How much sun does California melic need?

California melic grows best in full sun conditions.

When does California melic bloom?

California melic blooms in April, May, and June.

Where is California melic native?

California melic (Melica californica) is native to CA, OR, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

California melic

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Melica californica

Last reviewed: September 2026

California melic (Melica californica) is a perennial grass native to CA, OR. It blooms in April, May, and June.

Toxicity unknown

California melic (Melica californica) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

18"–30" H × 12"–18" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

CA, OR

Before you buy

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Southern California Mountains North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

A tidy bunchgrass with narrow arching blades and slender, purplish-tinged flower spikes. It goes dormant and tan-colored in summer, common in oak woodlands and open grassland.

Growing California melic

Grow California melic in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 18 to 30 inches tall and spread 12 to 18 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Seeds feed birds and the clumps provide nesting material and shelter for ground-dwelling insects.

Common questions

How much sun does California melic need?: California melic grows best in full sun conditions.
When does California melic bloom?: California melic blooms in April, May, and June.
Where is California melic native?: California melic (Melica californica) is native to CA, OR, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

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