OregonFlora species comparison

filiform (rarely with several spikes sessile or subsessile at plant base), prominently ribbed, glabrous.

usually triangular, occasionally terete, rarely compressed or quadrangular; solid or pithy.

25–33% length of scapes;

sheath borders tan; backs prominently ribbed, glabrous;

blades filiform, 0.5 mm wide;

surface glabrous.

basal and/or cauline, alternate, usually 3-ranked, bases forming cylindric sheaths enclosing stem;

margins fused;

ligules often present;

blades frequently absent from some basal leaves, rarely from cauline leaves; when present flat, folded, rolled, or terete, linear.

solitary or more commonly in simple; open, rarely compact, involucrate groups;

proximal involucral bract short-awned or with bristle-like blade, exceeding or exceeded by inflorescence.

red-brown, 3–5 mm, fertile scales ovate, 1.5–2 mm;

apex acute, glabrous or distally puberulent; short-awned.

with a shortened axis; floral scales 1–many, crowded, spirally arranged, sometimes 2-ranked, usually each subtending a single flower or perigynium, sometimes proximal and/or distal scales empty; perigynia if present closed or open down one side, subtending and enclosing a very short rachilla-bearing 1-pistillate flower (Carex), sometimes also (0)3 staminate flowers and empty scales (Kobresia);

spikes aggregated into secondary inflorescences that are panicles, often modified and sometimes consisting of a single spike; secondary inflorescences usually subtended by a foliaceous or scale-like or bristle-like bract.

anthers 0.5–0.7 mm.

bisexual (unisexual in Carex and Kobresia);

perianth absent or consisting of (1)3–6(30) bristles and/or scales;

stamens usually (1)3, rarely more;

ovary with 1–3(4) carpels, fused; locule 1;

style undivided or branched;

stigmas 2–3(4).

achenes, usually trigonous or biconvex.

yellowish to pale brown, 1 mm;

faces rugose.

=84.