June Grass – Koeleria macrantha (KOLE-ER-ee-a ma-KRAN-tha)

Family: Poaceae (Grass Family)

Native to: Much of Northern Hemisphere including Europe and Asia. In S. CA in mountains and on

Channel Islands; dry open places in shrub-land, woodland, coniferous forest.

Growth characteristics: perennial bunchgrass mature height: 1-3 ft. mature width: 1-2 ft. Cool-

season perennial bunchgrass with long, narrow, flat leaves. Summer dormant (dries out). Quick

growing beginning with first rains. May be short-lived (5+ years). Spreads slowly by root sprouting and

seeds.

Blooms/fruits: Blooms Apr-Jul. Flower stalks above the leaves. Stalks begin narrow and green; become

open and golden-brown during flowering and then contract again. Showy in bloom.

Uses in the garden: Most useful with other ornamental native grasses, perennials. Best for massing and

naturalizing in fields or prairies where self-seeding is not a problem. Provide an effective slope cover or

ground cover. May remain slightly green along the coast in summer or with summer water.

Sensible substitute for: Non-native ornamental grasses.

Attracts: Good bird habitat: provides nest material and seeds for food. Deer will browse on grass.

Requirements:

Element Requirement

Sun Full sun to part-shade (best in hotter gardens)

Soil Any well-drained; best in sandy, rocky

Water Summer water can range from none to regular water. Give at least a short (1-2 mo) dormant period in late summer/early fall)

Fertilizer None needed

Other

Management: Keep are weeded when establishing – poor competition with aggressive alien grasses.

No significant insect or disease problems. Shear/cut back at time of first rains.

Propagation: from seed: in fall in prepared beds or pots by divisions: yes

Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 2, 5, 8, 10, 13, 16, 19, 20, 25 12/5/10

© Project SOUND

Koeleria macrantha Prairie junegrass