Status: Native
Synonyms:
Carex neomexicana Mackenzie
Carex occidentalis is an upper elevation montane sedge which grows in clumps with the slender culms held above the flat, thin leaves. The spikes are androgynous (staminate flowers above the pistillate ones in the spike) and the spikes are rather loose. The pistillate scales are about the same length as the perigynia with a greenish central stripe.
Carex occidentalis, photo Russ Kleinman & Bill Norris, Black Range, Trail 78 south of Emory Pass, Oct. 19, 2008
Carex occidentalis, growth habit, photo Russ Kleinman & Bill Norris, Black Range, Trail 78 south of Emory Pass, Oct. 19, 2008
Carex occidentalis, pistillate portion of spike, photo Russ Kleinman & Bill Norris, Black Range, Trail 78 south of Emory Pass, Oct. 19, 2008
Carex occidentalis, micro of perigynium, scale, and achene, photo Russ Kleinman & Bill Norris, Black Range, Trail 78 south of Emory Pass, Oct. 19, 2008
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