Milium, Genus, spp., Multiple species,
- Genus
- Multiple species
wood millet
Temperate Europe, Asia, and North America
Overview
Milium is a small genus of annual and perennial grasses in the family Poaceae, native to temperate Europe, Asia, and North America. The most familiar species, Milium effusum, wood millet, is a loosely tufted woodland perennial of shaded, moist deciduous forest. Plants form clumps of broad, soft, flat green leaves 4-12 inches (10-30 cm) long, from which slender stems rise to carry airy, open, much-branched flower panicles in late spring and early summer; flowering stems reach 12-60 inches (30-150 cm) tall. The tiny spikelets are spread along thread-like branches, giving the panicle an open, see-through look. The golden-leaved selection M. effusum 'Aureum', Bowles's golden grass, is grown for its yellow spring foliage in shade. Across the genus, plants are cool-season growers, most active in spring and autumn, and tend to fade in summer heat. Milium grows on moist, humus-rich soils in part to full shade and self-seeds where conditions suit. It is a woodland-edge grass rather than a drought-tolerant meadow type.
Native Range
Milium is native to temperate Europe, Asia, and North America. M. effusum has a wide circumboreal range through moist deciduous and mixed woodlands of these regions.Suggested Uses
Grown in shade and woodland gardens, along the cool edges of borders, and as ground-layer texture beneath shrubs and trees, with the golden form used to lighten shaded corners. The genus self-sows to weave between other shade plants. It suits naturalistic woodland and streamside plantings on moist soils.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 5'
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Green to strawFoliage Description
Green (yellow in 'Aureum')Growing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plants grow in part to full shade on moist, humus-rich, free-draining soils, reflecting the woodland habitat of the genus. Cool-season growth is strongest in spring and autumn, and clumps may look tired in hot, dry summers. Steady soil moisture keeps the foliage fresh, while drought and full sun cause scorching, especially in the golden-leaved form. Plants are short-lived but renew themselves by self-sown seedlings, which can be moved while small. The golden form comes fairly true from seed in shade. Little feeding is needed on reasonable woodland soil.Pruning
Little pruning is needed. Spent flowering stems and tired foliage are cut back in summer to encourage a fresh flush where moisture allows. Old growth is cleared in late winter before new spring leaves appear.Pruning Schedule
Prune: February & July
summerwinter
Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons
