Calamagrostis sp.
Reed grass, Reed Grass
Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Poaceae · Type: Perennial · Variable; species dependent
Calamagrostis sp. (Reed grass) is a non-native California perennial in the Poaceae family.
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 sp. native to California?
No. Calamagrostis sp. is not native to California (recorded as variable; species dependent).
What plant family does Calamagrostis sp. belong to?
Calamagrostis sp. is in the Poaceae family, genus Calamagrostis.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Calamagrostis stricta — Slipstem reed grass
- Calamagrostis stricta subsp. inexpansa — Thurber's reed grass
- Calamagrostis stricta subsp. stricta
- Calamagrostis arenaria subsp. arenaria — European beachgrass, maram grass
- Calamagrostis bolanderi — Bolander's reed grass
- Calamagrostis breviligulata
- Catabrosa aquatica subsp. aquatica — water whorlgrass
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-04-14
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.