Melica uniflora aka Wood Melick

Melica uniflora, or wood melick, is a grass. It belongs to the grass family, Poaceae. This grass lives for more than one year. It comes from Europe, northern Africa and southwestern Asia. Its range takes in Britain, Ireland and the Caucasus. It grows in regions with a temperate climate. The name uniflora means each spikelet has one fertile flower. Wood melic is another common name for this species.

This grass spreads at a slow rate through rhizomes, or underground stems. It forms loose clumps or mats as it grows. Garden plants reach about 1–2 feet [0.3–0.61 metres] tall. The RHS gives a lower top height. The two garden sources also give different spread ranges. Missouri Botanical Garden gives about 2 feet [0.61 metres]. The RHS gives up to about 3.3 feet [1 metre]. Plants take two to five years to reach full size. The bright green leaves fall away at season's end. Each flat, narrow blade has a point and rough surface. Fine hairs cover the upper side of each leaf. Blades can reach about 0.7 feet [0.2 metres] long.

Flowers grow on branched purple stems in June and July. The heads form panicles, loose flower clusters with few branches. These hold oval spikelets, the small units of grass flowers. The heads range from brown to purple-brown, with yellow stamens. These summer flowers add interest above the green leaves. The plant's fine form suits borders and less formal planting. It fits cottage gardens and open woodland gardens, too. The RHS lists courtyard gardens and pots among its uses. Gardeners can also use it in naturalised planting.

Part shade suits this grass; it tolerates full shade, too. Missouri Botanical Garden allows full sun where summers aren't hot. Avoid full sun in places with hot summers. Use soil that drains well and is not too rich. Sandy soil suits it; the RHS also lists loam and chalk. The RHS calls for neutral to alkaline soil. It prefers soil with a moderate amount of moisture. It also copes with dry soil and shade. Avoid ground that stays soaked, above all in winter. Missouri Botanical Garden gives USDA zones 7–9. The RHS rates it H7.

The plant needs little care, and pests seldom cause trouble. Serious disease is rare, but some diseases can still occur. These include leaf spot, anthracnose, rust and smut. Cut away the past year's growth in February. Grow new plants from seed or split well-grown clumps.