Alaska Long Awn Sedge

T. V. Egorova (1999) included Carex macrochaeta in sect. Scitae. The species commonly has a white or cream tomentum on many roots, although most individuals have at least some roots with a yellowish tomentum. The sectional placement of this species requires further investigation.

Culms aphyllopodic, without dead leaf remains at base, 20–70 cm. Leaf blades 2–5 mm wide, margins revolute, scabrous at tip. Inflorescences: proximal bracts 4–11 cm, shorter to longer than inflorescences; lateral spikes 10–30 × 6–8 mm, with 15–40 perigynia; terminal spikes 12–32 × 3–8 mm. Pistillate scales lanceolate, 3–7.5(–9) × 1.6–2.5 mm, narrower that, longer than perigynia, awn to 2–12 mm. Staminate scales oblong-obovate, 4.5–6 × 1.3–2.4 mm, apex bifid to emarginate, at least proximal scales with awn 2–6 mm. Anthers 3.3–5 mm. Perigynia 3.8–6.8 × 1.7–2.3 mm, apex tapering and rounded; beak 0.1–0.3 mm. 2n = 60.

B.C., Yukon; Alaska, Oreg., Wash.; coastal Asia.

Fruiting summer.

Marshes, shores, and other wet open places; 0–1000m.