Flora of the Southeastern United States

Sagittaria

Beak of the achene lateral (at a right angle to the long axis of the achene); bracts of the inflorescence 2-15 mm long, boat-shaped, obtuse or broadly acute.

Beak of the achene lateral (at a right angle to the long axis of the achene); bracts of the inflorescence 2-15 mm long, boat-shaped, obtuse or broadly acute.

Sagittaria

Beak of the achene terminal (extending along the long axis of the achene); bracts of the inflorescence 5-40 mm long, either blunt or acuminate, not boat-shaped.

Beak of the achene terminal (extending along the long axis of the achene); bracts of the inflorescence 5-40 mm long, either blunt or acuminate, not boat-shaped.

Potamogeton

Tips of submersed leaves acute; fruit 1-2 mm wide, the lateral keel with acute tips, beak minute

Tips of submersed leaves acute; fruit 1-2 mm wide, the lateral keel with acute tips, beak minute

Potamogeton

Tips of submersed leaves obtuse; fruit 1.3-2.4 mm wide, the lateral keel with blunt tips, beak lacking

Tips of submersed leaves obtuse; fruit 1.3-2.4 mm wide, the lateral keel with blunt tips, beak lacking

Potamogeton

Leaf margins conspicuously serrate; stem flattened; fruit beak 2-3 mm long; turions commonly formed, hard

Leaf margins conspicuously serrate; stem flattened; fruit beak 2-3 mm long; turions commonly formed, hard

Potamogeton

Leaf margins entire (sometimes crispate, but without serrations); stem terete; fruit beak < 1 mm long; turions rarely formed.

Leaf margins entire (sometimes crispate, but without serrations); stem terete; fruit beak < 1 mm long; turions rarely formed.

Potamogeton

Mature fruit obovate, sides concave, beak mostly forward; peduncle filiform to cylindrical, usually 1-3 per plant; inflorescence usually interrupted; leaves with up to 2 rows of lacunae along midrib, apex acute, rarely apiculate; stipules mostly connate

Mature fruit obovate, sides concave, beak mostly forward; peduncle filiform to cylindrical, usually 1-3 per plant; inflorescence usually interrupted; leaves with up to 2 rows of lacunae along midrib, apex acute, rarely apiculate; stipules mostly connate

Potamogeton

Mature fruit mostly widest at middle, or ovate, sides rounded, beak mostly central; peduncle cylindrical, usually > 3 per plant; inflorescence continuous; leaves with 1-5 rows of lacunae along midrib, apex acute to obtuse; stipules mostly convolute

Mature fruit mostly widest at middle, or ovate, sides rounded, beak mostly central; peduncle cylindrical, usually > 3 per plant; inflorescence continuous; leaves with 1-5 rows of lacunae along midrib, apex acute to obtuse; stipules mostly convolute

Trillium

Stigmas > 1.5× as long as the ovary; stamens about 0.5× as long as the petals; anther connectives prominently prolonged into a beak 1.0-5.0 mm long (beyond the anther sacs); [T. sessile group]

Stigmas > 1.5× as long as the ovary; stamens about 0.5× as long as the petals; anther connectives prominently prolonged into a beak 1.0-5.0 mm long (beyond the anther sacs); [T. sessile group]

Trillium

Stigmas > 1.5× as long as the ovary; stamens about 0.5× as long as the petals; anther connectives prominently prolonged into a beak 1.0-5.0 mm long (beyond the anther sacs); [T. sessile group]

Stigmas > 1.5× as long as the ovary; stamens about 0.5× as long as the petals; anther connectives prominently prolonged into a beak 1.0-5.0 mm long (beyond the anther sacs); [T. sessile group]

Smilax

Stems and petioles tomentose, lacking prickles; leaves densely tomentose beneath; berries orangish-red, obpyriform, with an acutish beak; plant trailing or ascending, the stem rarely > 0.5 m long (with determinate growth); [Clade B4]

Stems and petioles tomentose, lacking prickles; leaves densely tomentose beneath; berries orangish-red, obpyriform, with an acutish beak; plant trailing or ascending, the stem rarely > 0.5 m long (with determinate growth); [Clade B4]

Smilax

Stems and petioles stellate-scurfy or glabrous, generally with prickles; leaves glabrous or papillate beneath; berries black, dark blue, dark red, or bright red, globose, subglobose, or ovoid, lacking a beak; plant climbing, ascending, or trailing, mature plants with stems generally well over 0.5 m long (with indeterminate growth).

Stems and petioles stellate-scurfy or glabrous, generally with prickles; leaves glabrous or papillate beneath; berries black, dark blue, dark red, or bright red, globose, subglobose, or ovoid, lacking a beak; plant climbing, ascending, or trailing, mature plants with stems generally well over 0.5 m long (with indeterminate growth).

Sparganium

Stigmas 1-branched; fruits rounded or acuminate to a beak at the apex, elliptic, fusiform, or obovate, 1-4 mm broad; [subgenus Xanthosparganium].

Stigmas 1-branched; fruits rounded or acuminate to a beak at the apex, elliptic, fusiform, or obovate, 1-4 mm broad; [subgenus Xanthosparganium].

Sparganium

Rachis of inflorescence unbranched; fruit beak straight to curved; tepals reaching about half the length of fruit body; leaves often keeled distally; perianth segments essentially translucent and lacking an apical dark spot

Rachis of inflorescence unbranched; fruit beak straight to curved; tepals reaching about half the length of fruit body; leaves often keeled distally; perianth segments essentially translucent and lacking an apical dark spot

Sparganium

Rachis of inflorescence branched; fruit beak curved; tepals reaching about half or more the length of fruit body; leaves usually keeled only near bases (S. americanum) or from base to at least the middle of leaves (S. androcladum(); perianth segments not translucent, their apices with a dark brown or black pad of tissue.

Rachis of inflorescence branched; fruit beak curved; tepals reaching about half or more the length of fruit body; leaves usually keeled only near bases (S. americanum) or from base to at least the middle of leaves (S. androcladum(); perianth segments not translucent, their apices with a dark brown or black pad of tissue.

Carex

Spikes gynecandrous; beak of perigynium with apical teeth > 0.3 mm long

Spikes gynecandrous; beak of perigynium with apical teeth > 0.3 mm long

Carex

Spikes androgynous or entirely pistillate; beak of perigynium with apex entire, emarginate, or with teeth < 0.2 mm long.

Spikes androgynous or entirely pistillate; beak of perigynium with apex entire, emarginate, or with teeth < 0.2 mm long.

Carex

Perigynium beak > 2 mm long, as long as or longer than the perigynium body

Perigynium beak > 2 mm long, as long as or longer than the perigynium body

Carex

Perigynium beak < 2 mm long, or if more, then tapering to the perigynium body and shorter than the body.

Perigynium beak < 2 mm long, or if more, then tapering to the perigynium body and shorter than the body.

Carex

Perigynia surfaces and beak often pubescent, finely papillate

Perigynia surfaces and beak often pubescent, finely papillate

Carex

Margins of perigynia flat, at least in the upper ½, flat portion (measured at the tip of the achene and base of beak) > (0.1-) 0.2 mm wider

Margins of perigynia flat, at least in the upper ½, flat portion (measured at the tip of the achene and base of beak) > (0.1-) 0.2 mm wider

Carex

Perigynium serrulate on the margins of the upper body and lower beak

Perigynium serrulate on the margins of the upper body and lower beak

Carex

Perigynium entire on the margins of the upper body and the lower beak

Perigynium entire on the margins of the upper body and the lower beak

Carex

Perigynium widest near the base, tapering from base to beak

Perigynium widest near the base, tapering from base to beak

Carex

Beak of perigynium with distinct teeth > 0.6 mm long

Beak of perigynium with distinct teeth > 0.6 mm long

Carex

Beak of perigynium entire, notched, or with indistinct teeth < 0.6 mm long.

Beak of perigynium entire, notched, or with indistinct teeth < 0.6 mm long.

Carex

Perigynium beak with 2 teeth > 0.6 mm long

Perigynium beak with 2 teeth > 0.6 mm long

Carex

Perigynium beak entire or with teeth < 0.6 mm long.

Perigynium beak entire or with teeth < 0.6 mm long.

Carex

Perigynia distinctly 20-30-veined; beak < 0.5 mm long

Perigynia distinctly 20-30-veined; beak < 0.5 mm long

Carex

Perigynia veinless except for 2 marginal veins; beak > 0.7 mm long

Perigynia veinless except for 2 marginal veins; beak > 0.7 mm long

Carex

Leaf blades scabrous on the upper surface; beak of perigynium recurved

Leaf blades scabrous on the upper surface; beak of perigynium recurved

Carex

Leaf blades glabrous on the upper surface, often with rough margins or tip; beak of perigynium straight.

Leaf blades glabrous on the upper surface, often with rough margins or tip; beak of perigynium straight.

Carex

Apex of perigynium beak with 2 teeth at least (0.4-) 0.5 mm long.

Apex of perigynium beak with 2 teeth at least (0.4-) 0.5 mm long.

Carex

Beak of perigynia with teeth 1.1-3 mm long

Beak of perigynia with teeth 1.1-3 mm long

Carex

Beak of perigynia with teeth often < 1 mm long.

Beak of perigynia with teeth often < 1 mm long.

Carex

Staminate spikes 1 (-4); perigynium beak > 1.7 mm long

Staminate spikes 1 (-4); perigynium beak > 1.7 mm long

Carex

Staminate spikes 1-6; perigynium beak often < 1.7 mm long.

Staminate spikes 1-6; perigynium beak often < 1.7 mm long.

Carex

Perigynium veined to tip of body and often into beak; widest leaves mostly > 4 mm wide.

Perigynium veined to tip of body and often into beak; widest leaves mostly > 4 mm wide.

Carex

Apex of perigynium beak entire, emarginate, or with 2 teeth < 0.5 mm long.

Apex of perigynium beak entire, emarginate, or with 2 teeth < 0.5 mm long.

Carex

Perigynia (5-) avg. 5.4 (-6) mm long, the beak > 3 mm long; larger leaves mostly 8-17 mm wide; perigynium scales cuspidate to short-awned; [mostly of the Coastal Plain and lower Piedmont]

Perigynia (5-) avg. 5.4 (-6) mm long, the beak > 3 mm long; larger leaves mostly 8-17 mm wide; perigynium scales cuspidate to short-awned; [mostly of the Coastal Plain and lower Piedmont]

Carex

Perigynia (4-) avg. 4.7 (-5) mm long, the beak < 2.5 mm long; larger leaves mostly 4-10 mm wide; perigynium scales acuminate to cuspidate; [widespread in our area]

Perigynia (4-) avg. 4.7 (-5) mm long, the beak < 2.5 mm long; larger leaves mostly 4-10 mm wide; perigynium scales acuminate to cuspidate; [widespread in our area]

Carex

Beak of the perigynium shorter than the body.

Beak of the perigynium shorter than the body.

Carex

Perigynia somewhat abruptly contracted into a beak ca. 0.5 × as long as the perigynium body; ventral surface of the perigynium with several incomplete veins basally; culms sharply triangular and narrowly winged, somewhat spongy and easily crushed; dorsal leaf sheaths green; ventral leaf sheaths with scattered red dots, and transversely rugose; [normally of shaded locations]

Perigynia somewhat abruptly contracted into a beak ca. 0.5 × as long as the perigynium body; ventral surface of the perigynium with several incomplete veins basally; culms sharply triangular and narrowly winged, somewhat spongy and easily crushed; dorsal leaf sheaths green; ventral leaf sheaths with scattered red dots, and transversely rugose; [normally of shaded locations]

Carex

Perigynia tapering into a beak, much shorter than the perigynium body; ventral surface of the perigynium with several inconspicuous complete veins; culms inconspicuously triangular to roundish, not winged, neither spongy nor easily crushed; dorsal leaf sheaths dark blue-green with conspicuous white dots; ventral leaf sheaths without scattered red dots, not transversely rugose; [normally of sunny locations]

Perigynia tapering into a beak, much shorter than the perigynium body; ventral surface of the perigynium with several inconspicuous complete veins; culms inconspicuously triangular to roundish, not winged, neither spongy nor easily crushed; dorsal leaf sheaths dark blue-green with conspicuous white dots; ventral leaf sheaths without scattered red dots, not transversely rugose; [normally of sunny locations]

Carex

Beak of the perigynium as long as, or longer than, the body.

Beak of the perigynium as long as, or longer than, the body.

Carex

Perigynia (5-) avg. 5.4 (-6) mm long, the beak > 3 mm long; larger leaves mostly 8-17 mm wide; perigynium scales cuspidate to short-awned; [mostly of the Coastal Plain and lower Piedmont]

Perigynia (5-) avg. 5.4 (-6) mm long, the beak > 3 mm long; larger leaves mostly 8-17 mm wide; perigynium scales cuspidate to short-awned; [mostly of the Coastal Plain and lower Piedmont]

Carex

Perigynia (4-) avg. 4.7 (-5) mm long, the beak < 2.5 mm long; larger leaves mostly 4-10 mm wide; perigynium scales acuminate to cuspidate; [widespread in our area]

Perigynia (4-) avg. 4.7 (-5) mm long, the beak < 2.5 mm long; larger leaves mostly 4-10 mm wide; perigynium scales acuminate to cuspidate; [widespread in our area]

Carex

Leaves longer than the flowering stem; perigynia 2.0-3.2 mm long, 1.3-1.8 mm wide, the beak 1/3-1/2 the length of the body

Leaves longer than the flowering stem; perigynia 2.0-3.2 mm long, 1.3-1.8 mm wide, the beak 1/3-1/2 the length of the body

Carex

Leaves shorter than the flowering stem; perigynia 3.2-4.0 mm long, 2.0-2.6 mm wide, the beak ca. 1/3 as long as the body.

Leaves shorter than the flowering stem; perigynia 3.2-4.0 mm long, 2.0-2.6 mm wide, the beak ca. 1/3 as long as the body.

Carex

Beak of perigynium smooth; pistillate scales acuminate, early deciduous.

Beak of perigynium smooth; pistillate scales acuminate, early deciduous.

Carex

Average perigynium width ≥ 1.3 mm; average spongy portion of the perigynium ≥ 1.1 mm long; perigynium base distinctly nerved, bulging on the ventral surface, making the perigynium biconvex in cross-section; perigynium 2-2.5× as long as wide; perigynium gradually narrowed to a short beak; leaves 1-3 mm wide

Average perigynium width ≥ 1.3 mm; average spongy portion of the perigynium ≥ 1.1 mm long; perigynium base distinctly nerved, bulging on the ventral surface, making the perigynium biconvex in cross-section; perigynium 2-2.5× as long as wide; perigynium gradually narrowed to a short beak; leaves 1-3 mm wide

Carex

Average perigynium width < 1.3 mm; average spongy portion of the perigynium < 1.1 mm long; perigynium base nerveless, flattened on the ventral surface, making the perigynium planoconvex in cross-section; perigynium ca. 3× as long as wide; perigynium narrowed to a conspicuous beak; leaves 0.75-1.5 mm wide

Average perigynium width < 1.3 mm; average spongy portion of the perigynium < 1.1 mm long; perigynium base nerveless, flattened on the ventral surface, making the perigynium planoconvex in cross-section; perigynium ca. 3× as long as wide; perigynium narrowed to a conspicuous beak; leaves 0.75-1.5 mm wide

Carex

Beak of perigynium serrulate; pistillate scales obtuse, persistent.

Beak of perigynium serrulate; pistillate scales obtuse, persistent.

Carex

Beak of the perigynium 1/5 to 1/3 as long as the body; spikes 2-7 (-10); [exotic, naturalized primarily in brackish to salty coastal habitats]

Beak of the perigynium 1/5 to 1/3 as long as the body; spikes 2-7 (-10); [exotic, naturalized primarily in brackish to salty coastal habitats]

Carex

Beak of the perigynium 1/3 to 1/2 as long as the body; spikes 5-15; [exotic, naturalized primarily inland along highways treated with salt]

Beak of the perigynium 1/3 to 1/2 as long as the body; spikes 5-15; [exotic, naturalized primarily inland along highways treated with salt]

Carex

Perigynia thin-margined and prominently winged at base of beak; pistillate scales usually longer than perigynia; terminal spike usually staminate; [exotic in maritime situations]

Perigynia thin-margined and prominently winged at base of beak; pistillate scales usually longer than perigynia; terminal spike usually staminate; [exotic in maritime situations]

Carex

Perigynium beak smooth-margined (use at least 10× magnification)

Perigynium beak smooth-margined (use at least 10× magnification)

Carex

Perigynium beak serrulate on margin (use at least 10× magnification).

Perigynium beak serrulate on margin (use at least 10× magnification).

Carex

Perigynium beak serrulate on margin (use at least 10× magnification).

Perigynium beak serrulate on margin (use at least 10× magnification).

Carex

Perigynia mostly nerveless over the achene on the adaxial surface; beak of perigynia conspicuously setulose-serrulate; perigynia often more-or-less convexly tapered from widest point to the beak, thus forming a weak shoulder; [of calcareous sites, in our area restricted to the Mountains of VA]

Perigynia mostly nerveless over the achene on the adaxial surface; beak of perigynia conspicuously setulose-serrulate; perigynia often more-or-less convexly tapered from widest point to the beak, thus forming a weak shoulder; [of calcareous sites, in our area restricted to the Mountains of VA]

Carex

Perigynia mostly 1-10-nerved over the achene on the adaxial surface; beak of perigynia more sparsely serrulate, with definite spaces between the often single teeth; perigynia more-or-less cuneate or concavely tapered from widest point to the beak, not forming a shoulder; [of a variety of situations, not generally calcareous].

Perigynia mostly 1-10-nerved over the achene on the adaxial surface; beak of perigynia more sparsely serrulate, with definite spaces between the often single teeth; perigynia more-or-less cuneate or concavely tapered from widest point to the beak, not forming a shoulder; [of a variety of situations, not generally calcareous].

Carex

Perigynium beak cylindric, unwinged, lacking serrations for ca. 0.4 mm below the apex

Perigynium beak cylindric, unwinged, lacking serrations for ca. 0.4 mm below the apex

Carex

Perigynium beak flattened, ciliate-serrulate all the way to the apex.

Perigynium beak flattened, ciliate-serrulate all the way to the apex.

Carex

Perigynia (2.5-) 2.6-4 × as long as wide, the body lanceolate, distance from beak tip to top of achene 2.2-5 mm

Perigynia (2.5-) 2.6-4 × as long as wide, the body lanceolate, distance from beak tip to top of achene 2.2-5 mm

Carex

Perigynia < 2.5 × as long as wide, the body obovate, orbiculate, or ovate; distance from beak tip to top of achene 0.8-2.2 mm.

Perigynia < 2.5 × as long as wide, the body obovate, orbiculate, or ovate; distance from beak tip to top of achene 0.8-2.2 mm.

Carex

Perigynium body obovate, widest toward the tip (excluding the beak).

Perigynium body obovate, widest toward the tip (excluding the beak).

Carex

Perigynium beak spreading, slender; pistillate scales acute; styles sinuous at base

Perigynium beak spreading, slender; pistillate scales acute; styles sinuous at base

Carex

Perigynium beak appressed-ascending, triangular; pistillate scales obtuse; styles straight

Perigynium beak appressed-ascending, triangular; pistillate scales obtuse; styles straight

Carex

Perigynium body ovate, elliptic, or orbiculate, widest toward the base or near the middle (excluding the beak).

Perigynium body ovate, elliptic, or orbiculate, widest toward the base or near the middle (excluding the beak).

Carex

Sheaths smooth, often whitish-mottled; perigynium beak spreading, exceeding the pistillate scales by 0.7-1.6 mm; beak and shoulders of perigynia greenish to yellowish or greenish brown at maturity

Sheaths smooth, often whitish-mottled; perigynium beak spreading, exceeding the pistillate scales by 0.7-1.6 mm; beak and shoulders of perigynia greenish to yellowish or greenish brown at maturity

Carex

Sheaths, at least some, papillose near the collar (at magnification of 30 ×), not prominently whitish-mottled; perigynium beak appressed or ascending in spikes, exceeding the pistillate scales by 0.0-0.8 mm; beak and shoulders of perigynia straw-colored to reddish-brown at maturity

Sheaths, at least some, papillose near the collar (at magnification of 30 ×), not prominently whitish-mottled; perigynium beak appressed or ascending in spikes, exceeding the pistillate scales by 0.0-0.8 mm; beak and shoulders of perigynia straw-colored to reddish-brown at maturity

Carex

Perigynium beak spreading, slender; pistillate scales acute; styles sinuous at base

Perigynium beak spreading, slender; pistillate scales acute; styles sinuous at base

Carex

Perigynium beak appressed-ascending, triangular; pistillate scales obtuse; styles straight.

Perigynium beak appressed-ascending, triangular; pistillate scales obtuse; styles straight.

Carex

Perigynia with acute bases, 2.0-2.8 mm wide; beak appressed, > 2/5 × the length of the body; broadest leaves 1.5-2.5 mm wide; [of sw. VA northward]

Perigynia with acute bases, 2.0-2.8 mm wide; beak appressed, > 2/5 × the length of the body; broadest leaves 1.5-2.5 mm wide; [of sw. VA northward]

Carex

Perigynia with rounded bases, 3.0-4.4 mm wide; beak spreading, ca. ⅓ × the length of the body; broadest leaves 2-5 mm wide; [of FL]

Perigynia with rounded bases, 3.0-4.4 mm wide; beak spreading, ca. ⅓ × the length of the body; broadest leaves 2-5 mm wide; [of FL]

Carex

Perigynia 3.2-4.8 (-5.2) mm long; beak 0.8-1.5 mm long; pistillate scales 3.3-4.0 (-4.3) mm long, acute; achenes 1.0-1.3 (1.4) × as long as wide

Perigynia 3.2-4.8 (-5.2) mm long; beak 0.8-1.5 mm long; pistillate scales 3.3-4.0 (-4.3) mm long, acute; achenes 1.0-1.3 (1.4) × as long as wide

Carex

Perigynia (5.6-) 6.0-7.1 mm long; beak (1.2-) 1.5-2.1 (-2.3) mm long; pistillate scales (3.6-) 3.9-5.0 mm long, obtuse to acute

Perigynia (5.6-) 6.0-7.1 mm long; beak (1.2-) 1.5-2.1 (-2.3) mm long; pistillate scales (3.6-) 3.9-5.0 mm long, obtuse to acute

Carex

Sheath backs glabrous [prickles 0-1 (-5) per mm2 of sheath surface 5 cm from base]; perigynia somewhat inflated, obovoid, rounded above to an abrupt beak; lowest bract of the infructescence 17-62 cm long.

Sheath backs glabrous [prickles 0-1 (-5) per mm2 of sheath surface 5 cm from base]; perigynia somewhat inflated, obovoid, rounded above to an abrupt beak; lowest bract of the infructescence 17-62 cm long.

Carex

Sheath backs scabrous [prickles (1-) 5-54 per mm2 of sheath surface 5 cm from base]; perigynia flattened, elliptic to ovoid, tapering from near or below the middle to a minute beak; lowest bract of the infructescence 7-35 cm long.

Sheath backs scabrous [prickles (1-) 5-54 per mm2 of sheath surface 5 cm from base]; perigynia flattened, elliptic to ovoid, tapering from near or below the middle to a minute beak; lowest bract of the infructescence 7-35 cm long.

Carex

Perigynia with a distinct beak, 1.0-2.2 mm long.

Perigynia with a distinct beak, 1.0-2.2 mm long.

Carex

Perigynia beakless, or with an indistinct beak < 0.5 mm long.

Perigynia beakless, or with an indistinct beak < 0.5 mm long.

Carex

Perigynia with 8-18 veins, 2-3 conspicuous, narrowly cuneate basally; perigynium beak short and usually abruptly bent; foliage dark green; bracts surpassing the staminate spike

Perigynia with 8-18 veins, 2-3 conspicuous, narrowly cuneate basally; perigynium beak short and usually abruptly bent; foliage dark green; bracts surpassing the staminate spike

Carex

Perigynium with (22-) 25-32 veins, all of which are conspicuous (the central one slightly more distinct); perigynium beak various; foliage various; bracts various.

Perigynium with (22-) 25-32 veins, all of which are conspicuous (the central one slightly more distinct); perigynium beak various; foliage various; bracts various.

Carex

Perigynium with (22-) 25-32 veins, all of which are conspicuous (the central one slightly more distinct); perigynium beak various; foliage various; bracts various.

Perigynium with (22-) 25-32 veins, all of which are conspicuous (the central one slightly more distinct); perigynium beak various; foliage various; bracts various.

Carex

Perigynium with a short, bent beak, usually abruptly bent to one side.

Perigynium with a short, bent beak, usually abruptly bent to one side.

Carex

Perigynium tapering to a straight or slightly curved beak (or a long, curved beak in C. radfordii) (note: some beaks may curve in pressing).

Perigynium tapering to a straight or slightly curved beak (or a long, curved beak in C. radfordii) (note: some beaks may curve in pressing).

Carex

Staminate scales with apex rounded to obtuse; widest leaves 1.8-3.0 (-4.4) mm wide; perigynium beak 0.1-0.3 mm long; [widespread]

Staminate scales with apex rounded to obtuse; widest leaves 1.8-3.0 (-4.4) mm wide; perigynium beak 0.1-0.3 mm long; [widespread]

Carex

Staminate scales with apex acute to awned; widest leaves 2.8-8.3 mm wide; perigynium beak 0.3-0.9 mm long; [Panhandle FL and AL westward]

Staminate scales with apex acute to awned; widest leaves 2.8-8.3 mm wide; perigynium beak 0.3-0.9 mm long; [Panhandle FL and AL westward]

Carex

Perigynia several-nerved, the beak much shorter than the body; basal sheath not conspicuously fibrous

Perigynia several-nerved, the beak much shorter than the body; basal sheath not conspicuously fibrous

Carex

Perigynia 2-ribbed (otherwise nearly nerveless), the beak about as long as the body; basal sheath conspicuously fibrous

Perigynia 2-ribbed (otherwise nearly nerveless), the beak about as long as the body; basal sheath conspicuously fibrous

Carex

Perigynia (6-) avg. 7.0 (-10) mm long, broadest below the middle, tapering with straight or slightly convex sides to a conspicuous beak with a hyaline tip; pistillate scales obtuse; [of swamps, bogs, and other moist to wet habitats, nearly throughout our area]

Perigynia (6-) avg. 7.0 (-10) mm long, broadest below the middle, tapering with straight or slightly convex sides to a conspicuous beak with a hyaline tip; pistillate scales obtuse; [of swamps, bogs, and other moist to wet habitats, nearly throughout our area]

Carex

Perigynia (4.5-) avg. 5.6 (-7) mm long, broadest near the middle, tapering with concave sides to a short beak lacking a hyaline tip; pistillate scales acute to acuminate (the lowest sometimes aristate); [of dry to moist upland forests and openings in the Mountains]

Perigynia (4.5-) avg. 5.6 (-7) mm long, broadest near the middle, tapering with concave sides to a short beak lacking a hyaline tip; pistillate scales acute to acuminate (the lowest sometimes aristate); [of dry to moist upland forests and openings in the Mountains]

Carex

Perigynia papillose, with a short but definite beak, 2.5-4.0 mm long; anthers 2.5-3.5 mm long; pistillate scales about equal to perigynia or slightly longer; pistillate spikes 6-10 mm wide

Perigynia papillose, with a short but definite beak, 2.5-4.0 mm long; anthers 2.5-3.5 mm long; pistillate scales about equal to perigynia or slightly longer; pistillate spikes 6-10 mm wide

Carex

Perigynia not papillose, beakless or with a short but definite beak [C. caroliniana], 2.0-3.5 mm long; anthers 1.3-2.5 mm long; pistillate scales usually much shorter than perigynia; pistillate spikes 4-7 mm wide.

Perigynia not papillose, beakless or with a short but definite beak [C. caroliniana], 2.0-3.5 mm long; anthers 1.3-2.5 mm long; pistillate scales usually much shorter than perigynia; pistillate spikes 4-7 mm wide.

Carex

Perigynia with a short but distinct beak, when mature more-or-less rounded in ×-section and with no faces flattish; blades glabrous or glabrate

Perigynia with a short but distinct beak, when mature more-or-less rounded in ×-section and with no faces flattish; blades glabrous or glabrate

Carex

Perigynia with a short but distinct beak, when mature more-or-less rounded in ×-section and with no faces flattish; blades glabrous or glabrate

Perigynia with a short but distinct beak, when mature more-or-less rounded in ×-section and with no faces flattish; blades glabrous or glabrate

Carex

Beak of the perigynium soft, translucent, the teeth obscure; peduncle of staminate spike 0.2-2 cm long; [of the Piedmont and Coastal Plain in our area]

Beak of the perigynium soft, translucent, the teeth obscure; peduncle of staminate spike 0.2-2 cm long; [of the Piedmont and Coastal Plain in our area]

Carex

Beak of the perigynium stiff, opaque, the teeth well-developed; peduncle of staminate spike (0.8-) 2-9 cm long; [of the Mountains in our area].

Beak of the perigynium stiff, opaque, the teeth well-developed; peduncle of staminate spike (0.8-) 2-9 cm long; [of the Mountains in our area].

Carex

Perigynia 6-12-nerved, the nerves separate nearly to the beak apex; perigynium bodies broadly ellipsoid to more or less globose, (1.8-) 2.0-4.2 mm wide; achenes rough-papillate.

Perigynia 6-12-nerved, the nerves separate nearly to the beak apex; perigynium bodies broadly ellipsoid to more or less globose, (1.8-) 2.0-4.2 mm wide; achenes rough-papillate.

Carex

Perigynia 12-25-nerved, the nerves (except for 2 prominent laterals) confluent at or below the middle of the beak; perigynium bodies ellipsoid to lance-ovoid, 1.1-2.2 mm wide; achenes smooth.

Perigynia 12-25-nerved, the nerves (except for 2 prominent laterals) confluent at or below the middle of the beak; perigynium bodies ellipsoid to lance-ovoid, 1.1-2.2 mm wide; achenes smooth.

Carex

Spikes 9-12 mm thick; beak teeth straight or slightly out-curved, longest teeth 0.7-1.2 (-1.4) mm long

Spikes 9-12 mm thick; beak teeth straight or slightly out-curved, longest teeth 0.7-1.2 (-1.4) mm long

Carex

Spikes 12-18 mm thick; beak teeth strongly out-curved, longest 1.3-2.1 (-2.8) mm long

Spikes 12-18 mm thick; beak teeth strongly out-curved, longest 1.3-2.1 (-2.8) mm long

Carex

Sheath of uppermost leaf absent or <1.5 (-2.5) cm long; beak of perigynia 1.5-4.2 mm long; achenes with elliptic or obovate sides.

Sheath of uppermost leaf absent or <1.5 (-2.5) cm long; beak of perigynia 1.5-4.2 mm long; achenes with elliptic or obovate sides.

Carex

Sheath of uppermost leaf usually >1.7 cm long; beak of perigynia 4.5-10 mm long; achenes with rhombic or nearly triangular sides.

Sheath of uppermost leaf usually >1.7 cm long; beak of perigynia 4.5-10 mm long; achenes with rhombic or nearly triangular sides.

Carex

Larger pistillate spikes 10.5-13.5 (14.0) mm wide (measured beak tip to beak tip); longer perigynium beaks 2.3-3.2 mm long; [MI south to extreme s. OH and c. IN]

Larger pistillate spikes 10.5-13.5 (14.0) mm wide (measured beak tip to beak tip); longer perigynium beaks 2.3-3.2 mm long; [MI south to extreme s. OH and c. IN]

Carex

Tallest culm 3.2-9.1 cm high, 15-32% of plant height; terminal spike with 4-8 perigynia; wider leaves with hyaline margins 0.05-0.2 mm wide; hyaline margins of distal pistillate scales 0.05-0.3 mm wide; perigynium beak 30-38% (-43%) of perigynium length; [of calcareous glades in w. VA and north and west of our area]

Tallest culm 3.2-9.1 cm high, 15-32% of plant height; terminal spike with 4-8 perigynia; wider leaves with hyaline margins 0.05-0.2 mm wide; hyaline margins of distal pistillate scales 0.05-0.3 mm wide; perigynium beak 30-38% (-43%) of perigynium length; [of calcareous glades in w. VA and north and west of our area]

Carex

Tallest culm 9.0-41 cm high, 39-86% of plant height; terminal spike with 1-4 perigynia; wider leaves with green margins; hyaline margins of distal pistillate scales 0.3-0.7 mm wide; perigynium beak 34-53% of perigynium length; [of rich forests or rocky calcareous glades and woodlands].

Tallest culm 9.0-41 cm high, 39-86% of plant height; terminal spike with 1-4 perigynia; wider leaves with green margins; hyaline margins of distal pistillate scales 0.3-0.7 mm wide; perigynium beak 34-53% of perigynium length; [of rich forests or rocky calcareous glades and woodlands].

Rhynchospora

Tubercle 0.2-0.8 mm long, triangular to triangular-attenuate or with a strap-like beak.

Tubercle 0.2-0.8 mm long, triangular to triangular-attenuate or with a strap-like beak.

Rhynchospora

Basal leaves filiform to (rarely)1.3 mm wide, the longer approaching length of culm; tubercle narrowed above the base into a strap-like beak

Basal leaves filiform to (rarely)1.3 mm wide, the longer approaching length of culm; tubercle narrowed above the base into a strap-like beak

Rhynchospora

Basal leaves filiform to (rarely)1.3 mm wide, the longer approaching length of culm; tubercle narrowed above the base into a strap-like beak

Basal leaves filiform to (rarely)1.3 mm wide, the longer approaching length of culm; tubercle narrowed above the base into a strap-like beak

Poaceae

Mature spikelets stiff; grains protruding, with a bottle-neck-like beak; [tribe Diarrheneae]

Mature spikelets stiff; grains protruding, with a bottle-neck-like beak; [tribe Diarrheneae]

Poaceae

Mature spikelets not stiff; grains neither protruding, nor shaped with a bottleneck-like beak.

Mature spikelets not stiff; grains neither protruding, nor shaped with a bottleneck-like beak.

Aristida

Awn column (the connivent awns twisted together) or lemma beak (slender, narrowed, and twisted portion of lemma body below the awns) 7-30 mm long; lemma body (including the beak, if present) separated from the awns (or awn column) by an articulation zone, the awns (or awn column) disarticulating at maturity from the lemma.

Awn column (the connivent awns twisted together) or lemma beak (slender, narrowed, and twisted portion of lemma body below the awns) 7-30 mm long; lemma body (including the beak, if present) separated from the awns (or awn column) by an articulation zone, the awns (or awn column) disarticulating at maturity from the lemma.

Aristida

Panicle spiciform, broadest near the middle, dense, the spikelets overlapping strongly; awns (10-) 20-30 mm long, borne at the summit of a twisted lemma beak 7-30 mm long; culms simple or with very few branches; plants perennial

Panicle spiciform, broadest near the middle, dense, the spikelets overlapping strongly; awns (10-) 20-30 mm long, borne at the summit of a twisted lemma beak 7-30 mm long; culms simple or with very few branches; plants perennial

Aristida

Awn column or lemma beak absent or < 7 mm long; lemma body not separated from the awns by an articulation zone.

Awn column or lemma beak absent or < 7 mm long; lemma body not separated from the awns by an articulation zone.

Diarrhena

Callous pubescent on all mature lemmas except the first; lemmas widest below the middle and gradually tapering into a cusp at the apex, those of the first floret 7.1-10.8 mm long; mature fruit 1.3-1.8 mm broad, gradually tapering into a broad, blunt beak

Callous pubescent on all mature lemmas except the first; lemmas widest below the middle and gradually tapering into a cusp at the apex, those of the first floret 7.1-10.8 mm long; mature fruit 1.3-1.8 mm broad, gradually tapering into a broad, blunt beak

Diarrhena

Callous glabrous on all mature lemmas; lemmas widest near or above the middle and more-or-less abruptly contracted into a cusp at the apex, those of the first floret 4.6-7.5 mm long; mature fruit 1.8-2.5 mm broad, abruptly contracted into a bottlenose-shaped beak

Callous glabrous on all mature lemmas; lemmas widest near or above the middle and more-or-less abruptly contracted into a cusp at the apex, those of the first floret 4.6-7.5 mm long; mature fruit 1.8-2.5 mm broad, abruptly contracted into a bottlenose-shaped beak

Panicum

Spikelets 2.8-3.5 mm long; beak of sterile lemma exceeding fertile lemma by 0.2-0.5 mm; first glume (blunt-) acute, ½-2/3× as long as spikelet

Spikelets 2.8-3.5 mm long; beak of sterile lemma exceeding fertile lemma by 0.2-0.5 mm; first glume (blunt-) acute, ½-2/3× as long as spikelet

Panicum

Spikelets 3.2-5 mm long; beak of sterile lemma exceeding fertile lemma by 0.6-1.3 mm; first glume acuminate, 3/5-3/4× as long as spikelet.

Spikelets 3.2-5 mm long; beak of sterile lemma exceeding fertile lemma by 0.6-1.3 mm; first glume acuminate, 3/5-3/4× as long as spikelet.

Ranunculaceae

Achenes smooth or variously ornamented with spines, papillae, or tubercles, sometimes also pubescent, usually noticeably beaked, the beak > 0.3 mm long; leaves various, usually not at once simple, cordate, and unlobed ; [native or introduced]

Achenes smooth or variously ornamented with spines, papillae, or tubercles, sometimes also pubescent, usually noticeably beaked, the beak > 0.3 mm long; leaves various, usually not at once simple, cordate, and unlobed ; [native or introduced]

Ranunculaceae

Flowers in a raceme, not subtended by an involucre; fruit follicular, each with a 1-2 mm long beak; [subfamily Ranunculoideae, tribe Delphineae]

Flowers in a raceme, not subtended by an involucre; fruit follicular, each with a 1-2 mm long beak; [subfamily Ranunculoideae, tribe Delphineae]

Ranunculaceae

Flower solitary, subtended by a finely divided involucre; fruit a spherical capsule-like structure composed of 5 or 10 partially connate follicles, each follicle terminated by a linear beak 13-20 mm long; [subfamily Ranunculoideae, tribe Nigelleae]

Flower solitary, subtended by a finely divided involucre; fruit a spherical capsule-like structure composed of 5 or 10 partially connate follicles, each follicle terminated by a linear beak 13-20 mm long; [subfamily Ranunculoideae, tribe Nigelleae]

Anemone

Stem densely pubescent above and below the stem leaves; stem leaves borne above the midpoint of the stem at anthesis; plant from a globose, vertically oriented bulb, lacking rhizomes; basal leaves 1-ternate, the 3 lobes sublobed or toothed, but not additionally divided; involucral leaves (1.5-) 3-6 cm long; achene bodies 2.7-3.5 mm long; achene beak sinuous, hidden in the achene indument

Stem densely pubescent above and below the stem leaves; stem leaves borne above the midpoint of the stem at anthesis; plant from a globose, vertically oriented bulb, lacking rhizomes; basal leaves 1-ternate, the 3 lobes sublobed or toothed, but not additionally divided; involucral leaves (1.5-) 3-6 cm long; achene bodies 2.7-3.5 mm long; achene beak sinuous, hidden in the achene indument

Anemone

Stem densely pubescent above the stem leaves, glabrous to very sparsely pubescent beneath the stem leaves; stem leaves borne at or below the midpoint of the stem at anthesis; plant with slender, horizontal rhizomes; basal leaves 1-3-ternate, the 3 primary lobes usually further divided into linear segments; involucral leaves 1-2.5 (-3) cm long; achene bodies 1.5-2.5 (-3.0) mm long; achene beak straight, extending out of the achene indument

Stem densely pubescent above the stem leaves, glabrous to very sparsely pubescent beneath the stem leaves; stem leaves borne at or below the midpoint of the stem at anthesis; plant with slender, horizontal rhizomes; basal leaves 1-3-ternate, the 3 primary lobes usually further divided into linear segments; involucral leaves 1-2.5 (-3) cm long; achene bodies 1.5-2.5 (-3.0) mm long; achene beak straight, extending out of the achene indument

Clematis

Leaf blades 0.2-2.5 (-3.5) cm wide, not notably reticulate on the upper surface; beak of the achene plumose with long hairs; [of wet pinelands of n. FL southward]

Leaf blades 0.2-2.5 (-3.5) cm wide, not notably reticulate on the upper surface; beak of the achene plumose with long hairs; [of wet pinelands of n. FL southward]

Clematis

Leaf blades 3.5-11 cm wide, prominently reticulate on the upper surface; beak of the achene silky tomentose near the base, nearly glabrous toward the tip; [of prairies of nw. GA and se. TN, disjunct from further west]

Leaf blades 3.5-11 cm wide, prominently reticulate on the upper surface; beak of the achene silky tomentose near the base, nearly glabrous toward the tip; [of prairies of nw. GA and se. TN, disjunct from further west]

Clematis

Leaf blade coarsely reticulate-veined, the ultimate closed areoles often > 2 mm long in the longer dimension, the tertiary and quaternary veins not prominently raised; achene beak sparsely pubescent to silky, with ascending or appressed hairs

Leaf blade coarsely reticulate-veined, the ultimate closed areoles often > 2 mm long in the longer dimension, the tertiary and quaternary veins not prominently raised; achene beak sparsely pubescent to silky, with ascending or appressed hairs

Clematis

Leaf blade finely reticulate-veined, the ultimate closed areoles mostly < 2 mm long in the longest dimension, the tertiary and quaternary veins often prominently raised; achene beak plumose, with spreading hairs

Leaf blade finely reticulate-veined, the ultimate closed areoles mostly < 2 mm long in the longest dimension, the tertiary and quaternary veins often prominently raised; achene beak plumose, with spreading hairs

Ranunculus

Achenes bodies 1.5-3 mm long, 30-60 per head; achene beak ca. 0.5 mm long; achene with conical protuberances or short spines, to 0.16 mm long; achene beak 0.1-0.5 mm long; basal leaves compound; [section Polyanthemos].

Achenes bodies 1.5-3 mm long, 30-60 per head; achene beak ca. 0.5 mm long; achene with conical protuberances or short spines, to 0.16 mm long; achene beak 0.1-0.5 mm long; basal leaves compound; [section Polyanthemos].

Ranunculus

Achenes 2.5-5 mm long, 4-20 per head; achene beak 1.5-3.0 mm long (or 0.8-1 mm long in R. marginatus); achene conspicuously spiny, the longer spines mostly 0.30-0.85 mm long (or only ca. 0.2 mm long in R. marginatus); basal leaves simple (but deeply lobed) or compound.

Achenes 2.5-5 mm long, 4-20 per head; achene beak 1.5-3.0 mm long (or 0.8-1 mm long in R. marginatus); achene conspicuously spiny, the longer spines mostly 0.30-0.85 mm long (or only ca. 0.2 mm long in R. marginatus); basal leaves simple (but deeply lobed) or compound.

Ranunculus

Achenes 4-9 per head, in a single whorl; achene margins spiny, as also the faces; beak of the achene 2.5-3 mm long; [section Echinella]

Achenes 4-9 per head, in a single whorl; achene margins spiny, as also the faces; beak of the achene 2.5-3 mm long; [section Echinella]

Ranunculus

Achenes 10-20 per head, in several whorls; achene margins smooth, the spines restricted to the faces; beak of the achene 1.5-2.5 mm long; [section Polyanthemos].

Achenes 10-20 per head, in several whorls; achene margins smooth, the spines restricted to the faces; beak of the achene 1.5-2.5 mm long; [section Polyanthemos].

Ranunculus

Achene faces with short protuberances ca. 0.2 mm long; achene beak 0.8-1.0 mm long; peduncle usually longer than the subtending leaf

Achene faces with short protuberances ca. 0.2 mm long; achene beak 0.8-1.0 mm long; peduncle usually longer than the subtending leaf

Ranunculus

Achene faces with stout spines ca. 0.5 mm long; achene beak 2.0-2.5 mm long; peduncle usually shorter than the subtending leaf

Achene faces with stout spines ca. 0.5 mm long; achene beak 2.0-2.5 mm long; peduncle usually shorter than the subtending leaf

Ranunculus

Petals 6-14 mm long; achene body 1.3-2.5 mm long, the beak 0.7-1.5 mm long; plants with submersed leaves dissected into numerous linear segments; [aquatic]

Petals 6-14 mm long; achene body 1.3-2.5 mm long, the beak 0.7-1.5 mm long; plants with submersed leaves dissected into numerous linear segments; [aquatic]

Ranunculus

Petals 2-4 (-5) mm long; achene body 0.8-1.2 mm long, the beak 0-0.1 mm long; plants without distinctive, dissected submersed leaves; [terrestrial or semi-aquatic]

Petals 2-4 (-5) mm long; achene body 0.8-1.2 mm long, the beak 0-0.1 mm long; plants without distinctive, dissected submersed leaves; [terrestrial or semi-aquatic]

Ranunculus

Basal leaves simple; achene beak strongly hooked

Basal leaves simple; achene beak strongly hooked

Ranunculus

Basal leaves 3-foliolate; achene beak straight or nearly so.

Basal leaves 3-foliolate; achene beak straight or nearly so.

Ranunculus

Petals 4-6 mm long, 3.5-5 mm wide; achene beak 1.0-1.2 mm long; [WV northward]

Petals 4-6 mm long, 3.5-5 mm wide; achene beak 1.0-1.2 mm long; [WV northward]

Ranunculus

Petals 2-4 mm long, 1.0-2.5 mm wide; achene beak 0.6-0.8 mm long; [widespread]

Petals 2-4 mm long, 1.0-2.5 mm wide; achene beak 0.6-0.8 mm long; [widespread]

Ranunculus

Petals 5-15 mm long, (1.3-) 1.5× or more as long as the sepals; achene beak straight, flexuous, slightly curved, or hooked, 0.2-3.0 mm long.

Petals 5-15 mm long, (1.3-) 1.5× or more as long as the sepals; achene beak straight, flexuous, slightly curved, or hooked, 0.2-3.0 mm long.

Ranunculus

Achene beaks recurved or hooked, the stigmatic surface elongate, along the upper (curved) side of the style (beak) (visible at 10×); [introduced, usually weedy in disturbed habitats].

Achene beaks recurved or hooked, the stigmatic surface elongate, along the upper (curved) side of the style (beak) (visible at 10×); [introduced, usually weedy in disturbed habitats].

Ranunculus

Achene beaks straight or slightly curved, flexuous, the stigmatic surface limited to the tip of the style (beak); [native, normally in more-or-less natural habitats]; [section Polyanthemos].

Achene beaks straight or slightly curved, flexuous, the stigmatic surface limited to the tip of the style (beak); [native, normally in more-or-less natural habitats]; [section Polyanthemos].

Stylosanthes

Loment beak 0.5-1 mm long, incurved; loment 1-seeded (the basal segment sterile); free portion of the petiole (above the portion fused with the stipules into a sheath) 1-3 (-4) mm long; [widespread in our region, south to c. peninsular FL]

Loment beak 0.5-1 mm long, incurved; loment 1-seeded (the basal segment sterile); free portion of the petiole (above the portion fused with the stipules into a sheath) 1-3 (-4) mm long; [widespread in our region, south to c. peninsular FL]

Stylosanthes

Loment beak 1-2.5 mm long, either straight, incurved, or hooked; loment 1-2-seeded; free portion of the petiole (2-) 3-6 mm long; [FL peninsula only].

Loment beak 1-2.5 mm long, either straight, incurved, or hooked; loment 1-2-seeded; free portion of the petiole (2-) 3-6 mm long; [FL peninsula only].

Stylosanthes

Loment beak straight or slightly incurved; free portion of the petiole (2-) 3-4 mm long; loment 1-seeded (the basal segment sterile); [of marl prairies and pine rocklands in s. peninsular FL]

Loment beak straight or slightly incurved; free portion of the petiole (2-) 3-4 mm long; loment 1-seeded (the basal segment sterile); [of marl prairies and pine rocklands in s. peninsular FL]

Stylosanthes

Loment beak incurved or hooked; free portion of petiole 3-6 mm long; loment 2-seeded (except by unusual abortion of the basal segment); [common and weedy]

Loment beak incurved or hooked; free portion of petiole 3-6 mm long; loment 2-seeded (except by unusual abortion of the basal segment); [common and weedy]

Pediomelum

Flowering calyx 7-10 mm long, the legume mostly included within it even at maturity (only the beak sometimes projecting); corolla 7-25 mm long.

Flowering calyx 7-10 mm long, the legume mostly included within it even at maturity (only the beak sometimes projecting); corolla 7-25 mm long.

Sesbania

Corolla yellow; pedicels 0.5-1.0 cm long; legume blunt or abruptly acuminate to a beak

Corolla yellow; pedicels 0.5-1.0 cm long; legume blunt or abruptly acuminate to a beak

Sesbania

Corolla orange or red; pedicels 0.5-1.2 (-1.5) cm long; legume acuminate or tapering to a beak

Corolla orange or red; pedicels 0.5-1.2 (-1.5) cm long; legume acuminate or tapering to a beak

Polygalaceae

Corolla keel petal blunt, lacking a terminal crest or beak.

Corolla keel petal blunt, lacking a terminal crest or beak.

Polygalaceae

Corolla keel petal appendaged, with a terminal beak (conic or cylindric), or a lobed, tufted, or fringed crest.

Corolla keel petal appendaged, with a terminal beak (conic or cylindric), or a lobed, tufted, or fringed crest.

Corylus

Mature involucre of the fruit 4-7 cm long, extended into a tubular beak; young twigs and petioles villous, glandless; [section Corylus, subsection Siphonochlamys]

Mature involucre of the fruit 4-7 cm long, extended into a tubular beak; young twigs and petioles villous, glandless; [section Corylus, subsection Siphonochlamys]

Corylus

Mature involucre of the fruit 4-7 cm long, extended into a tubular beak; young twigs and petioles villous, glandless; [section Corylus, subsection Siphonochlamys]

Mature involucre of the fruit 4-7 cm long, extended into a tubular beak; young twigs and petioles villous, glandless; [section Corylus, subsection Siphonochlamys]

Corylus

Mature involucre of the fruit 4-7 cm long, extended into a tubular beak; young twigs and petioles villous, glandless; [section Corylus, subsection Siphonochlamys]

Mature involucre of the fruit 4-7 cm long, extended into a tubular beak; young twigs and petioles villous, glandless; [section Corylus, subsection Siphonochlamys]

Hypericum

Styles united, persistent as a single straight beak on the capsule; [section Myriandra, subsection Suturosperma].

Styles united, persistent as a single straight beak on the capsule; [section Myriandra, subsection Suturosperma].

Hypericum

Styles separate, more or less divergent, not persistent as a beak on the capsule; [section Trigynobrathys].

Styles separate, more or less divergent, not persistent as a beak on the capsule; [section Trigynobrathys].

Salix

Pistillate catkins on branchlets that are (0-) 2-4 mm long; ovary beak abruptly tapered to styles; anthers 0.4-0.5 mm long

Pistillate catkins on branchlets that are (0-) 2-4 mm long; ovary beak abruptly tapered to styles; anthers 0.4-0.5 mm long

Salix

Pistillate catkins on branchlets that are 3-14 mm long; ovary beak gradually tapered to styles; anthers 0.5-0.8 long.

Pistillate catkins on branchlets that are 3-14 mm long; ovary beak gradually tapered to styles; anthers 0.5-0.8 long.

Corchorus

Capsule with an attenuate beak; seeds separated by incomplete transverse partitions

Capsule with an attenuate beak; seeds separated by incomplete transverse partitions

Brassica

Petals mostly 18-25 mm long; beak of the silique (3-) 4-11 mm long

Petals mostly 18-25 mm long; beak of the silique (3-) 4-11 mm long

Brassica

Petals mostly 6-16 mm long; beak of the silique (5-) 7-15 (-22) mm long.

Petals mostly 6-16 mm long; beak of the silique (5-) 7-15 (-22) mm long.

Brassica

Petals 10-18 mm long, pale yellow; beak of the silique usually (5-) 7-10 (-16) mm long; plant usually glaucous; siliques 5-10 cm long

Petals 10-18 mm long, pale yellow; beak of the silique usually (5-) 7-10 (-16) mm long; plant usually glaucous; siliques 5-10 cm long

Cakile

Siliques 3-4 mm wide, the beak conical and acute at the apex; [of the Gulf Coast]

Siliques 3-4 mm wide, the beak conical and acute at the apex; [of the Gulf Coast]

Cakile

Siliques 5-9 mm wide, the beak somewhat flattened and typically rather blunt; [of the Atlantic Coast].

Siliques 5-9 mm wide, the beak somewhat flattened and typically rather blunt; [of the Atlantic Coast].

Cardamine

Stem glabrous, or with hairs < 0.1 mm long; corolla white, rarely pink; stem leaves 4-12; silique 1.5-3 cm long, plus a 3-7 mm beak

Stem glabrous, or with hairs < 0.1 mm long; corolla white, rarely pink; stem leaves 4-12; silique 1.5-3 cm long, plus a 3-7 mm beak

Cardamine

Stem cinereous-pubescent with hairs (0.2-) 0.3-0.6 (-0.8) mm long; corolla pink to lavender, rarely white; stem leaves 2-5; silique 1-2 cm long, plus a 2-4 mm beak

Stem cinereous-pubescent with hairs (0.2-) 0.3-0.6 (-0.8) mm long; corolla pink to lavender, rarely white; stem leaves 2-5; silique 1-2 cm long, plus a 2-4 mm beak

Cardamine

Petals absent or present, if present 0.7-2 mm long; silique 5-10 (-15) mm long, plus a 0.5-1.0 mm beak, on thick pedicels 1-3 (-6) mm long

Petals absent or present, if present 0.7-2 mm long; silique 5-10 (-15) mm long, plus a 0.5-1.0 mm beak, on thick pedicels 1-3 (-6) mm long

Cardamine

Petals present, 2-10 mm long; silique 8-21 mm long, plus a 1-3 mm beak, on slender pedicels 10-20 mm long.

Petals present, 2-10 mm long; silique 8-21 mm long, plus a 1-3 mm beak, on slender pedicels 10-20 mm long.

Cardamine

Petals 3-5 mm long, the tips ascending or erect; anthers orbicular, ca. 0.3 mm across; stylar beak of the silique 1-1.5 mm; mid-cauline and upper cauline leaves cuneate, rounded, or truncate (rarely the mid-cauline leaves subcordate, but not clasping); basal leaves with 1-3 pairs of lateral leaflets

Petals 3-5 mm long, the tips ascending or erect; anthers orbicular, ca. 0.3 mm across; stylar beak of the silique 1-1.5 mm; mid-cauline and upper cauline leaves cuneate, rounded, or truncate (rarely the mid-cauline leaves subcordate, but not clasping); basal leaves with 1-3 pairs of lateral leaflets

Cardamine

Petals 5-10 mm long, the tips spreading or ascending; anthers oblong, about 1 mm long; stylar beak of the silique 2-3 mm; mid-cauline and upper cauline leaves cordate, often clasping around the stem or branch; basal leaves with 0-1 pairs of lateral leaflets

Petals 5-10 mm long, the tips spreading or ascending; anthers oblong, about 1 mm long; stylar beak of the silique 2-3 mm; mid-cauline and upper cauline leaves cordate, often clasping around the stem or branch; basal leaves with 0-1 pairs of lateral leaflets

Sinapis

Beak of silique strongly compressed; silique densely covered with long, stiff trichomes, ca. 4 mm in diameter; pedicels slender, mostly at right angles to the rachis; seeds 4-8 per silique

Beak of silique strongly compressed; silique densely covered with long, stiff trichomes, ca. 4 mm in diameter; pedicels slender, mostly at right angles to the rachis; seeds 4-8 per silique

Sinapis

Beak of silique conical; silique glabrous or nearly so, ca. 2 mm in diameter; pedicels thick, erect to spreading; seeds 7-13 per silique

Beak of silique conical; silique glabrous or nearly so, ca. 2 mm in diameter; pedicels thick, erect to spreading; seeds 7-13 per silique

Eriogonum

Tepals bright yellow; plants 3-5 dm tall; achenes pilose at the beak; [of shale barrens of VA and WV]; [subgenus Oligogonum]

Tepals bright yellow; plants 3-5 dm tall; achenes pilose at the beak; [of shale barrens of VA and WV]; [subgenus Oligogonum]

Gelsemium

Sepals acuminate apically, persistent on the fruit; capsule elliptical, 1.0-1.6 cm long, 6-8 mm broad, the tapering tip bearing a definite beak 2.4-4.2 3 mm long; seeds wingless; flowers odorless (rarely fragrant), usually golden-yellow; leaf with small patch of spreading trichomes at extreme base on the lower surface

Sepals acuminate apically, persistent on the fruit; capsule elliptical, 1.0-1.6 cm long, 6-8 mm broad, the tapering tip bearing a definite beak 2.4-4.2 3 mm long; seeds wingless; flowers odorless (rarely fragrant), usually golden-yellow; leaf with small patch of spreading trichomes at extreme base on the lower surface

Gelsemium

Sepals obtuse to broadly acute, not persistent on the fruit; capsule oblong, 1.5-2.5 cm long, 8-12 mm broad, very abruptly narrowed to a beak 1.5-2 mm long; seeds with a prominent membranous wing sharply differentiated from the body of the seed; flowers fragrant, usually lemon-yellow; leaf glabrous (or slightly roughened) on the lower surface

Sepals obtuse to broadly acute, not persistent on the fruit; capsule oblong, 1.5-2.5 cm long, 8-12 mm broad, very abruptly narrowed to a beak 1.5-2 mm long; seeds with a prominent membranous wing sharply differentiated from the body of the seed; flowers fragrant, usually lemon-yellow; leaf glabrous (or slightly roughened) on the lower surface

Cuscuta

Ovary with a long (1-1.5 mm), beak-like projection at the top; corolla 4-6 mm long, 4-6 mm wide; seeds 2-3 mm long; [of the Mountains]

Ovary with a long (1-1.5 mm), beak-like projection at the top; corolla 4-6 mm long, 4-6 mm wide; seeds 2-3 mm long; [of the Mountains]

Asteraceae

Cypselae (at least of the inner florets of the head) beaked, the beak usually > ½ the length of the cypselae body.

Cypselae (at least of the inner florets of the head) beaked, the beak usually > ½ the length of the cypselae body.

Asteraceae

Beak of the cypsela with a ring of soft white reflexed hairs at the summit (just below the pappus); phyllary apices usually with keel-like flap

Beak of the cypsela with a ring of soft white reflexed hairs at the summit (just below the pappus); phyllary apices usually with keel-like flap

Asteraceae

Beak of the cypsela with a ring of soft white reflexed hairs at the summit (just below the pappus); phyllary apices usually with keel-like flap

Beak of the cypsela with a ring of soft white reflexed hairs at the summit (just below the pappus); phyllary apices usually with keel-like flap

Asteraceae

Beak of the cypsela lacking a ring of hairs as described; phyllary apices lacking keel (phyllary bases can be keeled in Crepis)

Beak of the cypsela lacking a ring of hairs as described; phyllary apices lacking keel (phyllary bases can be keeled in Crepis)

Asteraceae

Cypselae beakless, the apex typically rounded or truncate (sometimes tapered but lacking a distinct beak and conspicuously < ½ the length of cypselae body).

Cypselae beakless, the apex typically rounded or truncate (sometimes tapered but lacking a distinct beak and conspicuously < ½ the length of cypselae body).

Crepis

Cypselas (at least the inner in the head) with a distinct narrow beak

Cypselas (at least the inner in the head) with a distinct narrow beak

Lactuca

Lobes of leaves mostly widest at the base and tapering to a pointed tip; leaves and stems rarely noticeably pubescent; fruiting involucres 10-15 mm tall; achenes 2.5-3.5 mm long (excluding the beak)

Lobes of leaves mostly widest at the base and tapering to a pointed tip; leaves and stems rarely noticeably pubescent; fruiting involucres 10-15 mm tall; achenes 2.5-3.5 mm long (excluding the beak)

Lactuca

Lobes of leaves blocky, widest above the base and blunt, square or rounded at the tip (like those of a Post Oak); leaves and stem almost always noticeably pubescent; fruiting involucres 15-22 mm tall; achenes 4.5-6 mm long (excluding the beak)

Lobes of leaves blocky, widest above the base and blunt, square or rounded at the tip (like those of a Post Oak); leaves and stem almost always noticeably pubescent; fruiting involucres 15-22 mm tall; achenes 4.5-6 mm long (excluding the beak)

Anthriscus

Beak of fruit (1-) 2-4 mm long, well-differentiated from the body; plant an annual; umbel rays pubescent; [section Anthriscus]

Beak of fruit (1-) 2-4 mm long, well-differentiated from the body; plant an annual; umbel rays pubescent; [section Anthriscus]

Anthriscus

Beak of fruit ca. 1 mm long, scarcely differentiated from the body; plant a perennial; umbel rays glabrous (or nearly so); [section Cacosciadium]

Beak of fruit ca. 1 mm long, scarcely differentiated from the body; plant a perennial; umbel rays glabrous (or nearly so); [section Cacosciadium]

Sanicula

Sepals on mature fruit connivent, forming a beak-like structure equaling or usually exceeding the adjacent fruit bristles, the tips of the sepals subulate and incurved; pedicels of staminate flowers 3-8 mm long; [mostly of the Mountains in our area, rarely in the Piedmont of VA]

Sepals on mature fruit connivent, forming a beak-like structure equaling or usually exceeding the adjacent fruit bristles, the tips of the sepals subulate and incurved; pedicels of staminate flowers 3-8 mm long; [mostly of the Mountains in our area, rarely in the Piedmont of VA]

Plantae

Leaf blades (3-) 5 (-7) lobed, to 15 cm wide and long, each lobe finely serrate-crenate (>3 teeth per cm of margin) and rarely with a small sub-lobe; multiple fruit spherical and spiky, consisting of multiple bird-beak-like loculicidal capsules; buds axillary

Leaf blades (3-) 5 (-7) lobed, to 15 cm wide and long, each lobe finely serrate-crenate (>3 teeth per cm of margin) and rarely with a small sub-lobe; multiple fruit spherical and spiky, consisting of multiple bird-beak-like loculicidal capsules; buds axillary

Plantae

Flowers with a prominent hypanthium; achenes with an elongate, plumose beak

Flowers with a prominent hypanthium; achenes with an elongate, plumose beak

Aletris

Capsule conical, gradually tapered to beak; leaves gray-green; perianth moderately granular; [s. peninsular FL]

Capsule conical, gradually tapered to beak; leaves gray-green; perianth moderately granular; [s. peninsular FL]

Aristolochia

Calyx limb 2-lobed, the lower lanceolate, acuminate, folded longitudinally and bird-beak-like, 10-20 cm long, the upper with a parallel-sided claw and orbicular tip.

Calyx limb 2-lobed, the lower lanceolate, acuminate, folded longitudinally and bird-beak-like, 10-20 cm long, the upper with a parallel-sided claw and orbicular tip.

Ranunculaceae

Achenes 3-5 mm long, glabrous, with a persistent beak 0.5-1 mm long; [subfamily Ranunculoideae, tribe Adonideae]

Achenes 3-5 mm long, glabrous, with a persistent beak 0.5-1 mm long; [subfamily Ranunculoideae, tribe Adonideae]

Ranunculaceae

Achenes 1.6-2 mm long, tomentose, with a persistent beak 3.5-4.5 mm long; [subfamily Ranunculoideae, tribe Ranunculeae]

Achenes 1.6-2 mm long, tomentose, with a persistent beak 3.5-4.5 mm long; [subfamily Ranunculoideae, tribe Ranunculeae]

Carex

Beak of perigynium smooth or serrulate; perigynia (2-) 3-12 (-20) per spike.

Beak of perigynium smooth or serrulate; perigynia (2-) 3-12 (-20) per spike.

Carex

Beak of perigynium serrulate; pistillate scales acuminate-awned; perigynia mostly > 20 per spike

Beak of perigynium serrulate; pistillate scales acuminate-awned; perigynia mostly > 20 per spike

Carex

Leaf sheaths glabrous; perigynium beak 0-0.5 (-0.7) mm long

Leaf sheaths glabrous; perigynium beak 0-0.5 (-0.7) mm long

Carex

Leaf sheaths scabrous to hispidulous; perigynium beak (0.5-) 0.6-1.3 mm long

Leaf sheaths scabrous to hispidulous; perigynium beak (0.5-) 0.6-1.3 mm long

Carex

Perigynia 3.2-4.5 (-4.7) mm; achene bodies 0.5-0.63 (-0.67)× as long as the perigynia; pistillate spikes (3.3-) 4.2-6.1 (-7.3) mm wide; achene beak usually bent 30-90° from vertical.

Perigynia 3.2-4.5 (-4.7) mm; achene bodies 0.5-0.63 (-0.67)× as long as the perigynia; pistillate spikes (3.3-) 4.2-6.1 (-7.3) mm wide; achene beak usually bent 30-90° from vertical.

Carex

Perigynia (4.0-) 4.2-5.5 (-6.0) mm long; achene bodies 0.37-0.5× as long as the perigynia; pistillate spikes (5-) 5.7-8 (-9.6) mm wide; achene beak straight to bent less than 30° from the vertical

Perigynia (4.0-) 4.2-5.5 (-6.0) mm long; achene bodies 0.37-0.5× as long as the perigynia; pistillate spikes (5-) 5.7-8 (-9.6) mm wide; achene beak straight to bent less than 30° from the vertical

Carex

Perigynia (2.4-) 2.5-3.3× as long as wide, apex gradually tapering; beakless or the beak 0.1-0.4 mm; longest lateral spike with (5-) 7-14 perigynia (including undeveloped or aborted ones)

Perigynia (2.4-) 2.5-3.3× as long as wide, apex gradually tapering; beakless or the beak 0.1-0.4 mm; longest lateral spike with (5-) 7-14 perigynia (including undeveloped or aborted ones)

Carex

Perigynia (1.7-) 2.1-2.6× as long as wide, apex usually abruptly contracted; beak (0.3-) 0.5-1.2 mm long; longest lateral spike with 2-8 (-10) perigynia (including undeveloped or aborted ones)

Perigynia (1.7-) 2.1-2.6× as long as wide, apex usually abruptly contracted; beak (0.3-) 0.5-1.2 mm long; longest lateral spike with 2-8 (-10) perigynia (including undeveloped or aborted ones)

Xanthium

Leaf axil with a 1-3 cm long, yellow, 3-forked spine; leaf blades lanceolate to ovate, mostly 2-5× as long as wide, cuneate at the base; burs bearing 0-1 apical beak (if 2, then unequal); [section Acanthoxanthium].

Leaf axil with a 1-3 cm long, yellow, 3-forked spine; leaf blades lanceolate to ovate, mostly 2-5× as long as wide, cuneate at the base; burs bearing 0-1 apical beak (if 2, then unequal); [section Acanthoxanthium].

Aconitum

Upper leaves mostly 3-5-lobed; helmet usually higher than long and prolonged above the beak; [relatively widespread in our area]

Upper leaves mostly 3-5-lobed; helmet usually higher than long and prolonged above the beak; [relatively widespread in our area]

Aconitum

Upper leaves mostly 7-lobed; helmet about as high as long, rounded or slightly prolonged above the beak; [NY, OH, WI, and IA]

Upper leaves mostly 7-lobed; helmet about as high as long, rounded or slightly prolonged above the beak; [NY, OH, WI, and IA]

Sagittaria

Basal lobes of the leaf < 1.5× as long as the blade body (the terminal lobe); basal lobes of the leaf broad or less commonly narrow, usually > 2.5 cm wide at their bases; achene beak 0.1-0.6 mm long, lateral and ascending; achene faces smooth; [widespread in our region].

Basal lobes of the leaf < 1.5× as long as the blade body (the terminal lobe); basal lobes of the leaf broad or less commonly narrow, usually > 2.5 cm wide at their bases; achene beak 0.1-0.6 mm long, lateral and ascending; achene faces smooth; [widespread in our region].

Sagittaria

Basal lobes of the leaf > 2× as long as the blade body (the terminal lobe); basal lobes of the leaf narrow, < 2.5 cm wide even at their bases; achene beak 1-2 mm long, lateral and horizontal; achene faces tuberculate; [OK and TX westwards]

Basal lobes of the leaf > 2× as long as the blade body (the terminal lobe); basal lobes of the leaf narrow, < 2.5 cm wide even at their bases; achene beak 1-2 mm long, lateral and horizontal; achene faces tuberculate; [OK and TX westwards]

Clematis

Leaflets with terminal lobe (past last teeth) <2× as long as wide; plumose achene beak 2.5-5 cm long

Leaflets with terminal lobe (past last teeth) <2× as long as wide; plumose achene beak 2.5-5 cm long

Clematis

Leaflets with terminal lobe (past last teeth) >2× as long as wide; plumose achene beak 4-9 cm long

Leaflets with terminal lobe (past last teeth) >2× as long as wide; plumose achene beak 4-9 cm long

Castilleja

Lower corolla lip 50-70% as long as the beak (upper corolla lip); corolla 35-55 mm long, the tube 24-45 mm long

Lower corolla lip 50-70% as long as the beak (upper corolla lip); corolla 35-55 mm long, the tube 24-45 mm long

Castilleja

Lower corolla lip 15-50% as long as the beak (upper corolla lip); corolla 15-41 mm long, the tube 2-34 mm long.

Lower corolla lip 15-50% as long as the beak (upper corolla lip); corolla 15-41 mm long, the tube 2-34 mm long.

Castilleja

Bract and calyx tips purple, pink, light orange, light yellow, or white; corolla tube 16-22 mm long; lower corolla lip 33-50% as long as the beak (upper corolla lip)

Bract and calyx tips purple, pink, light orange, light yellow, or white; corolla tube 16-22 mm long; lower corolla lip 33-50% as long as the beak (upper corolla lip)

Castilleja

Bract and calyx tips red, red-orange or pale orange; corolla tube 20-27 mm long; lower corolla lip 20-25% as long as the beak (upper corolla lip)

Bract and calyx tips red, red-orange or pale orange; corolla tube 20-27 mm long; lower corolla lip 20-25% as long as the beak (upper corolla lip)

Rhynchospora

Keel of lower spikelet scales not ciliolate; achene tubercle with a short (0.2-0.3 mm long) beak; involucral bracts (when present) 0.2-2.0 mm wide; [OK and TX]

Keel of lower spikelet scales not ciliolate; achene tubercle with a short (0.2-0.3 mm long) beak; involucral bracts (when present) 0.2-2.0 mm wide; [OK and TX]

Carex

Perigynia 4.0-6.3 mm long; pistillate spikes 7.5-12.9 mm wide (measured beak tip to beak tip); perigynium beaks 1.6-2.5 mm long, comprising 40-50% of the total length of the perigynium

Perigynia 4.0-6.3 mm long; pistillate spikes 7.5-12.9 mm wide (measured beak tip to beak tip); perigynium beaks 1.6-2.5 mm long, comprising 40-50% of the total length of the perigynium

Carex

Perigynia 1.8-3.0 (-3.9) mm long; pistillate spikes 3-8 mm wide (measured beak tip to beak tip); perigynium beaks 0.5-1.0 mm long, comprising 20-30% of the total length of the perigynium.

Perigynia 1.8-3.0 (-3.9) mm long; pistillate spikes 3-8 mm wide (measured beak tip to beak tip); perigynium beaks 0.5-1.0 mm long, comprising 20-30% of the total length of the perigynium.

Carex

Perigynium beak > 0.25 mm long, the margins often serrulate.

Perigynium beak > 0.25 mm long, the margins often serrulate.

Carex

Perigynium beak < 0.25 mm long, the margins entire

Perigynium beak < 0.25 mm long, the margins entire

Crotalaria

Stipules present, linear, the free triangular portion ca. 5 mm long; keel beak elongate, spirally twisted, projected upwards and outwards; stems sparsely to moderately strigose with white or silver hairs; stems prostrate to ascending from a central rootstock; [of various xeric sandy habitats, e. SC south to s. FL, west to e. LA]

Stipules present, linear, the free triangular portion ca. 5 mm long; keel beak elongate, spirally twisted, projected upwards and outwards; stems sparsely to moderately strigose with white or silver hairs; stems prostrate to ascending from a central rootstock; [of various xeric sandy habitats, e. SC south to s. FL, west to e. LA]

Crotalaria

Stipules present, linear, the free triangular portion ca. 5 mm long; keel beak elongate, spirally twisted, projected upwards and outwards; stems sparsely to moderately strigose with white or silver hairs; stems prostrate to ascending from a central rootstock; [of various xeric sandy habitats, e. SC south to s. FL, west to e. LA]

Stipules present, linear, the free triangular portion ca. 5 mm long; keel beak elongate, spirally twisted, projected upwards and outwards; stems sparsely to moderately strigose with white or silver hairs; stems prostrate to ascending from a central rootstock; [of various xeric sandy habitats, e. SC south to s. FL, west to e. LA]

Crotalaria

Stipules absent; keel beak short, slightly twisted towards the apex, curved back towards the standard; stems densely strigose with brown hairs; stems erect, to 12 cm tall, from a buried horizontal rootstock; [of Florida scrub in Highlands and Polk counties]

Stipules absent; keel beak short, slightly twisted towards the apex, curved back towards the standard; stems densely strigose with brown hairs; stems erect, to 12 cm tall, from a buried horizontal rootstock; [of Florida scrub in Highlands and Polk counties]

Cakile

Upper silique segment < 2× as long as the lower silique segment, broadest above its base, ovoid to a short beak; leaves entire, lobed, or pinnatifid.

Upper silique segment < 2× as long as the lower silique segment, broadest above its base, ovoid to a short beak; leaves entire, lobed, or pinnatifid.

Cakile

Upper silique segment > 2× as long as the lower silique segment, broadest at or near its base, narrowly lanceolate to an attenuated beak; leaves usually sinuately or crenately lobed, rarely pinnatisect

Upper silique segment > 2× as long as the lower silique segment, broadest at or near its base, narrowly lanceolate to an attenuated beak; leaves usually sinuately or crenately lobed, rarely pinnatisect

Thalictrum

Achenes 0.7-1.2 mm thick, with 6-8 veins; achene beak 1.3-3.0 mm long; [GA west to MS; east of MS river]

Achenes 0.7-1.2 mm thick, with 6-8 veins; achene beak 1.3-3.0 mm long; [GA west to MS; east of MS river]

Thalictrum

Achenes 1.4-2.0 mm thick, with 6-8 veins (T. texanum) or 10-12 veins (T. arkansanum); achene beak 1.3-3.0 mm long; [AR, OK, TX; west of MS river].

Achenes 1.4-2.0 mm thick, with 6-8 veins (T. texanum) or 10-12 veins (T. arkansanum); achene beak 1.3-3.0 mm long; [AR, OK, TX; west of MS river].

Carex

Perigynia minutely but strongly and regularly serrulate on apical portion and beak, ± flattened; plants cespitose

Perigynia minutely but strongly and regularly serrulate on apical portion and beak, ± flattened; plants cespitose

Carex

Perigynia 2.3-3.9 (-4.2)× as long as wide, 0-5 (7)-veined abaxially (the veins extending unbroken from the perigynium base to the base of the perigynium beak); achenes 1.2-1.8× as long as wide; widest leaf blade (2.2-) 2.4-5.9 mm wide; [of uplands, south to n. NJ, n. PA, n. OH, n. IL]

Perigynia 2.3-3.9 (-4.2)× as long as wide, 0-5 (7)-veined abaxially (the veins extending unbroken from the perigynium base to the base of the perigynium beak); achenes 1.2-1.8× as long as wide; widest leaf blade (2.2-) 2.4-5.9 mm wide; [of uplands, south to n. NJ, n. PA, n. OH, n. IL]

Carex

Perigynia (3.3-) 4.1-6.7× as long as wide, (3-) 4-8-veined abaxially (the veins extending unbroken from the perigynium base to the base of the perigynium beak); achenes 1.9-2.9 × as long as wide; widest leaf blade 1.3-4.4 mm wide; [of wetlands, collectively widespread].

Perigynia (3.3-) 4.1-6.7× as long as wide, (3-) 4-8-veined abaxially (the veins extending unbroken from the perigynium base to the base of the perigynium beak); achenes 1.9-2.9 × as long as wide; widest leaf blade 1.3-4.4 mm wide; [of wetlands, collectively widespread].

Carex

Perigynia (2.3-) 2.5-5.9 (-6.3) mm at longest; perigynium beak 0.85-2.2 (-2.5) mm long; pistillate scales with apex firm, greenish to reddish brown, straight, midvein extending to tip.

Perigynia (2.3-) 2.5-5.9 (-6.3) mm at longest; perigynium beak 0.85-2.2 (-2.5) mm long; pistillate scales with apex firm, greenish to reddish brown, straight, midvein extending to tip.

Carex

Perigynia (5.8-) 6.0-7.1 mm at longest; perigynium beak 2-2.8 mm long; pistillate scales with apex white-hyaline, acuminate-awned, fragile, membranaceous, and often curled, midvein not extending to tip

Perigynia (5.8-) 6.0-7.1 mm at longest; perigynium beak 2-2.8 mm long; pistillate scales with apex white-hyaline, acuminate-awned, fragile, membranaceous, and often curled, midvein not extending to tip

Carex

Perigynia 2.5-5.5 × 2.0-3.6 mm at largest (to 6.1 × 4.4 mm in the Florida endemic C. vexans), prominently bulged by achene only on abaxial face or flat; beak usually 0.7-1.6 (-1.8) mm long.

Perigynia 2.5-5.5 × 2.0-3.6 mm at largest (to 6.1 × 4.4 mm in the Florida endemic C. vexans), prominently bulged by achene only on abaxial face or flat; beak usually 0.7-1.6 (-1.8) mm long.

Carex

Perigynia 5.5-8.0 (-8.7) × (3.1-) 3.3-6.3 mm at largest (except sometimes in C. bicknellii and C. shinnersii), often prominently bulged on both faces; beak (1.4-) 1.6-2.5 (-3.4) mm long.

Perigynia 5.5-8.0 (-8.7) × (3.1-) 3.3-6.3 mm at largest (except sometimes in C. bicknellii and C. shinnersii), often prominently bulged on both faces; beak (1.4-) 1.6-2.5 (-3.4) mm long.

Carex

Staminate and pistillate scales obtuse to acuminate, tip firm, herbaceous, flat or inrolled, midvein prominent to tip; beak (1.2-) 1.5-2.1 (-2.3) mm long; perigynium body 1.9-3× as long as the beak

Staminate and pistillate scales obtuse to acuminate, tip firm, herbaceous, flat or inrolled, midvein prominent to tip; beak (1.2-) 1.5-2.1 (-2.3) mm long; perigynium body 1.9-3× as long as the beak

Carex

Staminate and pistillate scales acuminate-awned, tip white to brownish hyaline, membranaceous, often ± curled, midvein fading before tip; beak of larger perigynia 2.0-2.6 (-2.8) mm long; perigynium body (1.3-) 1.4-2.1× as long as the beak

Staminate and pistillate scales acuminate-awned, tip white to brownish hyaline, membranaceous, often ± curled, midvein fading before tip; beak of larger perigynia 2.0-2.6 (-2.8) mm long; perigynium body (1.3-) 1.4-2.1× as long as the beak

Carex

Perigynia ± reflexed when mature, leathery, uninflated, compressed-triangular, strongly and closely veined with most veins separated by less than 2× their width; longest beak teeth 0.7-2.1 (-2.8) mm long.

Perigynia ± reflexed when mature, leathery, uninflated, compressed-triangular, strongly and closely veined with most veins separated by less than 2× their width; longest beak teeth 0.7-2.1 (-2.8) mm long.

Carex

Perigynia spreading to ascending, herbaceous, ± inflated, terete to somewhat flattened, many veins separated by more than 3× their width; longest beak teeth 0.3-0.9 mm long

Perigynia spreading to ascending, herbaceous, ± inflated, terete to somewhat flattened, many veins separated by more than 3× their width; longest beak teeth 0.3-0.9 mm long

Carex

Terminal staminate spikes alone or associated with a pistillate spike; lower pistillate scales acuminate, mostly exceeding the perigynium beak; perigynia lacking discernible papillae.

Terminal staminate spikes alone or associated with a pistillate spike; lower pistillate scales acuminate, mostly exceeding the perigynium beak; perigynia lacking discernible papillae.

Carex

Terminal staminate spikes usually with at least one approximate pistillate spike; lower pistillate scales acute, mostly shorter than the perigynium beak; perigynia distinctly papillate, at least at the base of the beak (except C. deflexa).

Terminal staminate spikes usually with at least one approximate pistillate spike; lower pistillate scales acute, mostly shorter than the perigynium beak; perigynia distinctly papillate, at least at the base of the beak (except C. deflexa).

Carex

Perigynium body essentially glabrous, with a few hairs on the angles of the beak only; young leaves short, broad and rigid

Perigynium body essentially glabrous, with a few hairs on the angles of the beak only; young leaves short, broad and rigid

Carex

Perigynium body round-elliptic, with adaxial and abaxial surfaces pubescent, papillae concentrated mostly below the beak; [ne. North America and southern Appalachians].

Perigynium body round-elliptic, with adaxial and abaxial surfaces pubescent, papillae concentrated mostly below the beak; [ne. North America and southern Appalachians].

Carex

Perigynium body elliptic, with adaxial and abaxial surfaces lacking hairs (some often present on angles of the beak only), papillae prominent; [se. Coastal Plain]

Perigynium body elliptic, with adaxial and abaxial surfaces lacking hairs (some often present on angles of the beak only), papillae prominent; [se. Coastal Plain]

Carex

Beak of perigynium (0.2-) 0.5-0.9 (-1.3) mm long; perigynium body pubescent and papillate.

Beak of perigynium (0.2-) 0.5-0.9 (-1.3) mm long; perigynium body pubescent and papillate.

Carex

Beak of perigynium (0.8-) 1.3-2.0 (-2.4) mm long; perigynium body pubescent or nearly glabrous, with or without papillae.

Beak of perigynium (0.8-) 1.3-2.0 (-2.4) mm long; perigynium body pubescent or nearly glabrous, with or without papillae.

Carex

Beak of the perigynium 0.8-1.9 mm long; widest leaf 1.9-4.4 mm wide; perigynium usually moderately to densely pubescent over the body (rarely glabrate), papillae usually present; culm often scabrous; [of MD, NJ, and PA northward]

Beak of the perigynium 0.8-1.9 mm long; widest leaf 1.9-4.4 mm wide; perigynium usually moderately to densely pubescent over the body (rarely glabrate), papillae usually present; culm often scabrous; [of MD, NJ, and PA northward]

Carex

Beak of the perigynium 1.1-2.4 mm long; widest leaf 1.3-2.3 (-3.7) mm wide; perigynium glabrous to sparsely pubescent over the body, papillae usually absent; culm nearly smooth; [of VA, WV, and KY southward]

Beak of the perigynium 1.1-2.4 mm long; widest leaf 1.3-2.3 (-3.7) mm wide; perigynium glabrous to sparsely pubescent over the body, papillae usually absent; culm nearly smooth; [of VA, WV, and KY southward]

Carex

Beak of perigynium (0.3-) 0.5-0.9 mm long; hairs at the base of the beak antrorse and those below either spreading, antrorse, or with retrorse hairs largely confined to one surface; [collectively more widespread].

Beak of perigynium (0.3-) 0.5-0.9 mm long; hairs at the base of the beak antrorse and those below either spreading, antrorse, or with retrorse hairs largely confined to one surface; [collectively more widespread].

Carex

Beak of perigynium (0.5-) 0.6-1.3 mm long; hairs at base of the beak and below densely short-retrorse only on both surfaces; [high elevations of the s. Appalachians]

Beak of perigynium (0.5-) 0.6-1.3 mm long; hairs at base of the beak and below densely short-retrorse only on both surfaces; [high elevations of the s. Appalachians]

Carex

Perigynia ovoid-oblong to lance-ovoid, 2-6 mm (mostly < 5 mm long) tapering to a beak shorter than the body or beakless; leaves 2.5-12 mm wide; leaf sheaths glabrous or pubescent.

Perigynia ovoid-oblong to lance-ovoid, 2-6 mm (mostly < 5 mm long) tapering to a beak shorter than the body or beakless; leaves 2.5-12 mm wide; leaf sheaths glabrous or pubescent.

Carex

Perigynia fusiform to narrowly lance-ovoid, > 5 mm long, including the elongate beak; leaves generally < 5 mm wide; leaf sheaths usually glabrous, at least on back

Perigynia fusiform to narrowly lance-ovoid, > 5 mm long, including the elongate beak; leaves generally < 5 mm wide; leaf sheaths usually glabrous, at least on back

Carex

Perigynia beakless or with beak < 0.5 mm long.

Perigynia beakless or with beak < 0.5 mm long.

Carex

Perigynia with distinct beak 0.5-4 mm long.

Perigynia with distinct beak 0.5-4 mm long.

Carex

Perigynia ovoid, usually > 1.5× as long as wide; apex tapered to beak; sheaths of proximal leaves not septate-nodulose

Perigynia ovoid, usually > 1.5× as long as wide; apex tapered to beak; sheaths of proximal leaves not septate-nodulose

Carex

Perigynium beak absent or not more than 0.5 (-0.7) mm long, not > 1/4 the length of the body; proximal pistillate scales acute, acuminate or cuspidate.

Perigynium beak absent or not more than 0.5 (-0.7) mm long, not > 1/4 the length of the body; proximal pistillate scales acute, acuminate or cuspidate.

Carex

Perigynium beak 0.5-3 mm long, often > 1 mm long, about 1/2 the length of the body; proximal pistillate scales awned

Perigynium beak 0.5-3 mm long, often > 1 mm long, about 1/2 the length of the body; proximal pistillate scales awned

Carex

Apex of perigynium beak terminated by 2 teeth, mostly > 0.5 mm long.

Apex of perigynium beak terminated by 2 teeth, mostly > 0.5 mm long.

Carex

Apex of perigynium beak entire, emarginate, or with teeth mostly < 0.5 mm long.

Apex of perigynium beak entire, emarginate, or with teeth mostly < 0.5 mm long.

Carex

Apical teeth of perigynium beak erect; achenes oblong-obovoid or obovoid; at least proximal pistillate scales with 3-5 (-7)-veined center

Apical teeth of perigynium beak erect; achenes oblong-obovoid or obovoid; at least proximal pistillate scales with 3-5 (-7)-veined center

Carex

Apical teeth of perigynium beak reflexed; achenes elongate; pistillate scales with 1-veined center

Apical teeth of perigynium beak reflexed; achenes elongate; pistillate scales with 1-veined center

Carex

Sheaths glabrous; apical teeth of perigynium beak not more than 1 mm.

Sheaths glabrous; apical teeth of perigynium beak not more than 1 mm.

Carex

Sheaths, at least the proximal sheath fronts, densely tomentose at mouth; apical teeth of perigynium beak often > 1 mm long

Sheaths, at least the proximal sheath fronts, densely tomentose at mouth; apical teeth of perigynium beak often > 1 mm long

Carex

Perigynium beak with apical teeth < 1 mm long.

Perigynium beak with apical teeth < 1 mm long.

Carex

Perigynium beak with apical teeth (0.4-) 0.6-3 mm long, often > 1 mm long

Perigynium beak with apical teeth (0.4-) 0.6-3 mm long, often > 1 mm long

Carex

Perigynium beak 0.2-6 mm long; mature perigynia somewhat glossy

Perigynium beak 0.2-6 mm long; mature perigynia somewhat glossy

Carex

Perigynium beak 0.9-1.7 mm long; mature perigynia dull

Perigynium beak 0.9-1.7 mm long; mature perigynia dull

Carex

Perigynium beak entire, emarginate, or with 2 apical teeth < 0.2 mm long.

Perigynium beak entire, emarginate, or with 2 apical teeth < 0.2 mm long.

Carex

Perigynium beak with 2 distinct terminal teeth, usually > 0.2 mm long.

Perigynium beak with 2 distinct terminal teeth, usually > 0.2 mm long.

Carex

Perigynia tapering to beak at least > (0.3-) 0.5 mm long.

Perigynia tapering to beak at least > (0.3-) 0.5 mm long.

Carex

Perigynia rounded at apex, beakless or with beak < 0.3 mm long.

Perigynia rounded at apex, beakless or with beak < 0.3 mm long.

Carex

Perigynium with distinct beak > 0.5 mm, usually with apical teeth > 0.1 mm long.

Perigynium with distinct beak > 0.5 mm, usually with apical teeth > 0.1 mm long.

Carex

Perigynium beakless or with beak < 0.5 mm long, entire or with 2 apical teeth < 0.1 mm long.

Perigynium beakless or with beak < 0.5 mm long, entire or with 2 apical teeth < 0.1 mm long.

Carex

Perigynium beak with apical teeth 0.2-1 mm.

Perigynium beak with apical teeth 0.2-1 mm.

Carex

Perigynium beak entire, emarginate, or with apical teeth < 0.1 mm long

Perigynium beak entire, emarginate, or with apical teeth < 0.1 mm long

Carex

Perigynium beak usually < 1 mm long.

Perigynium beak usually < 1 mm long.

Carex

Perigynium beak sometimes > 2 mm long

Perigynium beak sometimes > 2 mm long

Carex

Perigynium beak with 2 distinct teeth at apex, usually > 0.2 mm long.

Perigynium beak with 2 distinct teeth at apex, usually > 0.2 mm long.

Carex

Perigynium beak entire or emarginate.

Perigynium beak entire or emarginate.

Stuckenia

Leaf apex notched, obtuse, or round, rarely apiculate; proximal stipular sheaths often inflated; stems sparsely branched on distal portions; fruits without beak; [PA and OH northwards].

Leaf apex notched, obtuse, or round, rarely apiculate; proximal stipular sheaths often inflated; stems sparsely branched on distal portions; fruits without beak; [PA and OH northwards].

Polygalaceae

Corolla keel petal with a conic or cylindrical beak; [TX and westwards]

Corolla keel petal with a conic or cylindrical beak; [TX and westwards]

Kallstroemia

Leaflets densely hirsute; sepals subulate and clasping the fruit; beak (the persistent style) 1-4 mm long; [native, TX westwards and southwestwards]

Leaflets densely hirsute; sepals subulate and clasping the fruit; beak (the persistent style) 1-4 mm long; [native, TX westwards and southwestwards]

Kallstroemia

Leaflets glabrate to appressed-pubescent; sepals lanceolate and spreading; beak (the persistent style) 5-8 mm long; [waif]

Leaflets glabrate to appressed-pubescent; sepals lanceolate and spreading; beak (the persistent style) 5-8 mm long; [waif]

Epidendrum

Plants creeping; leaves typically concentrated towards stem apex; main stems < 20 cm long; capsule 9-19 mm long with pedicel and beak absent

Plants creeping; leaves typically concentrated towards stem apex; main stems < 20 cm long; capsule 9-19 mm long with pedicel and beak absent

Epidendrum

Inflorescence densely flowered; flowers not resupinate, spirally arranged; labellum not white (yellowish-orange to green); sepals and petals narrowly oblanceolate to obovate-elliptic; capsule beak obsolete

Inflorescence densely flowered; flowers not resupinate, spirally arranged; labellum not white (yellowish-orange to green); sepals and petals narrowly oblanceolate to obovate-elliptic; capsule beak obsolete

Cyperus

Leaves, bracts, and culms viscid (sticky); leaves involute; achenes (1.4-) 1.8-2.4 mm long, either with an elongate beak or a whitish overlay and spongy stipitate base; relatively robust plants, culms 1-7 dm tall; [subgenus Cyperus, section Elegantes]

Leaves, bracts, and culms viscid (sticky); leaves involute; achenes (1.4-) 1.8-2.4 mm long, either with an elongate beak or a whitish overlay and spongy stipitate base; relatively robust plants, culms 1-7 dm tall; [subgenus Cyperus, section Elegantes]

Cyperus

Leaves flat or V-shaped; live plants not viscid; scales obtuse to acute (minutely mucronate in C. dentatus); achenes at most 1 mm long (longer in the obscurely spicate subg. Cyperus species keyed here as failsafes), without a beak or spongy stipitate base.

Leaves flat or V-shaped; live plants not viscid; scales obtuse to acute (minutely mucronate in C. dentatus); achenes at most 1 mm long (longer in the obscurely spicate subg. Cyperus species keyed here as failsafes), without a beak or spongy stipitate base.

Dichanthelium

Culm bases not corm-like; blades usually 15× or more as long as wide, their bases narrowed; vernal panicle usually matures before development of primary branches; upper glume and sterile lemma exceeding fertile lemma, beak-like

Culm bases not corm-like; blades usually 15× or more as long as wide, their bases narrowed; vernal panicle usually matures before development of primary branches; upper glume and sterile lemma exceeding fertile lemma, beak-like

Plantago

Corolla lobes erect, connivent into a beak; capsules with 4 seeds; seeds 0.8-1.3 mm long

Corolla lobes erect, connivent into a beak; capsules with 4 seeds; seeds 0.8-1.3 mm long

Oenothera

Petals pink or rose-purple; capsules with rounded ridges, narrowly obovoid, apex narrowed to a sterile beak; [collectively widespread]; [section Hartmannia]

Petals pink or rose-purple; capsules with rounded ridges, narrowly obovoid, apex narrowed to a sterile beak; [collectively widespread]; [section Hartmannia]

Plantae

Flowers numerous, showy, white; inflorescence densely arranged; capsules with short beak; leaf margins revolute or slightly undulate

Flowers numerous, showy, white; inflorescence densely arranged; capsules with short beak; leaf margins revolute or slightly undulate