Feb 26, 2024
Keep an eye out for this potential problem weed in southern California: Stipa capensis. First reported in 1995 in Riverside, this species is native to the Mediterranean and has established in the Coachella Valley of the Sonoran Desert. It is spreading rapidly in the Palm Springs area, forming dense monocultures. Confirmed reports have recently been made in Borrego Springs and Point Mugu. It has the potential to promote fire in California desert ecosystems and may also suppress native wildflower abundance in the areas it invades.
How to spot it:
- Annual grass, up to one meter (usually less)
- The only annual Stipa species in California
- Spiral awn, 5-10 cm, bent 2x
- Spring flowering
- Seeds easily transported on clothing, boots, and animal fur
What to do if you see one:
- Control (if on your property): tillage, grubbing, digging, or hand pulling
- Report: Map the location on Calflora and iNaturalist
- Let your local network of practitioners and land managers know
Contributors to this weed alert include the California Invasive Plant Council, Jutta Burger, Ron Vanderhoff, and Claire Meyer.
