Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Poaceae

Genus:

Melica

Species:

Melica subulata

USDA Symbol:

MESU

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Graminoid

Height:

120 cm

Light Requirements:

Part Shade

Drought Tolerance:

Medium

Bloom Months:

may,jun,jul

Bloom Colors:

green, purple

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds, small mammals

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Resprouts from base after fire; typical of understory grasses in fire-prone coniferous forests.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

rich, well-drained loamy soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

prefers forested or woodland areas

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days

Germination Time:

14–30 days

Notes:

Seeds germinate best with cold stratification and light exposure.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI