Calamagrostis muiriana
Muir's reed grass, Muir's Reed Grass
(c) Matt Lavin, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Poaceae · Type: Grass · Native
Calamagrostis muiriana (Muir's reed grass) is a native California grass in the Poaceae family, recognized by only Calamagrostis in its range.
Muir's reed grass is a California native perennial found in central Sierra Nevada Mountains in high-elevation meadows, lake margins, and streambanks at elevations of 2,480 to 3,900 meters. Flowering from July to September, this grass produces small greenish-white flowers in delicate, open clusters 2 to 6 centimeters long. Growing in dense tufts with stems 12 to 34 centimeters tall, it forms compact bunches without underground rhizomes. Its narrow leaves are primarily basal, with fine blades less than half a millimeter wide that curl inward and have three to five subtle veins. The grass produces distinctive awned spikelets with twisted, bent awns extending slightly beyond the glume tips, creating a delicate, feathery appearance.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated; only Calamagrostis in its range
Habitat and range
Habitat: Meadows, lake margins, streambanks
Elevation: 2480-3900 m
Bloom period
Calamagrostis muiriana blooms Jul-Sep.
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 muiriana native to California?
Yes. Calamagrostis muiriana is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Calamagrostis muiriana bloom?
Calamagrostis muiriana blooms Jul-Sep.
What plant family does Calamagrostis muiriana belong to?
Calamagrostis muiriana is in the Poaceae family, genus Calamagrostis.
What habitat does Calamagrostis muiriana grow in?
Calamagrostis muiriana grows in Meadows, lake margins, streambanks.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
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.