Parapholis strigosa
Hairy sickle grass
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Family: Poaceae · Type: Grass · Not Native
Parapholis strigosa (Hairy sickle grass) is a non-native California grass in the Poaceae family, recognized by . Distinguished by restricted geography, larger size, and flat leaves.
Hairy sickle grass is a naturalized annual grass found in northern California coastal areas, particularly near northern Humboldt Bay, in moist salt marsh habitats below the highest tide level at elevations below 5 meters. Flowering from April to June, this grass produces small, delicate inflorescences with spikelets 10 to 25 millimeters long. Growing with ascending to erect stems 12 to 45 centimeters tall that branch at lower nodes, it forms dense, flexible clumps in coastal environments. Its leaves are narrow, 1 to 3 millimeters wide and 1 to 10 centimeters long, typically flat and emerging from sheaths 2 to 6 centimeters in length. The plant's distinctive sickle-like grass form and ability to thrive in challenging salt marsh conditions make it a notable coastal species.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 1 sympatric species. Distinguished by restricted geography, larger size, and flat leaves.
Habitat and range
Habitat: Moist soils, generally salt marshes below highest tide level
Elevation: < 5 m
Outside California: British Columbia, native to Europe
Bloom period
Parapholis strigosa blooms Apr-Jun.
How to tell it apart
vs Distichlis: Parapholis has curved spikes with embedded spikelets; Distichlis has stiff upright branches with protruding spikelets.; vs Stenotaphrum: Parapholis is a delicate tufted annual; Stenotaphrum is robust with thick spreading stolons.; vs Aegilops: Parapholis completely lacks awns; Aegilops has prominent bristles on glumes.; vs Scribneria: Parapholis is completely awnless; Scribneria has an awn on the lemma.
Frequently asked questions
Is Parapholis strigosa native to California?
No. Parapholis strigosa is not native to California (recorded as not native).
When does Parapholis strigosa bloom?
Parapholis strigosa blooms Apr-Jun.
What plant family does Parapholis strigosa belong to?
Parapholis strigosa is in the Poaceae family, genus Parapholis.
What habitat does Parapholis strigosa grow in?
Parapholis strigosa grows in Moist soils, generally salt marshes below highest tide level.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · 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.