Smith’s Melicgrass: A Graceful Native Grass for Your Garden
If you’re looking to add some subtle elegance to your native plant garden, let me introduce you to Smith’s melicgrass (Melica smithii). This charming perennial grass might not be the showiest plant in your landscape, but it brings a delicate beauty that’s hard to resist once you get to know it.
What is Smith’s Melicgrass?
Smith’s melicgrass is a native North American perennial grass that belongs to the graminoid family – basically, it’s a true grass with all the wonderful qualities that come with that classification. You might also see it listed under its old scientific names, Avena smithii or Bromelica smithii, but Melica smithii is the current accepted name.
This lovely grass is native to both Canada and the lower 48 states, making it a fantastic choice for gardeners who want to support local ecosystems. You’ll find it naturally growing across an impressive range that includes Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, Idaho, Michigan, Montana, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Why Choose Smith’s Melicgrass for Your Garden?
There are several compelling reasons why this native grass deserves a spot in your landscape:
- Natural beauty: The delicate, nodding seed heads create a graceful, almost dance-like movement in the breeze
- Low maintenance: Once established, this perennial grass is quite drought tolerant and requires minimal care
- Native credentials: Supporting local wildlife and ecosystems by choosing native plants
- Versatile growing conditions: Adapts well to partial shade through full sun locations
- Cold hardy: Thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3-7, making it suitable for many northern climates
Perfect Garden Settings
Smith’s melicgrass shines in naturalistic garden designs where you want that wild meadow look without the actual wildness. It’s particularly well-suited for:
- Native plant gardens and prairie restorations
- Woodland edge plantings
- Erosion control on slopes
- Mixed perennial borders where you want texture contrast
- Low-maintenance landscape areas
Growing Smith’s Melicgrass Successfully
The good news is that this grass is pretty easygoing when it comes to growing conditions. Here’s what you need to know:
Ideal Growing Conditions
- Sunlight: Partial shade to full sun (quite adaptable!)
- Soil: Well-drained soils of various types
- Water: Drought tolerant once established, but appreciates regular water during establishment
- Climate: Hardy in zones 3-7
Planting and Care Tips
Smith’s melicgrass grows in a clumping habit, which means it stays put and won’t take over your garden (always a plus!). Here are some care guidelines:
- Plant in spring or fall for best establishment
- Space plants according to your desired density – they won’t spread aggressively
- Water regularly during the first growing season to help roots establish
- Cut back in late winter or early spring before new growth begins
- Generally pest and disease-free – another low-maintenance bonus!
Wildlife and Ecosystem Benefits
While Smith’s melicgrass is wind-pollinated (so it won’t attract butterflies like wildflowers do), it still provides valuable habitat structure for beneficial insects and small wildlife. The clumping growth habit creates shelter, and the seeds can provide food for birds.
Is Smith’s Melicgrass Right for Your Garden?
This native grass is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a low-maintenance, regionally appropriate plant that adds subtle texture and movement to your landscape. It’s particularly valuable for gardeners in northern climates who want to incorporate more native grasses into their designs.
However, if you’re looking for a bold, dramatic focal point or a grass that provides spectacular fall color, you might want to consider other options alongside Smith’s melicgrass rather than relying on it as a star performer.
Overall, Smith’s melicgrass is a reliable, beautiful native that deserves consideration in naturalistic gardens and native plant landscapes. Its graceful form and easy-care nature make it a wonderful supporting player in the garden theater!
