Origin
Melica fugax Boland. var. inexpansa Suksdorf is native to western North America and is commonly found in areas such as coastal British Columbia, Washington, and Oregon in the United States.
Common Names
This plant is commonly referred to as the coast range melic grass, lesser melic, or northern melic.
Uses
Melica fugax Boland. var. inexpansa Suksdorf is not used for commercial purposes but it has ecological importance as it serves as a food source for various herbivores such as deer, elk, and mountain goats. It is also used in ecological restoration projects as it has the ability to stabilize slopes and prevent soil erosion.
General Appearance
Coast range melic grass is a perennial bunchgrass that can reach up to 45 cm in height. It has narrow, green leaves that are around 1-4 mm wide and can grow up to 20 cm in length. The plant produces flowering stems that can be up to 100 cm long and are topped with feathery panicles that contain small flowers. The panicles are usually around 8-25 cm long and can have a reddish or purplish tinge. The seeds of this plant are small and black.
Typical Growth Conditions for Melica fugax Boland. var. inexpansa Suksdorf
Melica fugax Boland. var. inexpansa Suksdorf, commonly known as foothill melic, is a perennial grass species that is native to western North America, particularly in the Cascade Range from Washington to Northern California.
Light Requirements
Foothill melic requires full sun to light shade for optimum growth and development; it can tolerate some shade but is less productive under shaded conditions.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is adapted to a range of temperatures, from cool summer areas to warmer sites with dry summers. It can grow in a variety of habitats, from sea level to subalpine elevations, but it prefers sites with high winter rainfall and summer drought.
Soil Requirements
Foothill melic prefers well-drained soils that are deep and fertile. It can grow in a range of soil textures, from sandy to clay soils, but it prefers soils that are loamy and with good aeration. This grass species can tolerate a pH range from acidic to slightly alkaline soils.
Properly understanding the light, temperature, and soil requirements for foothill melic is essential to successfully grow this plant in gardens and landscapes. Adequate growth conditions provide a suitable environment for the plants to grow strong and healthy.
Cultivation Methods
Melica fugax Boland. var. inexpansa Suksdorf thrives in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter and has a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. It prefers partial to full sunlight and cool temperatures. Propagate this plant through seed germination or by dividing clumps during early spring or fall. When planting, ensure that the roots are well covered, and the soil is evenly compressed.
Watering Needs
Melica fugax Boland. var. inexpansa Suksdorf needs regular watering to grow, but overwatering should be avoided. Water deeply and frequently during hot and dry seasons and reduce the frequency of watering when the temperature is cooler. Ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged to prevent root rot and fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Melica fugax Boland. var. inexpansa Suksdorf is a low-maintenance plant that doesn't require a lot of fertilizers. However, if you wish to boost growth, apply a slow-release, all-purpose fertilizer once a year during the early spring. Avoid using too much fertilizer as this can lead to lush foliage and reduce the flower production.
Pruning
Melica fugax Boland. var. inexpansa Suksdorf doesn't require extensive pruning, but it will benefit from removing dead or damaged leaves when necessary. Trim back the plant after the flowering season, around late autumn, to promote new growth. Avoid cutting the plant too close to the base or during the flowering season as this can damage its development.
Propagation of Melica fugax Boland. var. inexpansa Suksdorf
Melica fugax Boland. var. inexpansa Suksdorf, commonly known as foothill melic, is a perennial grass species that is native to many western states of the United States. Its propagation can be achieved by multiple methods including seed propagation, sod division or transplantation.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation by seeds is the easiest method to grow Melica fugax Boland. var. inexpansa Suksdorf. The seeds can be sown directly indoors or outdoors. Sow the seeds about 1/8 inches deep and cover the container with plastic wrap. Place the container in a warm location which receives daily sunlight. Keep the soil consistently moist until germination occurs. After germination, reduce the humidity and increase air circulation. Transplant them after they have grown about 2-4 true leaves.
Propagation by Sod Division
Propagation by sod division method is ideal if you have an established plan of Melica fugax Boland. var. inexpansa Suksdorf grass. You can divide the sod into smaller clumps during the spring when the new growth emerges. The clumps should have at least one mature root system that is attached to a new shoot. Replant the clumps in well-drained soil that has been amended with organic matter. Water the area well to establish the new sod.
Propagation by Transplantation
Propagation by transplantation is another option for growing Melica fugax Boland. var. inexpansa Suksdorf. The best time for transplantation is during the spring when the new growth appears. Dig out a small clump of the plant with its roots intact and transplant it directly into the desired location. The soil should be well-drained with abundant organic matter to provide the necessary nutrients for development. Water the newly transplanted area thoroughly to support strong root establishment.
Disease Management
The plant Melica fugax Boland. var. inexpansa Suksdorf is generally healthy and hardy, but occasionally susceptible to certain diseases. The most common diseases that might affect the plant include:
- Crown rot: This occurs when the fungus attacks the crown of the plant. Symptoms include wilting and stunted growth. To manage this disease, it is advisable to remove and dispose of affected plants immediately.
- Leaf spot: This is a fungal disease that causes spots on the leaves, which eventually turn yellow and drop off. To manage this disease, avoid wetting the plant foliage when watering and remove the affected leaves immediately.
- Smut: This is a fungal disease that affects the plant's flowers and causes the development of dark, powdery masses. To manage this disease, it is advisable to remove and dispose of severely affected plants immediately.
Pest Management
The Melica fugax Boland. var. inexpansa Suksdorf is generally resistant to most pests. However, certain pests may still pose a threat, including:
- Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the plant leaves and stems, causing them to become yellow and distorted. To manage these pests, it is advisable to introduce natural predators or use insecticidal soap.
- Spider mites: These are tiny, reddish-brown insects that feed on the plant's sap and cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. To manage these pests, it is advisable to introduce natural predators or use insecticidal soap.
Regular monitoring of the plant's health is an important aspect of disease and pest management. It is recommended to keep the plant healthy by providing it with adequate water, sunlight, and nutrients. Properly maintaining the plant will help it to resist and recover from any potential diseases or pest infestations.
