Scirpus microcarpus
Mountain bog bulrush
(c) Matt Lavin, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · licence
Family: Cyperaceae · Type: Grass · Native
Scirpus microcarpus (Mountain bog bulrush) is a native California grass in the Cyperaceae family, recognized by presence of ligule and widespread distribution.
Mountain bog bulrush is a California native perennial found in marshes, wet meadows, streambanks, and pond margins throughout California at elevations below 3,000 meters. Flowering from June to July, this plant produces green to nearly black flower spikelets in tight head-like clusters 2 to 8 millimeters long. Growing 60 to 200 centimeters tall with a long spreading rhizome, it develops distinctive three-angled stems 2 to 5 millimeters thick. Its leaves have broad blades 5 to 15 millimeters wide with a visible ligule, and feature fine, reflexed bristles surrounding its small fruit. The compact clusters of spikelets and three-angled stem shape make this bulrush a distinctive wetland species.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 4 sympatric species; key features are presence of ligule and widespread distribution
Habitat and range
Habitat: Marshes, wet meadows, streambanks, pond margins, sometimes weedy
Elevation: < 3000 m
California counties: Humboldt, San Bernardino, Inyo, Riverside, Los Angeles, Calaveras, Orange, Tulare, Mono, Alameda, El Dorado, Fresno, Kern, Lake, Lassen, Madera, Marin, Mariposa, Mendocino, Modoc, Monterey, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, San Diego, San Francisco, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Shasta, Siskiyou, Sonoma, Tehama, Trinity, Tuolumne, Ventura, Amador, Alpine, Sierra, Contra Costa, Glenn, Butte, Napa, Santa Barbara, Del Norte, San Joaquin, Yuba, San Benito, Yolo
Outside California: to Alaska, eastern North America, eastern Asia
Bloom period
Scirpus microcarpus blooms Jun-Jul.
How to tell it apart
vs Cyperus: Scirpus has drooping branched clusters, Cyperus has flat umbrella-like bracts radiating from a central point.; vs Schoenoplectus: Scirpus clusters are openly branched and spreading, Schoenoplectus has dense compact clusters.; vs Carex: Scirpus has perfect flowers in branched clusters, Carex has separate male/female spikes.; vs Bolboschoenus: Scirpus lacks underground tubers entirely, Bolboschoenus has firm tubers.; vs Juncus: Scirpus has obvious flowers in spikelets, Juncus has tiny flowers with visible petals/sepals.
Frequently asked questions
Is Scirpus microcarpus native to California?
Yes. Scirpus microcarpus is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Scirpus microcarpus bloom?
Scirpus microcarpus blooms Jun-Jul.
Where in California does Scirpus microcarpus grow?
Scirpus microcarpus occurs in Humboldt, San Bernardino, Inyo, Riverside, Los Angeles, Calaveras, Orange, Tulare and other counties, at elevations of < 3000 m.
What plant family does Scirpus microcarpus belong to?
Scirpus microcarpus is in the Cyperaceae family, genus Scirpus.
What habitat does Scirpus microcarpus grow in?
Scirpus microcarpus grows in Marshes, wet meadows, streambanks, pond margins, sometimes weedy.
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.