Hairy Melicgrass: A Delicate European Grass for Pacific Northwest Gardens
If you’re looking for a graceful ornamental grass that adds movement and texture to your garden, you might have come across hairy melicgrass (Melica ciliata). This delicate perennial grass has found its way from European hillsides to Pacific Northwest landscapes, where it quietly establishes itself with feathery seed heads and slender foliage.
What Is Hairy Melicgrass?
Hairy melicgrass is a perennial graminoid – that’s garden-speak for a grass or grass-like plant. True to its name, this species has fine, hair-like characteristics that give it a soft, almost ethereal appearance in the landscape. As a non-native species originally from the Mediterranean region, Europe, and western Asia, it has made itself at home in Washington state, where it reproduces naturally without human intervention.
Where Does It Grow?
In North America, hairy melicgrass has established populations primarily in Washington state. This limited distribution reflects both its recent introduction and its specific growing preferences for Mediterranean-like climates.
Garden Appeal and Landscape Role
What draws gardeners to hairy melicgrass is its understated elegance. The plant produces delicate, feathery seed heads that catch light beautifully and sway gracefully in the breeze. Its fine texture makes it an excellent contrast plant alongside broader-leaved perennials or as a softening element in rock gardens.
This grass works particularly well in:
- Mediterranean-style gardens
- Xeriscaped landscapes
- Naturalized areas
- Rock gardens
- Mixed perennial borders as a textural accent
Growing Conditions and Care
Hairy melicgrass is refreshingly low-maintenance once established. It thrives in USDA hardiness zones 6-9, making it suitable for most temperate regions. The plant prefers:
- Well-drained soils (it doesn’t like wet feet)
- Full sun to partial shade
- Minimal water once established
- Poor to moderately fertile soils
Planting and Maintenance Tips
Getting hairy melicgrass established is straightforward. Plant it in spring after the last frost, ensuring good drainage. Water regularly during the first growing season to help roots establish, then reduce watering significantly – this grass is quite drought tolerant.
Keep in mind that this species may self-seed in favorable conditions. While not considered invasive, it’s worth monitoring its spread, especially in naturalized areas.
Wildlife and Pollinator Considerations
As a wind-pollinated grass, hairy melicgrass doesn’t offer significant direct benefits to pollinators like bees and butterflies. However, it may provide some habitat value for small wildlife and insects.
Should You Plant It?
Hairy melicgrass can be an attractive addition to the right garden setting, particularly if you’re creating a Mediterranean or drought-tolerant landscape. However, as a non-native species, consider balancing your plant palette with native alternatives that provide greater ecological benefits.
Native Pacific Northwest grasses like Idaho fescue (Festuca idahoensis), red fescue (Festuca rubra), or various sedges (Carex species) can provide similar textural interest while supporting local wildlife and maintaining regional ecological integrity.
If you do choose to grow hairy melicgrass, enjoy its delicate beauty while being mindful of its potential to self-seed and spread beyond your intended planting area.
