Carex obispoensis
San luis obispo sedge
no rights reserved, uploaded by Alex Heyman · CC0
Family: Cyperaceae · Type: Grass · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Carex obispoensis (San luis obispo sedge) is a native California grass in the Cyperaceae family, recognized by large size, V-folded leaves, and long hairy perigynia.
San luis obispo sedge is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native sedge found in the central coastal region of Monterey and San Luis Obispo counties in chaparral and spring or streamside habitats at elevations below 800 meters. Flowering time is not specified in the source data, so no bloom details can be included. Growing in dense clumps with sturdy stems reaching 60 to 180 centimeters tall, this sedge forms distinctive V-folded leaf blades 2.5 to 8 millimeters wide. Its leaf blades are narrow and structured, with upper lateral spikelets occasionally producing both staminate and pistillate flowers and lowest spikelets featuring long-exserted stalks. The fruit features sparse-hairy perigynia that are lanceolate, sharply three-angled, and generally fine red-dotted, with a stout beak approximately 2 millimeters long.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 35 sympatric species; large size, V-folded leaves, and long hairy perigynia
Habitat and range
Habitat: Springs, streamsides in chaparral, generally on serpentine
Elevation: < 800 m
California counties: Monterey, San Luis Obispo, San Diego
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.2
How to tell it apart
vs Juncus: Carex stems are triangular when rolled; Juncus stems are round and often hollow with partitions inside.; vs Cyperus: Carex has seeds in individual flasks; Cyperus has umbrella-like flower clusters with flattened ribbon-like spikes.; vs Plantago: Carex has triangular stems and brown/green spikelets; Plantago has round flower stalks and white/brown spike flowers.; vs Eleocharis: Carex has leaves along the stem; Eleocharis is nearly leafless with just one spikelet per stem.; vs Schoenoplectus: Carex has leafy stems and flask-enclosed seeds; Schoenoplectus has leafless round stems with exposed seeds.
Frequently asked questions
Is Carex obispoensis native to California?
Yes. Carex obispoensis is native to California (recorded as native).
Where in California does Carex obispoensis grow?
Carex obispoensis occurs in Monterey, San Luis Obispo, San Diego, at elevations of < 800 m.
What plant family does Carex obispoensis belong to?
Carex obispoensis is in the Cyperaceae family, genus Carex.
Is Carex obispoensis rare or endangered?
Carex obispoensis carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S3?.
What habitat does Carex obispoensis grow in?
Carex obispoensis grows in Springs, streamsides in chaparral, generally on serpentine.
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.