Hippuris sp.
Mare's-tail, Mare's-Tail
Family: Plantaginaceae · Type: Perennial · Native
Hippuris sp. (Mare's-tail) is a native California perennial in the Plantaginaceae family.
How to tell it apart
vs Equisetum: Equisetum has jointed hollow stems with toothed sheaths; Hippuris has solid stems with individual needle leaves.; vs Myriophyllum: Myriophyllum has feathery, divided leaves; Hippuris has entire, undivided needle-like leaves.; vs Spinulum: Spinulum has finely divided fronds; Hippuris has simple, entire leaves in whorls.; vs Nephrolepis: Nephrolepis is a fern with divided fronds; Hippuris has simple leaves in whorls around aquatic stems.; vs Bacopa: Bacopa has opposite leaves in pairs; Hippuris has 6-12 leaves per whorl in bottlebrush pattern.
Frequently asked questions
Is Hippuris sp. native to California?
Yes. Hippuris sp. is native to California (recorded as native).
What plant family does Hippuris sp. belong to?
Hippuris sp. is in the Plantaginaceae family, genus Hippuris.
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.