Taxon Report

Melica spectabilis Scribn.

purple onion grass

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Taxon Summary

Melica spectabilis, commonly known as purple onion grass, is a perennial rhizomatous herb in the Poaceae that is found in California and elsewhere. It occurs within Lower montane coniferous forest, Meadows and seeps, and Upper montane coniferous forest, growing at elevations from 1200 to 2600 meters. Melica spectabilis is ranked 4.3, Plants of Limited Distribution, A Watch List; Not very threatened in California.


  Classification

Scientific Name:
Melica spectabilis Scribn.
Common Name:
purple onion grass
Family: Poaceae
Element Code: PMPOA3X0G0
USDA Plants Symbol: MESP
Synonyms/Other Names:

Ecology and Life History

Lifeform: perennial rhizomatous herb
Blooming Period: May-Jul May-Jul
Elevation: 1200-2600 (3935-8530)
General Habitats: Lower montane coniferous forest, Meadows and seeps, Upper montane coniferous forest
Microhabitat: Mesic
Microhabitat Details:

Occurrence Data from the CNDDB

Total Occurrences: 0
Element Occurrence Ranks:
   Excellent (A) 0
   Good (B) 0
   Fair (C) 0
   Poor (D) 0
   None (X) 0
   Unknown (U) 0
California Endemic:  False
California Counties and Islands: Name (Code)
Lassen (LAS), Plumas (PLU)
Quads: Name (Quad Code)
Ash Valley (4112016), Grizzly Valley (3912085)
Citation California Native Plant Society, Rare Plant Program. 2025. Rare Plant Inventory (online edition, v9.5.1). Website https://www.rareplants.cnps.org [accessed 21 February 2025].