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Key characteristics

Family: Poaceae
Height: 8–20 inches
Width: 12–24 inches
Flower color: White, delicate, and airy, with long, slender spikelets that give a graceful appearance
Foliage color: Bright green, with fine-textured, arching leaves
Bloom time: May to June
Light: Full shade to partial shade
Water: Moist but well-drained soil
Maintenance: Cut back in early spring for a fresh start; may self-seed prolifically
Growing zone: USDA zones 6–8
Wildlife: Not specified

Perennials

Melica uniflora f. albida

Wood Melick

Melica uniflora f. albida is a graceful perennial grass known for its slender, flat green leaves that form dense, arching clumps. The plant's delicate white, seed-like flowers appear in late spring to early summer, arranged in loose, nodding panicles atop slender stems. These airy flower clusters lend the plant an ethereal, wispy appearance that adds movement and texture to shaded or woodland gardens.

This variety thrives in moist, well-drained soil and prefers partial to full shade, making it perfect for areas with limited sunlight.

Light

Full shade to partial shade

Water

Moist but well-drained soil

Bloom time

May to June

Find this plant

Works well in

Borders
Shade Gardens
Woodland Gardens
Rain Gardens
Containers

Companion plants

Astilbes · Heucheras · Siberian bugloss · Sweet woodruff · Foamflowers · Epimediums

Design tip

Foliage and form do most of the work here, so lean on texture and repetition rather than one flowering moment. Cooler light suits it, so tuck it on the north side of a shrub or wall where the soil stays even.