Melica californica is endemic to the USA, where it is found in California and Oregon. Typical habitats of occurrence are open hillsides, oak woodland, coniferous forest and grasslands.

With a common name of California melic, this tufted perennial can achieve a height of 130 centimeters. The growth form of this grass is decumbent to lax and the narrow inflorescence can range from four to thirty centimeters.