Schoenoplectus heterochaetus
Slender bulrush
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Family: Cyperaceae · Type: Grass · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 2B.1
Schoenoplectus heterochaetus (Slender bulrush) is a native California grass in the Cyperaceae family, recognized by high elevation specialist with spikelets generally all single on plant.
Slender bulrush is a native perennial herb found in the high Cascade Range in fresh marshes and lakes, often emergent, at elevations below 1,600 meters. Flowering in August, this plant produces small flowers in clusters of spikelets 5 to 15 millimeters long. Growing 1.5 to 2.5 meters tall with a long rhizome, it has cylindrical stems 4 to 8 millimeters in diameter. Its leaves are thin, one to two blades per plant, up to 200 millimeters long and about 5 millimeters wide, with C-shaped cross-sections that split into delicate fibers at the sheath. The fruit is small, three-sided, smooth, and approximately 1.8 to 2.2 millimeters long.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 3 sympatric species; high elevation specialist with spikelets generally all single on plant
Habitat and range
Habitat: Fresh marshes, lakes, often emergent
Elevation: < 1600 m
Outside California: to Alberta, Quebec, Massachusetts
Bloom period
Schoenoplectus heterochaetus blooms Aug.
Conservation status
CNPS 2B.1
How to tell it apart
vs Juncus: Schoenoplectus has flowers in spikelets with overlapping scales; Juncus has separate flowers with 6 perianth parts.; vs Typha: Schoenoplectus has small spikelets of tiny flowers; Typha has dense brown cylindrical flower spikes (cattails).; vs Bolboschoenus: Schoenoplectus has smooth flower scales; Bolboschoenus scales are fuzzy-hairy.; vs Carex: Schoenoplectus has bisexual flowers in open spikelets; Carex has separate male/female flowers in enclosed sacs.; vs Scirpus: Schoenoplectus has dull bracts with notched tips; Scirpus bracts are pointed and often reddish-tinged.
Frequently asked questions
Is Schoenoplectus heterochaetus native to California?
Yes. Schoenoplectus heterochaetus is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Schoenoplectus heterochaetus bloom?
Schoenoplectus heterochaetus blooms Aug.
What plant family does Schoenoplectus heterochaetus belong to?
Schoenoplectus heterochaetus is in the Cyperaceae family, genus Schoenoplectus.
Is Schoenoplectus heterochaetus rare or endangered?
Schoenoplectus heterochaetus carries California Rare Plant Rank 2B.1, state rank S1.
What habitat does Schoenoplectus heterochaetus grow in?
Schoenoplectus heterochaetus grows in Fresh marshes, lakes, often emergent.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Schoenoplectus mucronatus — Rough-seed bulrush
- Schoenoplectus pungens var. longispicatus — Common three-square bulrush
- Schoenoplectus saximontanus — Rocky mountain bulrush
- Schoenoplectus sp. — Naked-stemmed bulrushes
- Schoenoplectus subterminalis — Water bulrush
- Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani — Soft-stem bulrush
Sources: Jepson eFlora · 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.