The genus Carex of Renfrew County:
A comparative study

By Grant A. Bickel, 2020

Carex cephalophora Muhl. ex Willd., Oval-headed Sedge (Section PHAESTOGLOCHIN)

This species has a compact triangular shaped inflorescence that is unique in the Renfrew County flora. It has only been found at one location in Renfrew County (the Deacon Escarpment) on a steep rocky slope associated with Carex siccata, Campanula rotundifolia and Penstemon hirsutus. Those species are indicative of fairly dry non-acidic soil. While this seems to be a unique find, this species has been recorded frequently just 100 kilometers directly east under very similar conditions along the Eardley Escarpment in Gatineau Park, Quebec (see Figure 3).

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Achenes, perigynia and scales of Carex cephalophora

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

Figure 2. Inflorescence.
An occurrence map of Carex cephalophora in Renfrew County

Figure 3. Occurence map for Renfrew County and surrounding area.
Accession records for specimens from Renfrew County
Accession # Collector Date
CAN 595785 G.A. Bickel 2007-July-02