Syn.: Itheta breviseta (Torr.) Raf., Kobresia globularis Dewey, Olotrema filifolia (Nutt.) Raf., Uncinia breviseta Torr., Uncinia filifolia (Nutt.) Nees
Family: Cyperaceae Juss.
Distribution: West of North America from Alaska, Yukon and Northwest Territorries, west of Canada to Manitoba, from Minnesota south to New Mexico and to California. Two varieties are recognized, the nominate variety is handled here.
Ecology: Dry grasslands, rocky and grassy slopes, even disturbed areas. Can be found up to 3100 m of elevation.
Description: Perennial herb, stem triangular in cross-section, 10–30 cm tall, from short rhizome. Leaves few, thread- like with drying tips, 10–25 cm long, curling and twisting when dry. Inflorescence is a single, short, densely flowered, cylindrical spike, 1.5–3 cm long, 3–7 mm wide, male florets at the tips, female florets on the lower part. Short, hairy perigynia, 3–4.8 mm long, 1.4-2 mm wide, with a short beak.
These images were taken in Canada, Alberta, Calgary, Twelve Mile Coulee (May 2013) and Calgary, Confluence Park (May 1, 2014).
