Hairy Melicgrass
Melica ciliata
- Native to:
- Albania, Algeria, Austria, Baleares, Baltic States, Belgium, Bulgaria, China, Corse, Czechia-Slovakia, East Aegean Is., Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iran, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kriti, Krym, Lebanon-Syria, Madeira, Morocco, North Caucasus, NW. Balkan Pen., Portugal, Romania, Russia, Sardegna, Sicilia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Transcaucasus, Tunisia, Türkiye, Türkiye-in-Europe, Turkmenistan, Ukraine
Daderot
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Poaceae
- Genus:
- Melica
- Species:
- Melica ciliata
- USDA Symbol:
- MECI13
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Graminoid
- Height:
- 60 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul
- Bloom Colors:
- green, cream
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 crown after fire; typical of dry grassland species.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- dry, well-drained, calcareous soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- prefers rocky or sandy substrates
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–28 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily after cold stratification. Light may improve germination rates.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months.