Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Poaceae

Genus:

Aristida

Species:

Aristida californica

USDA Symbol:

ARCA9

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Graminoid

Height:

60 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

jun,jul,aug,sep

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds, small mammals

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Resprouts vigorously from crown after fire. Common in post-fire chaparral and coastal sage scrub communities, showing increased vigor following burns.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

common in desert and arid regions

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

None required

Germination Time:

14–30 days

Notes:

Seeds germinate readily with warm temperatures and moisture. Fall planting allows natural winter cold to improve germination timing.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI