Little oniongrass facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Little oniongrass |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Melica
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| Species: |
fugax
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Melica fugax is a type of grass often called little oniongrass or little melic. It grows naturally in western North America. You can usually find it in places with volcanic soil, like forests and plateaus. Its range stretches from British Columbia in Canada all the way down to the Sierra Nevada mountains and the North California Coast Ranges in California, USA.
About Little Oniongrass
What Does Little Oniongrass Look Like?
Melica fugax is a perennial bunchgrass. This means it lives for more than two years and grows in clumps or bunches. It can grow up to 60 centimeters (about 2 feet) tall.
The stems of this grass have special clusters at their bases. These clusters look a bit like small onions and are called corms. This is why one of its common names is "little oniongrass." These corms are similar to those found on another grass called oniongrass (Melica bulbosa).
The plant's flowers grow in a special arrangement called an inflorescence. For Melica fugax, this inflorescence is a narrow or spreading group of small flower clusters. These small clusters are known as spikelets.
Where Does Little Oniongrass Grow?
This grass is native to the western parts of North America. It prefers to grow in certain types of soil. You will often find Melica fugax in areas with volcanic soils. It likes to live in forest habitats and on high, flat areas called plateaus.
Its natural home extends from British Columbia in Canada. In the United States, it grows through the Cascade Range, the Klamath Mountains, and the Northwestern United States. You can also find it in the Sierra Nevada mountain range and the North California Coast Ranges in California.
