Bighead sedge

Appearance

General: Perennial grass-like herb to 30 cm tall, from buried rhizomes.
Leaves: narrow, grass-like, to over 30 cm long, from base of stem.
Flowers: Tiny and inconspicuous, lacking petals, with male and femal flowers on separate plants; in large dense spikes 3-8 cm long at tip of stem.
Fruits: Achene, enclosed by a papery sheath (perigynia)

Distinguishing Characteristics: A very distinctive species for a sedge; its coastal habitat and large dense spikes are unmistakable.

Naming

Carex anthericoides

Distribution

Occurring in counties along the Puget Sound and outer coast in Washington; Alaska south to Oregon; northern Pacific Rim.

Status

Abundant; of no concern.

Habitat

Sandy saltwater beaches and dunes.