Poa bulbosa var. vivipara
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Family: Poaceae · Type: Perennial · Not Native
Poa bulbosa var. vivipara is a non-native California perennial in the Poaceae family, recognized by bulbous base and viviparous spikelets.
Bulbous bluegrass is a naturalized perennial found throughout California in disturbed places at elevations generally below 2,000 meters. Flowering from March to July, this grass produces distinctive spikelets that uniquely generate leafy bulblets instead of typical seeds. Growing in dense tufts with bulbous bases, it spreads readily through these unusual vegetative reproductive structures. Its leaves are fine and narrow, typical of bluegrass species, emerging in compact clusters. The plant is characterized by its ability to reproduce through leafy bulblets, which can quickly colonize disturbed ground.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 47 sympatric species; diagnostic bulbous base and viviparous spikelets
Habitat and range
Habitat: Disturbed places, common
Elevation: generally < 2000 m
Outside California: +- worldwide temperate; native to Europe.
Bloom period
Poa bulbosa var. vivipara blooms Mar-Jul.
How to tell it apart
vs Festuca: Poa has boat-shaped, keeled leaf tips; Festuca leaves are flat or rolled but never keeled like a ship's prow.; vs Melica: Poa has fine, narrow leaves with boat-shaped tips; Melica has wider, flat leaves without the distinctive keel.; vs Nassella: Poa leaves have boat-shaped tips you can feel; Nassella leaves roll inward and lack the keel.; vs Koeleria: Poa has cobwebby hairs at seed base and keeled leaf tips; Koeleria lacks both features.; vs Holcus: Poa has boat-shaped leaf tips; Holcus leaves are flat and soft-hairy without any keel.
Frequently asked questions
Is Poa bulbosa var. vivipara native to California?
No. Poa bulbosa var. vivipara is not native to California (recorded as not native).
When does Poa bulbosa var. vivipara bloom?
Poa bulbosa var. vivipara blooms Mar-Jul.
What plant family does Poa bulbosa var. vivipara belong to?
Poa bulbosa var. vivipara is in the Poaceae family, genus Poa.
What habitat does Poa bulbosa var. vivipara grow in?
Poa bulbosa var. vivipara grows in Disturbed places, common.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-04-09
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.