About Carex distans L.
Carex distans L. is a densely cespitose sedge that grows 40–80 centimetres (16–31 in) tall. Its leaf sheaths are brown to orange-brown, while its leaf blades are green, flat, and 3–4.5 millimetres (0.12–0.18 in) wide. The inflorescence of this species is made up of widely separated spikes: the terminal spike is staminate, and the lower 2–4 spikes are pistillate. Its perigynia, also called utricles, are green to brownish, 3.5–4.6 millimetres (0.14–0.18 in) long, and contract into a beak that measures 1–1.4 millimetres (0.039–0.055 in) long. This sedge has 3 stigmas, and its achenes are trigonous. Reported chromosome counts for this species are 2n = 68, 70–72, 74. In Europe, Carex distans L. grows in wetlands and fens, most often on sandy or rocky soils. It can also grow in brackish marshes, and is especially common along coastlines. In the United States, this species occurs on ballast dumps and other disturbed, sandy locations. The species is widespread, and its overall population appears to be stable.
