SafePlants

No images found for this plant ID: 2762.

Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "2762" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.

Safe for Children?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Dogs?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Cats?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Reptiles?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

California threeawn

Scientific Name: Aristida californica

Family: Poaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth: Graminoid

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

California Threeawn (Aristida californica)

Aristida californica, commonly known as California threeawn or Mojave threeawn, is a species of grass found in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Aristida californica Thurb. ex S. Watson
  • Family: Poaceae (Grass family)
  • Synonyms: Smooth California Three-awn, tres barbas de California (Aristida californica v.glabrata); various other *Aristida purpurea* variants may be confused with this species.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts.
  • Found in Arizona, California, and extends southward into Sonora and Baja California.
  • Prefers dry, sandy soil and tolerates full sun to part shade.
  • Specific habitat includes sandy areas and sand dunes.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Graminoid (grass-like) plant.
  • Perennial plant, meaning it lives for more than two years.
  • Bunchgrass.

Ecological Role

  • Drought-tolerant.

Further Information

  • USDA PLANTS Database: Provides distributional maps and other information.
  • Discover Life: Offers information on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution.
  • NatureServe: Contains conservation status and ecological information.
  • Theodore Payne Foundation California Native Plant Database.