PROTECTING WISCONSIN'S BIODIVERSITY

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Scientific Name	Common Name	Global Rank	State Rank	Federal Status	WI Status

Smith's Melic Grass (Melica smithii)

State Status: END

Federal Status: none

State Rank: S1

Global Rank: G4

Photo by Steve Garske

Counties with Mapped NHI Occurrences

Smith's Melic Grass (Melica smithii), a Wisconsin Endangered plant, is found in rich hardwood forests in Penokee Range. Blooming occurs early-June through late-July, fruiting mid-June through late-August. The optimal identification period for this species is late-June through early-August.

Identification

Smith's melic grass is a graminoid with slender culms that are 60-120cm tall and a panicle that is 12-25cm long with solitary, distant, spreading branches that are naked below and sometimes reflexed, as much as 10cm long. The base its stem is enlarged and bulbous. Pedicels are densely antrorse-hispid (tiny, forward-curving, stiff hairs) and sheaths are up to 20cm long and 6-12mm wide, retrorsely scabrous (tiny, downward-pointing, short, stiff hairs). Spikelets are 3-6-flowered, 18-20mm long, and sometimes purplish. Glumes are acute, lemmas ~10mm long, with an awn 3-5mm long.

Distinguishing Characteristics and Similar Species

Its panicle branches that are reflexed at maturity, the enlarged and bulbous stem base, densely antrorse-hispid (tiny, forward-curving, stiff hairs) pedicels, and retrorsely scabrous (tiny, downward-pointing, short, stiff hairs) sheaths are distinguishing characteristics.

Phenology and Reproduction

Phenology

Blooming occurs early-June through late-July, fruiting early-June through late-August.

Life Cycle, Optimum Time to Identify

Perennial. The optimal identification period for this species is late-June through early-August.

Ecology and Associated Species

Associated species include Acer saccharum, Tilia americana, Betula alleghaniensis, and Corylus cornuta.

Habitat

Smith's melic grass prefers moist soils and is found in rich hardwood forests in Penokee Range.

Avoidance Measures and Management Guidance

Avoidance Measures

Avoid known individual plant locations and conduct operations elsewhere when they are least likely to cause damage. Ideally, this would involve frozen, snow-covered ground. However, in areas of the state where frozen conditions are unreliable, very dry soils late in the growing season might be the best available alternative. Consult with a biologist, if needed.

Avoid broadcast spraying of herbicides and use care with spot spraying.

Management Guidance

This species requires shaded habitat conditions, maintain high forest canopy cover.

Survey for and control invasive plants prior to conducting timber operations, as these can be spread by vehicles and often respond vigorously to increased light. See forestry BMPs for invasive species.

Wildlife Action Plan

Associated Natural Communities and Ecological Landscapes

Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) are associated with habitats (or natural communities) and places on the landscape. Understanding relationships among SGCN, natural communities and ecological landscapes help us make decisions about issues affecting SGCN and their habitat and how to respond. Download the Wildlife Action Plan association score spreadsheet to explore rare species, natural communities and ecological landscape associations

Issues/Threats and Conservation Actions

Conservation actions respond to issues or threats, which adversely affect species of greatest conservation need (SGCN) or their habitats. Besides actions such as restoring wetlands or planting resilient tree species in northern communities, research, surveys and monitoring are also among conservation actions described in the Wisconsin Wildlife Action Plan because lack of information can threaten our ability to successfully preserve and care for natural resources.

PROTECTING WISCONSIN'S BIODIVERSITY

Smith's Melic Grass (Melica smithii)

Rare Species & Natural Communities

Additional Resources

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