Carex idahoa
Idaho sedge
(c) Steve Matson, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Steve Matson · licence
Family: Cyperaceae · Type: Grass · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 2B.3
Carex idahoa (Idaho sedge) is a native California grass in the Cyperaceae family, recognized by NONE - geographically isolated. High elevation White Mountains endemic.
Idaho sedge is a rare (CNPS 2B.3) California native perennial found in the White Mountains in meadow habitats at elevations of 2,800 to 3,400 meters. Flowering time is not specified, but this sedge produces distinctive dark purple, brown, or black flower bracts with white margins. Growing with loosely clustered stems 25 to 40 centimeters tall, the plant has flat leaves 2 to 5 millimeters wide that are somewhat bluish-gray (glaucous). Its leaves form loose tufts with blades that are relatively narrow and pale in color. The fruit is small, about 1.3 to 2 millimeters long, with a pale yellow or brown perigynia featuring a slightly papillate upper body.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: NONE - geographically isolated. High elevation White Mountains endemic.
Habitat and range
Habitat: Meadows
Elevation: 2800-3400 m
California counties: Mono
Outside California: to Oregon, Montana, Utah
Conservation status
CNPS 2B.3
How to tell it apart
vs Juncus: Carex stems are triangular when rolled; Juncus stems are round and often hollow with partitions inside.; vs Cyperus: Carex has seeds in individual flasks; Cyperus has umbrella-like flower clusters with flattened ribbon-like spikes.; vs Plantago: Carex has triangular stems and brown/green spikelets; Plantago has round flower stalks and white/brown spike flowers.; vs Eleocharis: Carex has leaves along the stem; Eleocharis is nearly leafless with just one spikelet per stem.; vs Schoenoplectus: Carex has leafy stems and flask-enclosed seeds; Schoenoplectus has leafless round stems with exposed seeds.
Frequently asked questions
Is Carex idahoa native to California?
Yes. Carex idahoa is native to California (recorded as native).
Where in California does Carex idahoa grow?
Carex idahoa occurs in Mono, at elevations of 2800-3400 m.
What plant family does Carex idahoa belong to?
Carex idahoa is in the Cyperaceae family, genus Carex.
Is Carex idahoa rare or endangered?
Carex idahoa carries California Rare Plant Rank 2B.3, state rank S1.
What habitat does Carex idahoa grow in?
Carex idahoa grows in Meadows.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.