Wood melick Melica uniflora
ABOUT
Melica uniflora, commonly known as wood melick, is a perennial grass characterized by its delicate and elegant appearance. Its thin, slightly arching stems bear slender leaves that exude a soft, almost feathery appeal. The plant is adorned with small spikelets that are often nodding, giving a gentle and nodding aspect to the inflorescence. These spikelets are pale green to purplish in color and are tightly clustered together, creating a somewhat fluffy look during their peak blooming time. The overall appearance of wood melick contributes to its preference for ornamental gardening, charming onlookers with its understated yet graceful demeanor.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Poaceae
Synonyms
Wood Melick, One-flowered Melic
Common names
Melica nutans, Glyceria uniflora, Melica ciliata.
ToxicityTo humans
Wood melick (Melica uniflora) is not known to be toxic to humans. There is no widespread documentation of toxicity or poisoning symptoms in people resulting from ingesting or contacting any part of this plant.
To pets
Wood melick (Melica uniflora) is not documented as a toxic plant to pets. There is no significant evidence indicating that pets would suffer from symptoms of poisoning after ingesting any part of the plant. However, individual animals may have varying sensitivities, and it's always prudent to monitor pets and avoid letting them ingest plants not meant for consumption.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Green
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1 feet (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ecosystem Support: Melica uniflora, commonly known as Wood Melick, provides habitat and food for wildlife, including insects and birds.
- Soil Stabilization: Its root system helps to prevent soil erosion in woodland areas where it naturally grows.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Wood Melick adds visual interest to woodland gardens with its delicate green foliage and subtle flowers.
- Biodiversity: By growing naturally in woodlands, it contributes to the diversity of plant species in those ecosystems.
- Low Maintenance: Wood Melick is well-adapted to its native environment, requiring little care once established.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Woodland Gardening: Melica uniflora, commonly known as wood melick, is suitable for cultivating in woodland gardens, where it provides subtle ground cover and complements other shade-loving plants.
- Ecological Indicator: This plant can be used as an indicator of ancient woodlands and can help determine the historical age of a forest.
- Erosion Control: It can be effective in controlling soil erosion in shaded areas due to its clumping growth habit.
- Mulching Material: Dry leaves and stems of wood melick can be used as mulching material to maintain soil moisture and prevent weed growth around other plants.
- Educational Tool: Its growth patterns and habitat preferences make it a useful species for educational purposes in ecology and botany studies.
- Naturalizing Effects: Gardeners use it to create a 'natural' look in informal garden areas or beneath deciduous shrubs and trees.
- Habitat Provision: Offers habitat and food for various insects and small animals within the ecosystem of a forest floor.
- Photography Backdrop: Photography enthusiasts may use the delicate foliage and flowering stalks of wood melick as a natural backdrop for macro photography and nature shots.
- Soil Health Indicator: The presence of wood melick can indicate certain soil conditions, such as adequate moisture and a rich humus layer, which can be informative for soil assessment.
- Seasonal Interest: With its attractive flowering spikes in late spring and early summer, it adds seasonal interest to shaded garden spots.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Wood Melick is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Wood Melick is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Rarity: Melica uniflora, commonly known as Wood Melick, is not a widely known or common plant. Its presence in symbolism often points to the unique and less trodden path, highlighting the beauty and value of the rare and overlooked.
- Simplicity: Wood Melick’s unassuming appearance and growth in understated, woodland environments symbolize the appreciation for simplicity and the understated aspects of life.
- Harmony with Nature: As Wood Melick thrives in natural woodlands, it symbolizes a harmonious existence with the natural world and might be used to represent an individual's connection to nature.
- Resilience: Despite its delicate looks, Wood Melick is capable of surviving in the dappled shade of woods; thus, symbolizing resilience and the ability to thrive in challenging conditions.
- Peaceful Retreat: Since Wood Melick is often found in serene, wooded areas, it can represent a peaceful retreat or sanctuary, alluding to mental, emotional, or spiritual respite.
WaterThe Wood Melick should be watered deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Ideally, provide about one inch of water once a week during active growth in spring and summer. For established plants, reduce watering to half a gallon every two weeks during the cooler months, as the plant's water requirements decrease.
LightThe Wood Melick thrives best in partial shade to full shade conditions. It should be positioned in a spot where it can receive filtered sunlight or be shielded from the harsh afternoon sun, particularly in warmer climates.
TemperatureThe Wood Melick prefers moderate temperatures and can generally withstand a range from 20°F to 80°F. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 60°F and 70°F. It's crucial to protect the plant from extreme cold or prolonged frost, which may damage it.
PruningPrune the Wood Melick to remove dead or damaged foliage and to maintain its shape. Pruning is best done in late winter or early spring before the onset of new growth. Pruning every year or two is generally sufficient for this grass.
CleaningAs needed
SoilWoodland grass, or Melica uniflora, thrives in a soil mix that is rich in organic matter with good drainage. A mixture of loam, peat, and sharp sand with a pH range of 6.1 to 7.5 is ideal for maintaining healthy growth.
RepottingWoodland grass generally does not need frequent repotting and can be repotted every 2 to 3 years, or when the plant becomes root-bound.
Humidity & MistingWoodland grass prefers moderate humidity levels, which replicate its native woodland environment. Average room humidity is usually sufficient for this plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep in partial shade, moist soil, moderate temp. for Woodland grass.
Outdoor
Plant Woodland grass in dappled shade, with moist soil.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleMelica uniflora, commonly known as Wood Melick, begins its life cycle when seeds germinate in suitable conditions, typically in shaded, wooded areas. The seedlings establish themselves and grow into mature grass plants, forming tufts with narrow, lance-shaped leaves. During the spring to early summer, the plants produce flowering stalks, bearing small, pale green to purplish spikelets that may go unnoticed in the underbrush. After pollination, which is typically by wind, the flowers develop into tiny fruits called Caryopses (grain-like seeds). These seeds, when mature, fall to the ground, potentially staying dormant until the following spring when they germinate to start the cycle anew. Throughout its life, Wood Melick experiences periods of dormancy during the winter months, enduring the cold season as a perennial plant.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to summer
Propogation: Melica uniflora, commonly known as Wood Melick, is often propagated by dividing the rhizomes or through seed. The most popular method is division, which is best done in early spring after the risk of frost has passed. To propagate by division, carefully dig up an established clump and gently separate the rhizomes, ensuring each section has at least one growing point. These divisions should then be replanted in a well-prepared soil, maintaining similar depth as they were originally growing. Water the newly planted divisions well to help establish them. This simple technique allows for the rapid increase of plants and helps in maintaining the health of the clump by rejuvenating older, crowded plants.
