Schismus barbatus

Photo: Ron Vanderhoff

Common names: common Mediterranean grass; Old han schismus

Schismus barbatus (common Mediterranean grass) is an annual grass (family Poaceae) found mostly in disturbed areas and deserts. It is difficult to distinguish from its close relative Schismus arabicus.  Both species contribute to the conversion of desert shrubland into annual grassland by carrying fire across open areas, where they ignite and kill native shrubs.

Cal-IPC Rating: Limited?

CDFA Rating: None?

Assessment(s)

Plant Assessment Form - Information gathered by Cal-IPC on the impacts, rate of spread, and distribution of invasive plants in California. Does not include management information.

Weed Management Notes

  • Management Notes - Information on management techniques and effectiveness from the University of California Cooperative Extension’s Weed Research & Information Center.

Cal-IPC Newsletter Articles

Cal-IPC Symposium Presentations

Presentations are linked where available. Where a presentation is not available, find more information by reading the abstract in the Cal-IPC Symposia Archive.

Other Schismus barbatus Information

  • CalPhotos - Images of plants taken mostly in California.
  • Calflora - Distribution map and records of this species in California.
  • CalWeedMapper - Distribution map of this species in California with ability to determine regional priorities.
  • EDDMapS - Distribution of this species in North America.
  • Jepson Interchange - Information on this plant's taxonomy, biology, and distribution from UC Berkeley's Jepson Herbarium.
  • USDA PLANTS Database - Information on identification and distribution, with links to websites in individual states.
  • Additional photos

    Schismus barbatus_leaves and leaf sheaths_JoeDiTomaso
    Schismus barbatus (common Mediterranean grass) leaves and leaf sheaths. Photo: Joe DiTomaso
    Schismus barbatus_inflorescence_JoeDiTomaso
    Schismus barbatus (common Mediterranean grass) inflorescence. Photo: Joe DiTomaso
    Schismus barbatus_growth habit_copyright2010_NealKramer
    Schismus barbatus (common Mediterranean grass) growth habit. Photo: &#169 2010 Neal Kramer