Photo of Melica torreyana flower by The Watershed Nursery

Photo by The Watershed Nursery

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Melica torreyana

Also Known As

  • Torrey's Melicn Grass

Plant type

perennial, grass / grass like

size

  • H: 2'
  • W: 1'

planting zones

  • 8a-10b

More Options

Melica torreyana plant details

Melica torreyana is a semi-evergreen perennial grass (or grassy in appearance) with green foliage. Attracts birds and butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in average, clay, gritty and rocky soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Melica torreyana

Plant type: perennial grass (or grassy in appearance)
Plant family: poaceae
Foliage: semi-evergreen green
Mature size: 1 FT wide, 2 FT tall

GROWING CONDITIONS for Melica torreyana

USDA Zones: 8a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: deer, verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, clay, gritty and rocky

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

A floppy looking, bunch grass; grows to 2' tall x 1 foot wide. Good looking, very adaptable, drought tolerant grass. Dormant in the late summer Commonly found in chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and oak woodland habitats. Useful in rock or shade gardens especially with Sticky Monkey flower, ferns, California honeysuckle, and currant or gooseberry. Can add balance and finish to a native garden, particularly if grouped, allowing it to create fine textured clumps. Endemic to California Provide food and shelter for birds, mammals, caterpillars, and harvester ants. No Historical Uses found. Found in grows on serpentine and over other rock formations. Communitites located in Mixed Evergreen Forest, Foothill Woodland Between 0 and 2500 feet.

Gardening facts about Melica torreyana plant

How to Grow Melica torreyana

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular - drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • clay
    • average
    • rocky
    • gritty
  • Special Situation

    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Wildlife

    • birds
    • butterflies
    • deer resistant
  • Foliage Season

    • semi-evergreen

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