Phleum sp.
Timothy, Timothy
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Family: Poaceae · Type: Perennial · Variable; species dependent
Phleum sp. (Timothy) is a non-native California perennial in the Poaceae family.
How to tell it apart
vs Phalaris: Phleum has a perfectly cylindrical spike; Phalaris spikes are more oval or egg-shaped.; vs Alopecurus: Phleum seeds lack awns entirely; Alopecurus has a bristle from each flower creating a softer look.; vs Plantago: Phleum is a grass with split leaf blades; Plantago has broad, uncut leaves in a basal rosette.; vs Holcus: Phleum has a tight cylinder; Holcus has a looser, more branched flower cluster.; vs Setaria: Phleum's spike lacks bristles beyond the flowers; Setaria has long bristles creating a foxtail.
Frequently asked questions
Is Phleum sp. native to California?
No. Phleum sp. is not native to California (recorded as variable; species dependent).
What plant family does Phleum sp. belong to?
Phleum sp. is in the Poaceae family, genus Phleum.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-04-14
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.