Trichophorum pumilum
Little bulrush, Little Bulrush
(c) Jim Morefield, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Cyperaceae · Type: Grass · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 2B.2
Trichophorum pumilum (Little bulrush) is a native California grass in the Cyperaceae family, recognized by . Distinguished by mat-forming habit and complete absence of perianth bristles.
Little bulrush is a rare (CNPS 2B.2) California native perennial found in central Sierra Nevada and White and Inyo Mountains in wet limestone sites at elevations of 3,100 to 3,250 meters. Flowering during summer, this plant produces small inconspicuous flowers. Growing in low, dense mats with slender stems 10 to 15 centimeters tall, it forms compact ground-covering clusters. Its leaves are narrow, with blades 2 to 13 millimeters long, creating delicate textural groundwork. The fruit is distinctively 2 to 3-sided, adding subtle geometric complexity to its alpine habitat.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated, no sympatric species. Distinguished by mat-forming habit and complete absence of perianth bristles.
Habitat and range
Habitat: Wet sites, limestone soils
Elevation: 3100-3250 m
California counties: Mono
Outside California: Alaska to Montana, also Quebec, Europe, central Asia
Bloom period
Trichophorum pumilum blooms Summer.
Conservation status
CNPS 2B.2
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 pumilum native to California?
Yes. Trichophorum pumilum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Trichophorum pumilum bloom?
Trichophorum pumilum blooms Summer.
Where in California does Trichophorum pumilum grow?
Trichophorum pumilum occurs in Mono, at elevations of 3100-3250 m.
What plant family does Trichophorum pumilum belong to?
Trichophorum pumilum is in the Cyperaceae family, genus Trichophorum.
Is Trichophorum pumilum rare or endangered?
Trichophorum pumilum carries California Rare Plant Rank 2B.2, 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.