Trichophorum clementis
Yosemite bulrush
(c) Steve Matson, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Cyperaceae · Type: Grass · Native
Trichophorum clementis (Yosemite bulrush) is a native California grass in the Cyperaceae family, recognized by . Distinguished by clumped growth habit and presence of perianth bristles.
Yosemite bulrush is a California native perennial found in central Sierra Nevada Mountains in dry to wet meadows and streambanks at elevations of 2,400 to 3,600 meters. Flowering during summer, this plant produces brown flowers with delicate perianth bristles in compact clumped formations. Growing with slender stems that form dense clusters, it develops thin leaf blades 4 to 17 millimeters long. Its leaves emerge in clustered arrangements, creating a fine, grass-like appearance with subtle textural variations. The fruit develops as a distinctive three-sided structure, adding geometric complexity to its delicate meadow habitat.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated, no sympatric species. Distinguished by clumped growth habit and presence of perianth bristles.
Habitat and range
Habitat: dry to wet meadows, streambanks
Elevation: 2400-3600 m
California counties: Fresno, Mariposa, Inyo, Tulare, Mono, Alpine, Tuolumne, Madera, El Dorado
Bloom period
Trichophorum clementis blooms Summer.
How to tell it apart
vs Eleocharis: Trichophorum forms dense cushions under 6 inches; Eleocharis grows taller with individual upright stems.; vs Lipocarpha: Trichophorum has single-veined bracts and grows in high mountains; Lipocarpha has multi-veined bracts at low elevations.; vs Isolepis: Trichophorum has single-veined bracts; Isolepis bracts show multiple parallel veins.; vs Amphiscirpus: Trichophorum grows in alpine meadows above 8,000 feet; Amphiscirpus inhabits alkaline desert wetlands.; vs Schoenoplectus: Trichophorum forms tiny cushions under 6 inches; Schoenoplectus grows robust upright stems often several feet tall.
Frequently asked questions
Is Trichophorum clementis native to California?
Yes. Trichophorum clementis is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Trichophorum clementis bloom?
Trichophorum clementis blooms Summer.
Where in California does Trichophorum clementis grow?
Trichophorum clementis occurs in Fresno, Mariposa, Inyo, Tulare, Mono, Alpine, Tuolumne, Madera and other counties, at elevations of 2400-3600 m.
What plant family does Trichophorum clementis belong to?
Trichophorum clementis is in the Cyperaceae family, genus Trichophorum.
What habitat does Trichophorum clementis grow in?
Trichophorum clementis grows in dry to wet meadows, streambanks.
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.