About Carex utriculata Boott
Scientific name: Carex utriculata Boott
Description. Carex utriculata grows stems that reach a maximum height of over 1 metre (3 feet 3 inches), growing from a thick network of long rhizomes. Its inflorescence is a cylindrical cluster of flowers that can be up to about 40 centimetres (16 inches) long, paired with a leaf-like bract that is usually longer than the flower spike. Each inflorescence can hold up to 200 developing fruits; every fruit is enclosed in a shiny perigynium that may be green, golden, or brown. Carex utriculata was formerly classified as a variety of Carex rostrata, under the name Carex rostrata var. utriculata.
Distribution and habitat. This sedge is native to the northern half of North America, where it occurs across nearly all of Canada and the northern United States, and extends south to montane California. It is also found in northern Europe and northern Asia. It is a common species in many types of wetland habitat.
