Bearded Melicgrass
Melica aristata
- Native to:
- United States
Dean Wm. Taylor (www.flickr.com)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Poaceae
- Genus:
- Melica
- Species:
- Melica aristata
- USDA Symbol:
- MEAR3
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Graminoid
- Height:
- 100 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts from basal buds following fire; adapted to periodic low-intensity burns in open forest and grassland habitats.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- well-drained, sandy or loamy soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- prefers open, sunny habitats
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
Pre-treatment: Seeds are placed in mesh bags, which are then placed in gallon freezer bags filled with wet soil mix. These are stored in a cooler at 40° F for 90 days. After stratification, germinated seeds are transplanted into 10 ci conetainers filled with Sunshine Mix #4, and watered heavily.
Source: npn.rngr.net