Phalaris californica


Phalaris californica is an uncommon species of grass known by the common name California canarygrass.

Distribution

It is native to the coastal hills and mountains of southern Oregon, as well as northern and central California, where it grows mainly in moist areas such as meadows.

Description

It is a perennial grass reaching a maximum height between half a meter and 1.5 meters. The inflorescence is up to 5 centimeters long and 3 centimeters wide, roughly oval, pointed at the tip, and truncated at the base. The spikelets are hairy and, as they ripen, they turn shades of magenta to bright pink.