Elymus elymoides subsp. californicus

(J.G. Sm.) Barkworth
Common names: California squirreltail
Endemic
Synonyms: Sitanion hystrix var. californicum Sitanion californicum
Treatment appears in FNA Volume 24. Treatment on page 319.

Culms 8-40 cm, erect or decumbent. Blades usually glabrous abaxially, sometimes puberulent. Spikes 3-10 cm, often partly included, usually with 2 spikelets per node. Spikelets with (1)2-3 fertile florets, lowest 1-2 florets sterile and glumelike. Glume awns 15-40(70) mm, entire; lemma awns 25-70 mm, usually exceeding those of the glumes; paleas often with the veins extended as 1-2 mm bristles.

Discussion

Elymus elymoides subsp. californicus grows in mid-montane to arctic-alpine habitats in western North America, at elevations of 1500-4200 m. Plants transitional to subsp. elymoides occur where the two are sympatric.

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa

None.
Mary E. Barkworth +, Julian J.N. Campbell +  and Bjorn Salomon +
(J.G. Sm.) Barkworth +
California squirreltail +
Wash. +, D.C. +, Ill. +, Ky. +, Wyo. +, N.Mex. +, Tex. +, Idaho +, Oreg. +, Alta. +, B.C. +, Sask. +, Nev. +, Colo. +, Kans. +, N.Dak. +, Nebr. +, Okla. +, S.Dak. +, Calif. +, Ariz. +, Mont. +, Utah +  and Mo. +
Sitanion hystrix var. californicum +  and Sitanion californicum +
Elymus elymoides subsp. californicus +
Elymus elymoides +
subspecies +