Memphisgrass: A Mediterranean Annual That Found Its Way to California
If you’ve ever wondered about those small, wispy grasses popping up in disturbed areas around California, you might be looking at Memphisgrass (Cutandia memphitica). This unassuming annual grass has quite the travel story – it journeyed all the way from the Mediterranean region to make itself at home in the Golden State.
What Exactly Is Memphisgrass?
Memphisgrass is a non-native annual grass that belongs to the large family of grasses and grass-like plants called graminoids. True to its annual nature, this plant completes its entire life cycle in just one growing season, sprouting from seed, flowering, setting seed, and dying all within a year.
Originally from the Mediterranean region and North Africa, this grass has established itself as a naturalized resident in California, where it reproduces on its own without any help from gardeners. It’s one of those plants that found the California climate to its liking and decided to stay.
Where You’ll Find It
Currently, Memphisgrass is documented in California, where it has adapted to local growing conditions. You’re most likely to spot it in disturbed areas, along roadsides, and in waste places where the soil has been disrupted.
What Does It Look Like?
Don’t expect this grass to make a bold statement in the landscape – Memphisgrass is more of a wallflower. It typically grows 6 to 18 inches tall and has the fine, narrow leaves characteristic of many grass species. As an annual, it grows quickly during its active season but won’t return the following year from the same plant.
Should You Plant Memphisgrass?
Here’s where things get interesting. While Memphisgrass isn’t necessarily problematic, it’s also not bringing much to the table for gardeners or local ecosystems. As a non-native species, it doesn’t provide the same benefits that our native plants offer to local wildlife, pollinators, and soil health.
Growing Conditions
If you do encounter Memphisgrass, you’ll likely find it thriving in:
- Dry, sandy, or gravelly soils
- Disturbed areas with poor soil quality
- Full sun locations
- Areas with minimal competition from other plants
It appears to be hardy in USDA zones 8-10, which aligns with its current California distribution.
Better Alternatives for Your Garden
Instead of Memphisgrass, consider these beautiful native California grasses that will provide much more value to your local ecosystem:
- Purple needlegrass (Stipa pulchra) – California’s state grass
- Blue grama grass (Bouteloua gracilis) – drought-tolerant and wildlife-friendly
- Deer grass (Muhlenbergia rigens) – stunning architectural form
- California fescue (Festuca californica) – perfect for shady spots
The Bottom Line
While Memphisgrass isn’t necessarily harmful, it’s not particularly beneficial either. It’s one of those plants that exists in the landscape without making much of an impact – neither dramatically problematic nor particularly helpful. For gardeners looking to create habitat, support local wildlife, or simply grow something with more visual interest, our native alternatives will serve you much better.
Remember, every plant we choose for our gardens is a vote for the kind of ecosystem we want to support. Why not cast your vote for the native species that have been supporting California’s wildlife for thousands of years?
