// SPECIES PROFILE · GRASS · NATIVE

Three-flower melic

Melica nitens

Three-flower melic (Melica nitens) is a grass in the — family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 2b–10b. Mature size 2'–5'. Blooms Mar–May.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: —
Group: grass
Native range: Native to 22 U.S. states, including AR, AZ, GA, IA, IL, IN…
USDA hardiness: Zones 2b–10b
Mature size: 2'–5'
Sun: Part shade
Water: Medium
Bloom: Mar–May
Wildlife value: Pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: native species profile

Three-flower melic (Melica nitens) — *Melica nitens* — Three-flower melic. Photo via iNaturalist — (c) Nathan Aaron, some rights reserved (CC BY).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Three-flower melic (Melica nitens) is a grass in the — family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 2b–10b. Mature size 2'–5'. Blooms Mar–May.

Why it's on this list: native species profile. Native-range data from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (NPIN), cross-checked against iNaturalist observations. Part of Rooted Revival's regional native plant catalog — true natives for Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas.

Companion Planting

[ guild · polyculture · cross-layer pairings ]

In the same native range, three-flower melic pairs naturally with: Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), Common Rush (Juncus effusus), Fox Sedge (Carex vulpinoidea), Indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans).