Phyllospadix scouleri
Scouler's surfgrass
(c) Allison Gong, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Allison Gong · licence
Family: Zosteraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Phyllospadix scouleri (Scouler's surfgrass) is a native California herb in the Zosteraceae family, recognized by . Key difference is bract shape and fruit size.
Scouler's surfgrass is a California native perennial found in coastal bioregions including northern California Coast, central California Coast, southern California Coast, and Channel Islands, inhabiting surf zones and rocky intertidal areas from below mean low tide to 2 meters depth. Flowering from April to July, this marine plant produces inconspicuous flowers within narrow bracts. Growing as a dense, flexible marine grass with long, ribbon-like leaves that sway with ocean currents, it forms extensive underwater meadows along rocky shorelines. Its leaves are narrow, green to olive-colored, and can reach lengths of 30 to 60 centimeters, providing critical habitat for marine organisms. The fruit is approximately 3.5 millimeters long, adapted to surviving in the dynamic wave-swept environments of the Pacific coastline.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 1 sympatric species. Key difference is bract shape and fruit size.
Habitat and range
Habitat: Surf zones, rocky shores, intertidal, subtidal
Elevation: 0-2 m below mean low tide
California counties: Monterey, Los Angeles, San Diego, Santa Cruz, San Luis Obispo, Humboldt, Ventura, Santa Barbara, Mendocino, Orange, San Mateo, Sonoma, Marin, San Francisco
Outside California: to Alaska, Baja California
Bloom period
Phyllospadix scouleri blooms Apr-Jul.
How to tell it apart
vs Zostera: Phyllospadix grows on wave-swept rocks; Zostera grows in muddy/sandy calm bay bottoms.; vs Vallisneria: Phyllospadix is marine on rocks in surf; Vallisneria is freshwater in calm waters.; vs Ulva: Phyllospadix has distinct narrow grass-like leaves; Ulva is broad sheet-like green algae.; vs Acrosiphonia: Phyllospadix has flat ribbon leaves; Acrosiphonia is branching thread-like green algae.; vs Cortaderia: Phyllospadix grows underwater in surf zone; Cortaderia is terrestrial grass with huge plumes.
Frequently asked questions
Is Phyllospadix scouleri native to California?
Yes. Phyllospadix scouleri is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Phyllospadix scouleri bloom?
Phyllospadix scouleri blooms Apr-Jul.
Where in California does Phyllospadix scouleri grow?
Phyllospadix scouleri occurs in Monterey, Los Angeles, San Diego, Santa Cruz, San Luis Obispo, Humboldt, Ventura, Santa Barbara and other counties, at elevations of 0-2 m below mean low tide.
What plant family does Phyllospadix scouleri belong to?
Phyllospadix scouleri is in the Zosteraceae family, genus Phyllospadix.
What habitat does Phyllospadix scouleri grow in?
Phyllospadix scouleri grows in Surf zones, rocky shores, intertidal, subtidal.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · 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.