Melica nutans
mountain melick
An uncommon native grass found mostly in the north and west, forming loose but tidy clumps of flat, bright green leaves up to 50cm tall. Flowers comprise green and brown spikelets hanging along one side of fine, arching stems
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Brown Green | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Brown Green | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full shade
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Poaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Tufted
- Genus
Melica are deciduous, clump-forming perennial grasses with soft, linear leaves and arching stems bearing narrow panicles of flattened flowering spikelets in summer
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Found in woodland and on banks and rough areas, preferring well-drained soil in full or partial shade. Can be grown as ground cover under trees
Propagation
Propagate by seed or by division
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildflower meadow
- Wildlife gardens
- Banks and slopes
- Flower borders and beds
- Ground cover
Pruning
No pruning required, but can be trimmed back after flowering or in early spring
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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