Isoetes sp.
Quillwort, Quillwort
(c) Timothy McNitt, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Timothy McNitt · licence
Family: Isoetaceae · Type: Perennial · Native
Isoetes sp. (Quillwort) is a native California perennial in the Isoetaceae family.
How to tell it apart
vs Juncus: Isoetes has a bulbous corm-like base with embedded spore capsules; Juncus has fibrous roots without sporangia.; vs Subularia: Isoetes leaves arise from a bulbous base; Subularia has a thin taproot with small white flowers above the leaves.; vs Triglochin: Isoetes has spore capsules at leaf bases; Triglochin produces tall flower spikes with tiny greenish flowers.; vs Sparganium: Isoetes forms tight tufts from a corm; Sparganium has creeping stems and round, burr-like flower heads.; vs Pilularia: Isoetes leaves stand rigidly erect; Pilularia leaves coil in fiddlehead fashion when young.
Frequently asked questions
Is Isoetes sp. native to California?
Yes. Isoetes sp. is native to California (recorded as native).
What plant family does Isoetes sp. belong to?
Isoetes sp. is in the Isoetaceae family, genus Isoetes.
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.