Scheuchzeria palustris
Scheuchzeria, Scheuchzeria
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Family: Scheuchzeriaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 2B.1
Scheuchzeria palustris (Scheuchzeria) is a native California herb in the Scheuchzeriaceae family.
Scheuchzeria is a rare (CNPS 2B.1) California native perennial found in southern Cascade Range and Modoc Plateau in floating mats, bogs, and lake margins at elevations of 1,400 to 2,000 meters. Flowering from July to August, this plant produces green-white flowers in small clusters of 3 to 12 blooms. Growing with zigzag stems 10 to 40 centimeters tall, it forms distinctive glabrous plants with reduced upward leaves. Its basal leaves are striate and up to 20 centimeters long, with blade widths between 1 to 3 millimeters, creating delicate ground-hugging vegetation. The fruit develops as 1 to 4 curved seed pods 4 to 10 millimeters long, each with a small beak emerging from the curved side.
Habitat and range
Habitat: Floating mats, bogs, lake margins
Elevation: 1400-2000 m
California counties: Plumas
Outside California: to Alaska, eastern North America, Eurasia
Bloom period
Scheuchzeria palustris blooms Jul-Aug.
Conservation status
CNPS 2B.1
Frequently asked questions
Is Scheuchzeria palustris native to California?
Yes. Scheuchzeria palustris is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Scheuchzeria palustris bloom?
Scheuchzeria palustris blooms Jul-Aug.
Where in California does Scheuchzeria palustris grow?
Scheuchzeria palustris occurs in Plumas, at elevations of 1400-2000 m.
What plant family does Scheuchzeria palustris belong to?
Scheuchzeria palustris is in the Scheuchzeriaceae family, genus Scheuchzeria.
Is Scheuchzeria palustris rare or endangered?
Scheuchzeria palustris carries California Rare Plant Rank 2B.1, state rank S1.
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.