Calamagrostis foliosa
Leafy reed grass
Family: Poaceae · Type: Grass · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 4.2
Calamagrostis foliosa (Leafy reed grass) is a native California grass in the Poaceae family, recognized by exceptionally long awns (longest in genus) and rocky coastal habitat.
Leafy reed grass is a California native perennial found in the Northern Coast, Klamath Ranges, and Northern Coast Ranges in coastal scrub, forest, and rocky habitats at elevations up to 1,250 meters. Flowering from May to August, this grass produces dense, narrow inflorescences with delicate, pale golden-green spikelets 8 to 10 millimeters long. Growing in tufted clumps 30 to 60 centimeters tall with 2 to 3 nodes, it forms dense, compact clusters with wiry stems. Its mostly basal leaves are thin and inrolled, approximately 1 to 2 millimeters wide, with a scabrous upper surface and a ligule 4 to 6 millimeters long. The grass has a distinctive awn 12 to 15 millimeters long, which extends beyond the glume tips and appears bent and twisted.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 11 sympatric species; key feature is exceptionally long awns (longest in genus) and rocky coastal habitat
Habitat and range
Habitat: Coastal scrub, forest, rock outcrops, crevices, cliffs
Elevation: < 1250 m
California counties: Humboldt, Mendocino, Del Norte
Bloom period
Calamagrostis foliosa blooms May-Aug.
Conservation status
CNPS 4.2
How to tell it apart
vs Leymus: Leymus has spike-like inflorescences; Calamagrostis has open, branching panicles.; vs Koeleria: Koeleria has dense spike-like panicles; Calamagrostis panicles are loose and open.; vs Holcus: Holcus has velvety-hairy spikelets; Calamagrostis has silky basal hairs only.; vs Muhlenbergia: Calamagrostis spikelets are 2-4mm with awns; Muhlenbergia often larger without prominent awns.; vs Spinifex: Spinifex forms spiny seed heads on beaches; Calamagrostis has soft panicles in mountains.
Frequently asked questions
Is Calamagrostis foliosa native to California?
Yes. Calamagrostis foliosa is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Calamagrostis foliosa bloom?
Calamagrostis foliosa blooms May-Aug.
Where in California does Calamagrostis foliosa grow?
Calamagrostis foliosa occurs in Humboldt, Mendocino, Del Norte, at elevations of < 1250 m.
What plant family does Calamagrostis foliosa belong to?
Calamagrostis foliosa is in the Poaceae family, genus Calamagrostis.
Is Calamagrostis foliosa rare or endangered?
Calamagrostis foliosa carries California Rare Plant Rank 4.2, state rank S3.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.