Submitting good pictures for identification is very important. Pictures need to be clear and in focus. Include a picture of the grass as a whole as well as close-ups of the following structures:
• Collar region, including the ligule
• Leaf blade, including the tip
• Inflorescence as a whole
• Spikelet details
Which Grass is Which?
This is an excellent series by Erin Garrett, Extension Educator, Energy & Environmental Stewardship, University of Illinois Extension. A good place to start if you’re new to grass ID.
• Part 1: Basics of Grass Identification and Woodland Grass Identification
• Part 2: Prairie Grass Identification
• Part 3: Nuisance Grass Identification
California Ecosystems:
This is an excellent series by Erika Zavaleta, Ph.D., UC Santa Cruz. Highly recommended!
• Ecosystems of California: Grasslands
• Ecosystems of California: Jasper Ridge Chaparral
• Ecosystems of California: Oak Woodlands
• Ecosystems of California: Rivers
• Ecosystems of California: Estuaries
• Ecosystems of California: Northcoast Forests
• Ecosystems of California: Subalpine
• Ecosystems of California: Alpine
• Ecosystems of California: Deserts
• Ecosystems of California: Urban
Other Videos
• Grasses ID for Beginners – A close look at grass structure
• California Grasslands - The Forest Beneath Our Feet
