Sounds like one of at least a dozen different Carex varieties. Lots of them look like this:

{{gwi:853948}} and they come in a wide range of colors and sizes.

Thanks Donn; I appreciate your effort. I was hoping to hear from someone in the two areas I mentioned who has seen one of the sites and can identify the specific grass. It's very unique looking, at least in the two installations I mentioned, and I haven't been able to find examples on the Web. The cultivar in your photo bears only a faint resemblance.

It is most likely Carex tumulicola or Berkeley sedge, a very commonly used grass and/or groundcover in many areas of California. It forms mounds or hummocks of loose, hair-like gray-green blades and when planted close together offer a wavy, sea-like appearance.

I couldn't find a good online photo of it, but I'd bet money this is what you are looking at - a very commonly used grass in CA.

I think the C. tumulicola is what I found growing at my folks' place. It's been in their lawn area since they moved there about 25 years ago, but there is also some growing in the flower beds, and when it's not mowed, it's absolutely gorgeous! My mom dug up a clump for me, and it's thriving in my yard. The seed clusters have been putting on a show for at least month now.

I'll get out there soon with my camera and get a picture to post, so we can compare. :)

Brenda

{{gwi:853950}}

Thanks to those who have answered. I don't think we have it yet. The color of the plant I described is more blue/gray, and the images of Carex tumulicola I've seen depict it as a deep green. I'm still searching.