Colusa grass facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Colusa grass |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Neostapfia
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| Species: |
colusana
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Colusa grass (scientific name: Neostapfia colusana) is a special type of grass. It is a bunchgrass, which means it grows in clumps. This plant is found only in California, making it an endemic species. It belongs to the grass family, Poaceae.
Where Colusa Grass Lives
Colusa grass grows only in the Central Valley of California. This area includes the northern Sacramento Valley and the southern San Joaquin Valley.
This unique grass loves to grow in places called vernal pools. These are shallow ponds that fill with water during the rainy season and then dry up later in the year.
You can find Colusa grass in several counties in the Central Valley. These include Glenn, Colusa, Yolo, Solano, Stanislaus, and Merced counties.
This rare grass is considered a threatened species by the United States government. This means it needs protection to survive.
What Colusa Grass Looks Like
Colusa grass grows in clumps, like many other bunchgrasses. It has very unique flower clusters called inflorescences. These are shaped like tiny cylinders.
The inflorescences are covered in flat parts called spikelets. Some people say these look a bit like small ears of corn.
When the plant produces seeds, they are covered in a sticky liquid. As the plant gets older, its clumps turn brown and become sticky from this liquid.
The scientific name Neostapfia was given to honor a botanist named Otto Stapf.
Why Colusa Grass Needs Help
Colusa grass can only live in vernal pools. Sadly, these special habitats are becoming very rare.
Much of the Central Valley land is being used for new buildings and farms. This takes away the vernal pool habitats. Also, changes to how water flows, like flood control projects, can harm these delicate ecosystems.
Because its home is disappearing, Colusa grass is in danger. Efforts are being made to protect its remaining habitats.
