Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Poaceae

Genus:

Melica

Species:

Melica spectabilis

USDA Symbol:

MESP

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Graminoid

Height:

90 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Medium

Bloom Months:

jun,jul,aug

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds, small mammals

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fall Color:

tan, golden

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Resprouts from basal buds following fire; typical of mountain meadow bunchgrasses.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

well-drained, sandy to loamy soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

native to open woodlands and grasslands

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days

Germination Time:

14–28 days

Notes:

Cold stratification improves germination. Sow on surface or lightly covered.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI