Purple Oniongrass
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(Melica spectabilis)
Purple Oniongrass (Melica spectabilis)
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© Matt Lavin
CC BY 4.0
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© Matt Lavin
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Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: © Matt Lavin | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Uploader: mattlavin | Publisher: iNaturalist |
Summary
Melica spectabilis, commonly known as Purple Oniongrass or Showy Oniongrass, is a perennial grass native to the temperate coniferous forests, moist meadows, and mountainous regions of western North America, ranging from British Columbia to northern California and extending to the Rocky Mountains. It typically grows from 4 inches to nearly 3 feet in height, emerging from rhizomes and bulb-like corms that resemble onions. The plant features a distinctive inflorescence consisting of a narrow series of spikelets, which are green with evenly spaced purple bands, adding a touch of color to the landscape during its flowering season in late spring and early summer.
Purple Oniongrass is valued for its ornamental inflorescences and its ability to thrive in moist, shaded environments, making it suitable for woodland gardens and naturalized areas. It is often used in restoration projects and as an understory plant in forested areas. This grass prefers consistently moist soils with good drainage and can tolerate a range of light conditions from full sun to partial shade. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to rust and other fungal diseases in overly wet conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Purple Oniongrass is valued for its ornamental inflorescences and its ability to thrive in moist, shaded environments, making it suitable for woodland gardens and naturalized areas. It is often used in restoration projects and as an understory plant in forested areas. This grass prefers consistently moist soils with good drainage and can tolerate a range of light conditions from full sun to partial shade. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to rust and other fungal diseases in overly wet conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Grass
- Height: 2-3 feet
- Width: 1-2 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Drainage: Medium, Slow
Common Uses
Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Temperate coniferous forests, moist meadows, and mountainous regions
Other Names
Common Names: Showy Melic, Showy Melicgrass, Showy Oniongrass
Scientific Names: Melica spectabilis, Bromelica spectabilis, Melica bulbosa var. spectabilis, Melica scabrata
GBIF Accepted Name: Melica spectabilis