What is Koeleria?

Koeleria is a perennial grass-like plant. It is typically referred to as June grass and it is native to North America, including the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This plant thrives in prairie settings and many animals graze on it. Most gardeners use it as ornamental grass, but it can also be used to attract animals to a yard or garden. Koeleria is a hardy plant and it can withstand extreme temperatures.

June grass has long, thin leaves and foliage. It resembles a bamboo grass and it is a dark green to bluish green in color. The leaves grow out from a bunch and as they grow, they drape over and fall slightly. These leaves are soft to the touch, however, they are not glossy and have a dull, muted appearance.

In mid-summer, the koeleria plant produces blooms. These flowers have a pleasant fragrance and look similar to the flowers of a wheat plant. Tiny off-white to yellow blooms appear on a stem and grow in a pinecone-like shape. They are considered a wildflower and they can be dried and used in potpourri or to accent a bouquet.

Although the koeleria is a smaller plant, it can grow to reach 18 inches (around 35 cm) in height. They also have to be spaced apart a full 15 inches (around 30 cm) to remain healthy. If they are not spaced out correctly, the longer grass leaves will become tangled and the separate plants will have to fight for water and minerals. Young plants must be given ample room to expand outward without interference.

This plant can live in a variety of different climates. The koeleria plant is able to survive in temperatures that go below minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit (around -20 Celsius). June grass cannot handle an excessive amount of water because it can damage the delicate root system. It is recommended that the koeleria plant be placed on a slight hill, so the water is able to drain away from the roots. Fertilizing the soil can increase the number of blooms that the plant produces.

June grass is not considered to be an invasive plant, but it still should not be placed close to other plants because of its ability to spread out considerably. It can rob essential water and nutrients from other plants. People who suffer with grass related allergies should never handle this plant.