Description

The coastrange melicgrass is widespread in the southern half of California into Baja, Mexico. It forms an open mound of arching, light green blades to about 12 inches or so. It tends to expand via rhizome and seed to form a small stand, though it is not invasive. In spring and early summer, it sends up multiple arching spikes that are tinted with purple but become tan as the seed matures. This melicgrass grows lushly in the winter and spring but naturally goes dormant in the summer months. Occasional water can keep it green, however. The coastrange melicgrass seems to do best in partial shade, especially in interior regions.