San Joaquin Valley Orcutt Grass
(Orcuttia inaequalis )
Poaceae

Photo Copyright 2002 Joshua D. Boldt

Description: Annual, hairy, grayish herb, with a densely clumped growth form, and flowers rising above the clump. Leaf 1/8 inch (2-4mm) wide. Inflorescence is head-like 3/4 - 1 3/8 inches (2-3.5cm) long, with densely crowded spikelets. Spikelets contain irregular toothed glumes 1/8 inch (about 3mm) long, 4-20 florets, and a lemma 3/16 inch (4-5mm) long, with awns. Fruit is widely elliptic, 1/16 inch (1.5mm) long.

Distribution:

Habitat: Vernal pools. Elevation 96 - 2416.

Flowering Period: Blooms April - September.

Similar Plants:

Status: Federal Threatened, California State Endangered, California Native Plant Society List 1B