PLANT ID WANTED: It has grn, strap, pointed leaves > that extend in ONLY 3 directions & ...?

Question

apparently, ONLY from the base of the plant.

It is growing on a construction site in SW (inland) CA USA.

Haven't seen it flower, yet.

I'd like to know what family of plants it is in,

or more specific info.

I have no idea what to enter for a Web Search...

Do you know?

Thank You for all pertinent information!

Answer 1

I might try lilies

Answer 2

Three-ranked leaves may be an indication of a sedge.  These are similar to grasses, but the stems (when produced) are triangular, therefore leaves in 3 directions.  Flowers are also similar to grases, and not very showy.

Some photos of different species of Carex (one of the sedge genera):

http://www.kuleuven-kortrijk.be/facult/w... ,

http://www.kuleuven-kortrijk.be/facult/w... ,

http://www.hear.org/starr/hiplants/image...

If a sedge, you'd almost need to have it in flower and be an expert to identify which species it would be.  This link will give you the results of a search for sedges found in CA.  You can look at photos for each type, and on the range map (USA) you can click on the state of CA and get a count distribution map.

If you don't think this is a sedge (other plants can have 3-ranked leaves), use the entire CA flora list (not very efficient):  http://plants.usda.gov/java/stateSearch?...

If you could post a photo, or collect the plant and take it to a local university, you might be able to get a positive identification.