The genus Carex of Renfrew County:
A comparative study

By Grant A. Bickel, 2020

Carex cryptolepis Mack., Northeastern Sedge (Section CERATOCYSTIS)

Carex cryptolepis is a common wetland sedge in Renfrew County. It is superficially very similar to Carex flava but Carex cryptolepis prefers more acidic soils, has scales that do not contrast with the perigynia (i.e., hidden) and has smooth perigynia beaks. The name cryptolepis is a descriptive generic name derived from the Greek krypto, to hide and lepis, a scale, hence, hidden scale.

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Achenes, perigynia and scales of Carex cryptolepis

Figure 1. Achenes, perigynia and scales.
Inflorescence of Carex cryptolepis

Figure 2. Inflorescence.
Habit of Carex cryptolepis

Figure 3. Habit.
Inflorescences of Carex cryptolepis

Figure 4. Inflorescences.
Habit of Carex cryptolepis

Figure 5. B&W scan of specimen showing habit.
An occurrence map of Carex cryptolepis in Renfrew County

Figure 6. Occurence map for Renfrew County and surrounding area.
Accession records for specimens from Renfrew County
Accession # Collector Date
CAN 497214 A. Vogg 1983-August-18
CAN 497102 A. Vogg & H. Vogg 1983-July-24
CAN 569892 M.I. Moore 1970-August-16
CAN 569893 W.J. Merilees & T.C. Brayshaw 1962-July-10
CAN 569890 T.C. Brayshaw 1960-September-15
DAO 277968 W.G. Dore 1960-August-23
DAO 277970 J.A. Calder 1952-August-06
DAO 277757 A.J. Breitung 1948-August-01
DAO 277759 A.J. Breitung 1948-July-20