Montana Field Guide

Rhizomatous. Stems erect, 15–40 cm. Leaves: basal bladeless; cauline blades 1–3 mm wide. Inflorescence of 6 to 12 sessile, loosely aggregated spikes; lowest bract inconspicuous. Spikes all similar, 5–10 mm long, unisexual or bisexual with male flowers above. Perigynia ascending, brown, ovate, 4–6 mm long tapered to the distinct, serrulate, flattened beak, 1–3 mm long; stigmas 2. Female scales brown with a pale midvein and silvery margins, shorter than the perigynia. Achene 2-sided, filling the perigynium (Lesica et al. 2012. Manual of Montana Vascular Plants. BRIT Press. Fort Worth, TX).

Grasslands, open pine forest; valleys, montane (Lesica et al. 2012. Manual of Montana Vascular Plants. BRIT Press. Fort Worth, TX).