State Rank Reason (see State Rank above)
Most, if not all, reports of this species for Montana are referrable to Carex tahoensis. It is possible that Carex xerantica does occur in Montana east of the Divide.
Densely caespitose. Stems erect, 15–70 cm. Leaves basal and cauline; blades 1–3 mm wide. Inflorescence of 3–5 sessile spikes, separate below, overlapping above; lowest bract inconspicuous. Spikes 7–14 mm long, all similar; female flowers above, male below. Perigynia erect, tan, ovate, convex, wing-margined, 4–5 × 1.5–2 mm, tapered to a serrulate beak, 1–2 mm long; stigmas 2. Female scales white to silvery with a darker midvein, hiding the perigynia. Achene 2-sided, smaller than the perigynium (
Lesica et al. 2012. Manual of Montana Vascular Plants. BRIT Press. Fort Worth, TX).