Taxon Report

Vahlodea atropurpurea (Wahlenb.) Hartm.

mountain hair grass

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Taxon Summary

Vahlodea atropurpurea, commonly known as mountain hair grass, is a perennial herb in the Poaceae that is found in California and elsewhere. It occurs within Meadows and seeps, Subalpine coniferous forest, and Upper montane coniferous forest, growing at elevations from 1710 to 2300 meters. Vahlodea atropurpurea is ranked 4.3, Plants of Limited Distribution, A Watch List; Not very threatened in California.


  Classification

Scientific Name:
Vahlodea atropurpurea (Wahlenb.) Hartm.
Common Name:
mountain hair grass
Family: Poaceae
Element Code: PMPOA6M010
USDA Plants Symbol: VAAT2
Synonyms/Other Names:
  • Deschampsia atropurpurea

Ecology and Life History

Lifeform: perennial herb
Blooming Period: Jul-Aug Jul-Aug
Elevation: 1710-2300 (5610-7545)
General Habitats: Meadows and seeps, Subalpine coniferous forest, Upper montane coniferous forest
Microhabitat: Mesic
Microhabitat Details:

Occurrence Data from the CNDDB

Total Occurrences: 0
Element Occurrence Ranks:
   Excellent (A) 0
   Good (B) 0
   Fair (C) 0
   Poor (D) 0
   None (X) 0
   Unknown (U) 0
California Endemic:  False
California Counties and Islands: Name (Code)
Quads: Name (Quad Code)
Citation California Native Plant Society, Rare Plant Program. 2025. Rare Plant Inventory (online edition, v9.5.1). Website https://www.rareplants.cnps.org [accessed 16 July 2025].