About

Orcuttia is a genus of grass in the family Poaceae. Plants grow up to 20 cm (8 in) tall, usually with many stems emerging from the base of the plant, and forming a tuft. The spikelets (groups of flowers) are several-flowered, with reduced upper florets. The lemma tips have between two and five teeth.

Described in 1886, the genus contains five species native to California and Baja California. All plants are associated with vernal pools. Plants sprout when the pools are full but grow and flower after the pool bed has dried. These annual grasses, known generally as Orcutt grass, are all rare and federally protected in the United States.

Where it grows

All species of Orcuttia are associated with vernal pools, typically those ranging from 20–100 m (66–328 ft) or more in length or diameter. Before germination, seeds must be immersed in the pool mud for several months. Seedlings start as aquatic plants, first developing floating leaves, and then growing taller as the water level drops. Flowering begins within days after the water has dried out. Their seeds remain viable for several years, germinating only after their habitats have been flooded. A particular pool may have no Orcuttia plants for several dry years, but after heavy winter rains a large population may develop as the habitat dries during the spring and summer. Recreational misuse, urban development, and extensive development of irrigated agriculture has destroyed many of the specialised habitats for Orcuttia species, and they are federally and state-listed species of concern.

Other Orcuttia plants

California Orcutt grass · San Joaquin Valley Orcutt grass · Hairy Orcutt grass · Slender Orcutt grass · Sacramento Orcutt grass