Orcuttia tenuis
Slender orcutt grass
(c) Matt Berger, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Poaceae · Type: Grass · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.1 · Threatened
Orcuttia tenuis (Slender orcutt grass) is a native California grass in the Poaceae family, recognized by northern distribution and higher elevations.
Slender orcutt grass is a rare (CNPS 1B.1) California native annual found in northern California inland ranges, Sacramento Valley, and northern California mountains in vernal pools at elevations of 200 to 1,100 meters. Flowering from May to October, this delicate grass produces small white to pale green flowers in sparse, slender spikes about 5 to 10 centimeters long. Growing with generally erect stems 5 to 15 centimeters tall, often branching in the upper portion and sometimes forming weak clusters, it has a sparsely hairy appearance. Its narrow leaf blades measure approximately 1.5 to 2 millimeters wide, with spikelets containing 5 to 20 individual florets. The mature fruits are narrowly oblong, measuring around 3 millimeters in length.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 2 sympatric species; distinguished by northern distribution and higher elevations
Habitat and range
Habitat: Vernal pools
Elevation: 200-1100 m
California counties: Shasta, Siskiyou, Tehama, Lake, Sacramento, Butte, Plumas, Modoc
Bloom period
Orcuttia tenuis blooms May-Oct.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.1 · Threatened
Frequently asked questions
Is Orcuttia tenuis native to California?
Yes. Orcuttia tenuis is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Orcuttia tenuis bloom?
Orcuttia tenuis blooms May-Oct.
Where in California does Orcuttia tenuis grow?
Orcuttia tenuis occurs in Shasta, Siskiyou, Tehama, Lake, Sacramento, Butte, Plumas, Modoc, at elevations of 200-1100 m.
What plant family does Orcuttia tenuis belong to?
Orcuttia tenuis is in the Poaceae family, genus Orcuttia.
Is Orcuttia tenuis rare or endangered?
Orcuttia tenuis carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.1, state rank S2.
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.