Sesleria nitida
Gray Moor Grass
Description
Native to central and southern Italy, this Sesleria has distinct gray-green to gray-blue foliage that is sharply pointed at the leaf tips. Foliage is 12-16 inches tall in tight clumps. The flowers are one of the first grasses to bloom in California gardens, often in late December or January. Because of its early bloom cycle, it's the only time I've ever seen bees attracted to the flowers of a Sesleria. Flowers emerge showy white spikes and fade to tan. Sesleria nitida grows best in full sun but will tolerate light shade, especially in hot inland valleys. Sesleria nitida is best in well-drained loam but will tolerate a wide variety of soils from sand to clay.
John's Notes
General Details
Plant Type
Grass, Poaceae
Native Region
Central and southern Italy
Seasonality
Cool-season, evergreen
Height
12-16 inches
Width
12-16 inches
Alternate Names
Shining Moor Grass, Nest Moor Grass, Blue Bristle Grass
Aesthetic Form
Landscaping Value
Perennial borders, groundcover, mass plantings
Foliage
Sharp gray-green leaves with a blue shadow
Flower Form
Showy white flower spikes mature to a tan color
Bloom Cycle
Spring to summer
Growth Habits
Clumping, forms dense tufts
Plant Pairings
No Available Information
Care & Maintenance
Watering Needs
Moderate water needs
Soil Preferences
Wide adaptability from sand to clay
Sun Exposure
Full sun to partial shade
Winter Heartiness
< 0° F, USDA zones 4-9
Desert Adaptability
No Available Information
Costal Adaptability
No Available Information