1. June Grass – Koeleria macrantha (KOLE-ER-ee-a ma-KRAN-tha)
Family: Poaceae (Grass Family)
Native to: Much of Northern Hemisphere including Europe and Asia. In S. CA in mountains and on
Channel Islands; dry open places in shrub-land, woodland, coniferous forest.
Growth characteristics: perennial bunchgrass mature height: 1-3 ft. mature width: 1-2 ft.
Cool-season perennial bunchgrass with long, narrow, flat leaves. Summer dormant (dries out).
Quick growing beginning with first rains. May be short-lived (5+ years). Spreads slowly by root
sprouting and seeds.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms Apr-Jul. Flower stalks above the leaves. Stalks begin narrow and green;
become open and golden-brown during flowering and then contract again. Showy in bloom.
Uses in the garden: Most useful with other ornamental native grasses, perennials. Best for massing
and naturalizing in fields or prairies where self-seeding is not a problem. Provide an effective slope
cover or ground cover. May remain slightly green along the coast in summer or with summer water.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native ornamental grasses.
Attracts: Good bird habitat: provides nest material and seeds for food. Deer will browse on grass.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Full sun to part-shade (best in hotter gardens)
Soil Any well-drained; best in sandy, rocky
Water Summer water can range from none to regular water. Give at least a short (1-2
mo) dormant period in late summer/early fall)
Fertilizer None needed
Other
Management: Keep are weeded when establishing – poor competition with aggressive alien
grasses. No significant insect or disease problems. Shear/cut back at time of first rains.
Propagation: from seed: in fall in prepared beds or pots by divisions: yes
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 2, 5, 8, 10, 13, 16, 19, 20, 25 12/5/10
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