Description

This unusual grass grows as a short upright bunch grass over much of the western US and Canada. In California it seems to favor the Sierra Nevada but has been spotted in many other locations, including Santa Clara County. The “Oniongrass” moniker arises from the corm (bulbous stem) that develops at the base of each stem. This is an unusual feature in our native grasses. It provides a resource reservoir which allows the grass to survive summer dormancy. Oniongrass, like other melic grasses, does go dormant during the summer and fall. With the onset of cool rains it comes back to life. This is a grass for the grass enthusiast, or for restoring a grassy meadow. The dormant appearance (brown) is somewhat harsh for a typical front yard in suburbia.