Flora of North America species comparison

(5–)10–25(–45) cm, smooth.

solitary or not, trigonous.

flat to slightly folded, (6–)10–20(–30) cm × 2–3(–4) mm.

basal;

ligules absent;

blades flat or V-shaped in cross section.

spikes 1–3(–4), whitish, ovoid to ellipsoid, 6–12(–18) × 4–8 mm;

bracts (2–)3–4, horizontal, flat, (2–)3–4, 1–7(–9) cm × (0.5–)1–3(–4.5) mm.

terminal, rarely pseudolateral, spikes 1–4, sessile, densely ovoid or cylindric;

spikelets [15–]40–150 per spike, not readily distinguished by unaided eye;

involucral bracts 2–4, spreading or erect, leaflike.

(50–)75–150, ovate to ovate-lanceolate, (1.8–) 2.3–2.8(–3) × 1–1.3 mm;

floral scales whitish, laterally 2–3-veined, broadly ovate, 2–2.5 × (1.3–)1.8–2.6 mm;

stamens 2;

anthers (0.4–)0.6–0.8(–1) mm;

style 0.6–1 mm;

stigmas 0.3–0.6 mm.

scales 2(–3), distichous;

proximal scale subtending bisexual flower;

distal scale empty or subtending 1–2 stamens, often abortive.

bisexual or staminate;

perianth absent;

stamens 1–3;

styles linear, 2-fid, base persistent.

reddish brown to dark brown, broadly ellipsoid, 1.2–1.5 × 0.7–0.8(–0.9) mm, base whitish, stipe to 0.1 mm, apex obtuse, apiculate, puncticulate.

biconvex, laterally compressed.