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
Plant B
Plant C
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 |