Muhlenbergia californica
California muhly
Family: Poaceae · Type: Grass · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 4.3
Muhlenbergia californica (California muhly) is a native California grass in the Poaceae family, recognized by narrow dense inflorescence and yellow anthers distinctive.
California muhly is a California native perennial found in southern California coastal areas, San Gabriel Mountains, San Bernardino Mountains, and San Jacinto Mountains in streambanks and canyon habitats at elevations of 100 to 2,000 meters. Flowering from June to September, this plant produces yellow-green flowers in narrow clusters 5 to 13 centimeters long with short, dense branches. Growing with slender stems 30 to 70 centimeters tall and short, creeping rhizomes, it spreads in clumps with distinctive grass-like characteristics. Its flat leaves are 4 to 16 centimeters long and 2 to 6 millimeters wide, with tiny truncate ligules irregularly toothed at the edges. The delicate flower spikelets feature short, soft hairs and fine awns, creating a soft, feathery appearance characteristic of this native grass.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 9 sympatric species; narrow dense inflorescence and yellow anthers distinctive
Habitat and range
Habitat: Streambanks, canyons
Elevation: 100-2000 m
California counties: Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside
Bloom period
Muhlenbergia californica blooms Jun-Sep.
Conservation status
CNPS 4.3
How to tell it apart
vs Cenchrus: Cenchrus has spiny burs enclosing seed clusters; Muhlenbergia has open panicles without spines.; vs Nassella: Nassella has prominent bent awns; Muhlenbergia awns are straight or absent.; vs Festuca: Festuca has multiple-flowered spikelets; Muhlenbergia typically has single-flowered spikelets in open panicles.; vs Carex: Carex (sedges) has triangular stems and separate male/female flowers; Muhlenbergia has round stems.; vs Juncus: Juncus (rushes) has tiny brown chaffy flowers in clusters; Muhlenbergia has typical grass spikelets.
Frequently asked questions
Is Muhlenbergia californica native to California?
Yes. Muhlenbergia californica is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Muhlenbergia californica bloom?
Muhlenbergia californica blooms Jun-Sep.
Where in California does Muhlenbergia californica grow?
Muhlenbergia californica occurs in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, at elevations of 100-2000 m.
What plant family does Muhlenbergia californica belong to?
Muhlenbergia californica is in the Poaceae family, genus Muhlenbergia.
Is Muhlenbergia californica rare or endangered?
Muhlenbergia californica carries California Rare Plant Rank 4.3, state rank S4.
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.