Lipocarpha aristulata
Awned halfchaff sedge
Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. (via Wikimedia Commons) · CC0
Family: Cyperaceae · Type: Grass · Native
Lipocarpha aristulata (Awned halfchaff sedge) is a native California grass in the Cyperaceae family, recognized by awn length 0.5-1mm and fruit shape/surface.
Awned halfchaff sedge is a California native annual found in northern California coastal ranges and Sacramento Valley in wet soil at elevations of 100 to 400 meters. Flowering from August to September, this plant produces small spikes with subtle light red-brown to black fruits. Growing with delicate stems 2 to 15 centimeters tall, it forms compact ovoid to cylindrical inflorescences. Its flower bracts feature distinctive awns 0.5 to 1 millimeter long, with outer bracts slightly shorter than the papillate fruits. The tiny fruits are widest just below their tips, creating a unique textural profile in wet soil environments.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 2 sympatric species; distinguished by awn length 0.5-1mm and fruit shape/surface
Habitat and range
Habitat: Wet soil
Elevation: 100-400 m
California counties: Shasta, Butte, Sacramento, Tehama, Humboldt, Merced
Outside California: to Washington, southeastern United States
Bloom period
Lipocarpha aristulata blooms Aug-Sep.
How to tell it apart
vs Eleocharis: Lipocarpha has leaf-like bracts at base of clusters, Eleocharis completely lacks bracts below spikelet.; vs Isolepis: Lipocarpha has multi-veined outer bracts, Isolepis bracts have single midvein.; vs Trichophorum: Lipocarpha is tiny annual in mud, Trichophorum is perennial in bogs with bristly seeds.; vs Amphiscirpus: Lipocarpha grows in wet mud along shores, Amphiscirpus grows submerged in deeper water.; vs Schoenoplectus: Lipocarpha is tiny annual under 16 inches, Schoenoplectus is typically much taller perennial.
Frequently asked questions
Is Lipocarpha aristulata native to California?
Yes. Lipocarpha aristulata is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Lipocarpha aristulata bloom?
Lipocarpha aristulata blooms Aug-Sep.
Where in California does Lipocarpha aristulata grow?
Lipocarpha aristulata occurs in Shasta, Butte, Sacramento, Tehama, Humboldt, Merced, at elevations of 100-400 m.
What plant family does Lipocarpha aristulata belong to?
Lipocarpha aristulata is in the Cyperaceae family, genus Lipocarpha.
What habitat does Lipocarpha aristulata grow in?
Lipocarpha aristulata grows in Wet soil.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
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.