Calliscirpus sp.
Cotton grass, Cotton Grass
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Family: Cyperaceae · Type: Perennial · Variable; species dependent
Calliscirpus sp. (Cotton grass) is a non-native California perennial in the Cyperaceae family.
How to tell it apart
vs Fimbristylis: Calliscirpus has prominent bristles much longer than seeds, Fimbristylis bristles absent or very short.; vs Bulbostylis: Calliscirpus has showy cotton-like bristles, Bulbostylis completely lacks bristles.; vs Bolboschoenus: Calliscirpus has tight ball-like cluster with long bristles, Bolboschoenus has multiple separate spikelets.; vs Scirpus: Calliscirpus forms one tight congested head, Scirpus has openly branched drooping clusters.; vs Eriophorum: Calliscirpus has three-angled stems, Eriophorum stems are round in cross-section.
Frequently asked questions
Is Calliscirpus sp. native to California?
No. Calliscirpus sp. is not native to California (recorded as variable; species dependent).
What plant family does Calliscirpus sp. belong to?
Calliscirpus sp. is in the Cyperaceae family, genus Calliscirpus.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
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.