| 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. | |
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]