Scirpus sp.
Bulrush, Bulrush
Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Cyperaceae · Type: Perennial · Variable; species dependent
Scirpus sp. (Bulrush) is a non-native California perennial in the Cyperaceae family.
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 sp. native to California?
No. Scirpus sp. is not native to California (recorded as variable; species dependent).
What plant family does Scirpus sp. belong to?
Scirpus sp. is in the Cyperaceae family, genus Scirpus.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Scirpus congdonii — Congdon's bulrush
- Scirpus cyperinus — Woolgrass
- Scirpus diffusus — Diffuse rush
- Scirpus microcarpus — Mountain bog bulrush
- Scirpus pendulus — Pendulous bulrush
- Trichophorum clementis — Yosemite bulrush
- Trichophorum pumilum — Little bulrush
- Trichophorum sp.
- Amphiscirpus nevadensis — Great basin bulrush
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-04-14
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.