The genus Carex of Renfrew County:
A comparative study

By Grant A. Bickel, 2020

Carex pedunculata Muhl. ex Willd., Long-stalked Sedge (Section CLANDESTINAE)

Carex pedunculata is a common woodland species in Renfrew County. The name pedunculata describes the lateral pistillate spikes borne on long peduncles (see Figure 2). It is a very attractive plant with dark green leaves and prominent reddish brown scales and basal sheaths (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5). It blooms in late April or early May. Despite the abundance of this species it has not been collected very frequently in Renfrew County.

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Achenes, perigynia and scales of Carex pedunculata

Figure 1. Achenes, perigynia and scales.
Habit of Carex pedunculata

Figure 2. B&W scan of specimen showing habit.
Terminal inflorescence of Carex pedunculata

Figure 3. Terminal inflorescence.
Lateral inflorescence of Carex pedunculata

Figure 4. Lateral inflorescence.
Lateral inflorescence and basal sheaths of Carex pedunculata

Figure 5. Lateral inflorescence and basal sheaths.
Habit of Carex pedunculata

Figure 6. Clump in early May showing over-wintering leaves (bottom), inflorescences (left center) and new leaf growth (top).
Blooming Carex pedunculata

Figure 7. Early inflorescences in bloom.
An occurrence map of Carex pedunculata in Renfrew County

Figure 8. Occurence map for Renfrew County and surrounding area.
Accession records for specimens from Renfrew County
Accession # Collector Date
CAN 487168 S.J. Darbyshire 1983-May-23
CAN 569987 T.C. Brayshaw 1966-May-22
DAO 299986 M.I. Moore 1963-May-24