Carex stevenii
Steven's sedge
(c) Anders Hastings, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Cyperaceae · Type: Perennial · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 2B.2
Carex stevenii (Steven's sedge) is a native California perennial in the Cyperaceae family, recognized by no sympatric species.
Steven's sedge is a rare (CNPS 2B.2) California native perennial found in the White Mountains on alpine creekbanks at elevations of 2,800 to 2,900 meters. With blunt spikelets dark purple to brown, this sedge forms dense tufted clusters with delicate inflorescences. Growing 15 to 60 centimeters tall with characteristic cespitose growth, it develops slender stems supporting narrow leaf blades 3 to 4 millimeters wide. Its leaves and spikelets feature distinctive dark purple bracts that contrast against the green to olive-colored perigynia. The compact fruit measures 1.8 to 2 millimeters long, with a short beak and papillate surface characteristic of alpine sedge species.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated; no sympatric species
Habitat and range
Habitat: Uncommon. Alpine creekbanks
Elevation: 2800-2900 m
Outside California: southern Rocky Mountains
Conservation status
CNPS 2B.2
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 stevenii native to California?
Yes. Carex stevenii is native to California (recorded as native).
What plant family does Carex stevenii belong to?
Carex stevenii is in the Cyperaceae family, genus Carex.
Is Carex stevenii rare or endangered?
Carex stevenii carries California Rare Plant Rank 2B.2, state rank S1.
What habitat does Carex stevenii grow in?
Carex stevenii grows in Uncommon. Alpine creekbanks.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
Last updated 2026-09-30
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.