Carex utriculata
(Northern Beaked Sedge)

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Note that the specimens pictured here key out as C. utriculata.  However, unlike C. utriculata, the pistillate scales have scabrous, acuminate awns which are longer proximally than distally.  The description of C. utriculata in The Flora of North America states: pistillate scales lanceolate ovate, 2.6–5.5(–7.6) × 0.8–1.7(–2.1) mm, mostly shorter than perigynia, margins entire, apex acute to acuminate, awnless (rarely acuminate-awned).  Thus although it does allow acuminate-awned scales in rare cases, it does not mention that the awns may be scabrous.  It does state that C. utriculata can form hybrids with a number of other sedges, but it is not clear what the hybrid partner in this case might be.

Plant A



Leaf Adaxial Side


Leaf Abaxial Side


Inflorescence




Pistillate Spikes


Staminate Spikes


Middle Pistillate Spike




Lower Pistillate Spike,
Proximal Portion


Lower Pistillate Spike,
Distal Portion


Middle Pistillate Spike,
Proximal Portion


Middle Pistillate Spike,
Distal Portion


Proximal Scale & Perigynium, Side A


Proximal Scale & Perigynium, Side B


Middle Scale & Perigynium



Distal Scale & Perigynium, Side A


Distal Scale & Perigynium, Side B


Achene Side A


Achene Side B


Achene Side C

 

Plant B



Whole Plant


Whole Plant


Lower Leaf Base, Side A


Lower Leaf Base, Side B


Middle Leaf Base, Side A


Middle Leaf Base, Side B


Ventral Strip, Mid-Lower Leaf


Ventral Strip, Mid-Upper Leaf


Mid-Lower Leaf, Middle,
Adaxial Side


Mid-Lower Leaf, Middle,
Abaxial Side


Inflorescence




Lowest Pistillate Spike


Upper Pistillate Spikes


Upper (Staminate) Spikes


Upper (Staminate) Spikes


Scale and Perigynium


Scale and Perigynium


Scale and Perigynium


Scale and Perigynium


Perigynium


Perigynium


Perigynium

 

Plant C



Whole Plant


Base of Plant


Ventral Sheath




Widest Leaf, Adaxial Side


Widest Leaf, Abaxial Side


Widest Leaf, Adaxial Side,
Close-Up, Flattened


Widest Leaf, Abaxial Side,
Close-Up, Flattened


Base of Lowest Spike Bract,
Side A


Base of Lowest Spike Bract,
Side B


Inflorescence


Lowest Pistillate Spike


Second Lowest Pistillate Spike


Upper (Staminate) Spikes


Scale and Perigynium


Scale and Perigynium


Scale and Perigynium


Scale and Perigynium


Scale and Perigynium


Perigynium

 

 

Plant C



Inflorescence


Middle (Androgynous) Spike


Base of Lowest Spike Bract,
Side A


Base of Lowest Spike Bract,
Side B


Scale and Perigynium


Scale and Perigynium


Scale and Perigynium


Perigynium