How much sun does Tapered Oniongrass need?

Tapered Oniongrass grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Tapered Oniongrass bloom?

Tapered Oniongrass blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Tapered Oniongrass native?

Tapered Oniongrass (Melica subulata) is native to CA, CO, ID, MT and 5 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Tapered Oniongrass toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Tapered Oniongrass as toxic to livestock.

Is Tapered Oniongrass HOA-friendly?

Tapered Oniongrass is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Tapered Oniongrass

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Melica subulata

Last reviewed: August 2026

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Tapered Oniongrass as toxic to livestock.

Light

part sun

Water

low

Size

8"–24" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

CA, CO, ID, MT and 5 more states

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 432 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Puget Lowland Marine West Coast Forest Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains North American Deserts

Tapered oniongrass is a compact native bunch grass that forms neat clumps with fine-textured foliage. It produces delicate flower spikes in late spring through summer and tolerates drought well once established.

In an HOA neighborhood

Tapered Oniongrass is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

Wildlife value

This native grass provides seed for birds and nesting material for small wildlife. The flowers attract beneficial insects during the blooming period.

Common questions

How much sun does Tapered Oniongrass need?: Tapered Oniongrass grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Tapered Oniongrass bloom?: Tapered Oniongrass blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Tapered Oniongrass native?: Tapered Oniongrass (Melica subulata) is native to CA, CO, ID, MT and 5 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Tapered Oniongrass toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Tapered Oniongrass as toxic to livestock.
Is Tapered Oniongrass HOA-friendly?: Tapered Oniongrass is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Tapered Oniongrass? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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