Section LAXIFLORAE
There are four species from this section found in Renfrew County woodlands. These four species are very similar superficially but, close examination of the perigynia and inflorescences easily separates them. Carex leptonervia is unique with smooth or weakly veined perigynia. Carex blanda and Carex ormostachya have acutely bent short beaks (Figure 1) but Carex blanda has more crowded, shorter staminate and shorter pistillate spikes than Carex ormostachya (Figure 2). The perigynia of Carex laxiflora are largest, strongly veined and with a straighter beak. A fifth member of this section, Carex albursina, has been reported from Renfrew County but not yet verified.
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Figure 1. Perigynia of Section Laxiflora. All perigynia to same scale.
Figure 2. Comparison of inflorescences for the four members of Section Laxiflorae. All to same scale.