Carex rariflora

Carex rariflora, the looseflower alpine sedge,[1] is a species of plant in the sedge family. It is found in the United States in Alaska and Maine, and in Canada in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.[2] In these regions, it is ranked as an obligate hydrophyte in establishing wetland areas.[3] It prefers wet environments such as open bogs, meadows, seepage slopes, and low-elevation heath tundra.[4] This perennial grass, which can be up to 3 feet tall, has fibrous roots, and holds all perennial organs underground. The leaves are alternate, long, narrow, and simple, with parallel veins.[3] They grow in dense clusters, and the dead leaves are found at the base of the plant.[4] The plant blooms and fruits in the summer. All flowers are monoecious and unisexual, producing a spike inflorescence.[2] All inflorescences are subtended by shorter, proximal bracts.[4]

Carex rariflora
The sedge Carex rariflora. Taken in Atqasuk, Alaska.
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Monocots
Clade:	Commelinids
Order:	Poales
Family:	Cyperaceae
Genus:	Carex
Species:	C. rariflora
Binomial name
Carex rariflora (Wahlenb.) Sm.