Contents
Description
Melica Nutans is a perennial grass that belongs to the Poaceae family. It is commonly known as mountain melick or oniongrass due to the onion-like smell it gives off. Melica Nutans is native to Europe, Asia, and North America and can be found in meadows, heathlands, and open woods. It is a cool-season grass that is often used for ornamental purposes in gardens due to its attractive appearance.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain| Kingdom| Phylum| Class| Order| Family| Genus|| ———- | ———-| ———-| ———-| ———-| ———-| ———-|| Eukaryota| Plantae| Spermatophyta | Magnoliophyta | Liliopsida | Poaceae| Melica|
Appearance
Melica Nutans grows up to 1m tall and has narrow, green leaves that are about 20cm long. The plant produces spike-like flowers that are green at first, but eventually turn purplish-brown. The flowers have a drooping appearance, which gives the plant a weeping-like appearance. The flowers bloom in late spring and early summer, and the plant produces seeds that are dispersed by the wind.
Care Guide
Melica Nutans prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It grows best in full sun to partial shade and requires regular watering during the growing season. Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer in the spring and again in the fall. Melica Nutans is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Melica Nutans is relatively disease and pest-free. However, it may be susceptible to rust and leaf spot diseases. Insects such as aphids and grasshoppers may also attack the plant.
Habitat
Melica Nutans is native to Europe, Asia, and North America and can be found in meadows, heathlands, and open woods. It prefers well-drained soil and grows best in full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Melica Nutans an invasive species?
A: No, Melica Nutans is not considered an invasive species.
Q: Can I grow Melica Nutans in a container?
A: Yes, Melica Nutans can be grown in a container as long as it is provided with adequate growing conditions.
Q: Can Melica Nutans tolerate drought?
A: Melica Nutans prefers regular watering during the growing season, but it can tolerate drought once it is established.
Q: Can Melica Nutans be used for erosion control?
A: Yes, Melica Nutans can be used for erosion control due to its deep root system.
Related Plants
– Melica Uniflora- Melica Ciliata- Melica Transsilvanica
References
– “Melica Nutans – Plant Finder.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=k290.- “Melica Nutans.” PlantFiles, www.plantfiles.com/profile/Melica_nutans. – “Melica Nutans.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/plants/23477/melica-nutans/details.
