Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Cyperaceae

Genus:

Schoenoplectus

Species:

Schoenoplectus californicus

USDA Symbol:

SCCA11

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Graminoid

Height:

300 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Low

Bloom Months:

jun,jul,aug,sep

Bloom Colors:

brown

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds, waterfowl, muskrats, fish

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Resprouts vigorously from rhizomes after fire. Stands can recover quickly post-burn in wetland margins.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

rich, organic, waterlogged soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

tolerates poor drainage

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

commonly found in marshes and wetlands

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days

Germination Time:

14–30 days

Notes:

Seeds require consistently moist to wet conditions and light for germination. Rhizome division is more common propagation method.