Muhlenbergia emersleyi
Bullgrass, bullgrass
(c) Wendy McCrady, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Wendy McCrady · licence
Family: Poaceae · Type: Grass · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 2B.2
Muhlenbergia emersleyi (Bullgrass) is a native California grass in the Poaceae family, recognized by large size distinctive.
Bullgrass is a rare (CNPS 2B.2) California native perennial found in the Riverside region on rocky slopes, washes, canyons, and cliffs at elevations of 1,200 to 2,000 meters. Flowering from August to November, this grass produces delicate purplish flowers with flexuous awns that emerge from densely tufted stems. Growing 6.5 to 15 decimeters tall with a dense, clustered growth habit, the plant forms impressive clumps with distinctive grass architecture. Its leaves are long and narrow, measuring 20 to 50 centimeters in length and 2 to 6 millimeters wide, with elongated ligules up to 25 millimeters long. The inflorescence is expansive, reaching 20 to 45 centimeters long and 4 to 15 centimeters wide, with spreading branch clusters that create an open, airy appearance.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated; large size distinctive
Habitat and range
Habitat: Uncommon. Rocky slopes, washes, canyons, cliffs
Elevation: 1200-2000 m
California counties: Riverside
Outside California: to southwestern United States, Mexico
Bloom period
Muhlenbergia emersleyi blooms Aug-Nov.
Conservation status
CNPS 2B.2
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 emersleyi native to California?
Yes. Muhlenbergia emersleyi is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Muhlenbergia emersleyi bloom?
Muhlenbergia emersleyi blooms Aug-Nov.
Where in California does Muhlenbergia emersleyi grow?
Muhlenbergia emersleyi occurs in Riverside, at elevations of 1200-2000 m.
What plant family does Muhlenbergia emersleyi belong to?
Muhlenbergia emersleyi is in the Poaceae family, genus Muhlenbergia.
Is Muhlenbergia emersleyi rare or endangered?
Muhlenbergia emersleyi carries California Rare Plant Rank 2B.2, state rank S1.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · 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.