Merten's Sedge: Carex mertensii (Synonym: Carex columbiana)

Merten's sedge as seen along the Boundary Trail #1 east of the Johnston Ridge Observatory, Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument........July 2, 2014.

Merten's sedge observed along the East Crater Trail #48, Indian Heaven Wilderness.......August 4, 2019.

Merten's sedge as seen along the Boundary Trail #1 east of the Johnston Ridge Observatory, Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument........July 2, 2014.

Merten's sedge as seen along the Boundary Trail #1 near Norway Pass, Mount Saint Helens National Monument........August 5, 2015.

Merten's sedge as seen near the outlet stream for Blue Lake, Toutle Trail, Mt. St. Helens National Volcanic Monument.........August 20, 2017.

Merten's sedge observed at left along the Observation Trail #132 in the Sister Rocks Research Natural Area, Gifford Pinchot National Forest....September 6, 2023. The photo at right shows Merten's sedge along the East Crater Trail #48 in the Indian Heaven Wilderness.....September 15, 2023.

Close-up images of a lateral spike of Merten's sedge as seen along Morrison Creek at the Crofton Ridge Trailhead on the southern slopes of Mt. Adams........August 22, 2008. The lateral spikes are female or may have a few male flowers at the base.

The 2 photos above show close-ups of the ovate- or orbicular-shaped perigynia and their subtending dark striped scales of Merten's sedge. The perigynia are flat except for the achene. 3 tigmas are present. Photographed along Morrison Creek at the Crofton Ridge Trailheadon the southern slopes of Mt. Adams.........August 22, 2008.

The photo above shows Merten's sedge as seen along Morrison Creek at the Crofton Ridge Trailhead on the southern slopes of Mt. Adams.........August 22, 2008. The sedge at lower right is smoothstem sedge (Carex laeviculmis) while thick-head sedge (Carex pachystachya) is also present at this location.

The 4 photos above show close-up details of the perigynia, spikes and inflorescence of Merten's sedge as seen in moist meadows along the Pacific Crest Trail about one-half mile west of the junction with the Stagman Ridge Trail #12.........September 13, 2008. Click each photo to see an enlarged view.

The two photos at left show views of Merten's sedge as seen along Forest Road #23 at the Lewis River Bridge on the northwestern slopes of Mt. Adams. The two photos at right shows views of a female spike and the pendent inflorescence of Merten's sedge as seen along Forest Road #23 at milepost 35. Photographed on September 28, 2008. Click each photo to see an enlarged view.

Merten's sedge as seen in forest openings along the Ape Canyon Trail #234 about one mile downhill to the east of the junction with the Loowit Trail, Mount St. Helens National Monument.........July 13, 2016.

Additional close-ups of the inflorescence of Merten's sedge as seen roadside along FS Road 23 at Babyshoe Pass Meadows on the northwestern slopes of Mt. Adams..........August 27, 2012.