86 Reeds, Grasses, Sedges and Rushes 



stems, which are rough on the very sharp angles. The 

 leaves are broad and flat, and the spikes drooping on slim 

 stalks. It grows at the edge of high mountain streams. 



Carex nigricans, or Black Sedge, is leafy at the base, the 

 leaves terminating in very sharp points. The spikes are al- 

 most black. It grows in wet meadows at high elevations. 



Carex rupestris, or Rock Sedge, has leaves which often 

 curve and curl, and a solitary, terminal spike. 



ALPINE BOG RUSH 



Juncus Mertensianus. Rush Family 



Stems: weak from matted rootstock. Leaves: ligule, conspicuous. 

 Flowers: a solitary, many-flowered head, perianth segments dark brown, 

 ovate-lanceolate, the outer ones aristate-acuminate. Fruit: many-seeded, 

 apiculate at each end. 



A swamp plant, with long, grass-like leaves, and a single, 

 many-flowered head, which is found in wet meadows on 

 high mountains. The pith from the stems of the Juncus 

 was formerly used as wicks for the old-fashioned " rush- 

 lights." 



Juncus triglumis, or Three-flowered Bog Rush, has all 

 basal leaves with clasping sheaths, the blades short and blunt. 

 The three-flowered head grows at the top of the stem. 



Juncus Drummondii, or Drummond's Bog Rush, has very 

 slender tall stems, and sheathing leaves. The panicle is 

 greenish-brown. 



Juncus Parryi, or Parry's Bog Rush, grows from three to 

 ten inches high, and has inner leaf-bearing sheaths. The 

 leaves are grooved at the base, and much shorter than the 

 stems ; while the panicle of inconspicuous blossoms is loosely- 

 flowered, the floral leaves being tinged with brown. 



