Carex abrupta

Carex abrupta is a species of sedge known by the common name abrupt-beaked sedge or abruptbeak sedge. It is native to the western United States from California to Idaho, where it grows in moist mountain habitat such as meadows and slopes.

Description

This perennial sedge forms a dense, erect clump, the stems of which may reach up to 70 centimeters in height. Leaves are basal, with whitish sheaths, and with 3 to 6 blades per fertile culm. The inflorescence is a rounded cluster of spikes 1 to 2 centimeters wide. Each fruit is surrounded by a sac called a perigynium. This is boat-shaped to scoop-shaped with a very narrow, cylindrical beak, which is coppery red to dark brown in color.