Methods
By dividing the rootball
From seed; direct sow outdoors in fall
Self-sows freely; deadhead if you do not want volunteer seedlings next season

Seed Collecting
Collect seedhead/pod when flowers fade; allow to dry
Allow seedheads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds
Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored