The Natomas Basin Conservancy

Sacramento orcutt grass

Close-up of a cluster of Sacramento orcutt grass, which has green and white tufts of blossoms at the tops of long brown stems coming from the ground.

Scientific Name:

Orcuttia viscida

Status:

State-listed as endangered; Federally listed as endangered; California Native Plant Society List 1B.1

About Sacramento orcutt grass

Distribution

Sacramento orcutt grass is endemic to California and known from fewer than ten occurrences, all in Sacramento County. Currently it is not known to exist in the Natomas Basin; the nearest known population is in southeastern Sacramento County, approximately eight miles (thirteen kilometers) from the basin.

Habitat Requirements

Sacramento orcutt grass is found in a limited elevation range of approximately 100-350 feet (30-100 meters) and grows in deep vernal pools that remain flooded for relatively long periods of time. It is associated with ancient alluvial soils, such as prehistoric floodplains.

Demography

Sacramento orcutt grass is a small annual herb in the grass family (Poaceae) that blooms from April to July. Like some other plants in the Orcuttieae tribe, Sacramento orcutt grass produces different leaves during its juvenile, aquatic stage. Sacramento orcutt grass grows with other vernal pool plant species such as goldfields (Lasthenia spp.) and coyote thistles (Eryngium spp.).