Carex spectabilis is a species of sedge known by the common name showy sedge.

Carex spectabilis
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Clade: Commelinids
Order: Poales
Family: Cyperaceae
Genus: Carex
Species:
C. spectabilis
Binomial name
Carex spectabilis
Synonyms[1]
  • Carex invisa L.H.Bailey
  • Carex melastoma Fisch.
  • Carex melastoma Fisch. ex Boott
  • Carex nigella Boott
  • Carex spectabilis f. alpina Holm
  • Carex spectabilis f. chrysantha Holm
  • Carex spectabilis var. elegantula Holm
  • Carex spectabilis var. gelida Holm
  • Carex spectabilis var. superba Holm
  • Carex tolmiei Boott
  • Carex tolmiei var. invisa (L.H.Bailey) Kük.
  • Carex tolmiei var. nigella (Boott) Kük.
  • Carex tolmiei var. nigella (Boott) L.H.Bailey

Description edit

Carex spectabilis produces clusters of stems 50 to 90 centimeters in maximum height, sometimes from rhizomes. The inflorescence is an erect to heavily nodding cluster of flowers covered in dark purplish scales. The fruit is coated in a perigynium which is pale yellowish to dark purple to black.

 
Carex spectabilis clump at 11,000 ft (3,400 m)

Distribution edit

This sedge is native to northwestern North America from Alaska to the Northwestern United States, and in California and Utah. Carex spectabilis grows in moist mountain habitat in subalpine to alpine climates.

References edit

  1. ^ "Carex spectabilis". Global Biodiversity Information Facility. Retrieved 2 June 2021.

External links edit