San Luis Obispo Sedge
(Carex obispoensis )
Cyperaceae

Photo Copyright 1981 CNPS

Description: Perennial herb with a clumped growth form, and flowers rising above the clump. Stems 2 - 6 feet (6-18dm) tall. Leaf blade folded into a "v" shape, 1/8 - 5/16 inches (2.5-8mm) wide. Inflorescence are 4-9 spikelets, each containing 40-60 inflated saclike organs surrounding the pistil (perigynia). The perigynia is spear to pear shaped, each 1/4 - 5/16 inches (5-8mm) long, 1/16 inch (1.4-1.5mm) wide, covered with downy hairs, and containing a beak 1/16 inch (1.4-2mm) long.

Distribution:

Habitat: Springs, streamsides, on serpentine. Elevation 32 - 2528 feet.

Flowering Period: Blooms April - June.

Similar Plants:

Status: BLM Sensitive, California Native Plant Society List 1B