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1 Upper stem with bladeless sheaths; inflorescence a single spikelet, not subtended by leaf-like bracts; plants cespitose, a dense tussock with many culms | |
1 Upper stem with leaves; inflorescence of 2 or more spikelets (these sometimes closely aggregated and appearing superficially like a single "head"; plants rhizomatous, culms arising singly or a few. | |
2 Foliaceous involucral bract (subtending the head of spikelets) solitary (1), erect, appearing as a continuation of the culm, the inflorescence therefore appearing lateral. | |
3 Blade of the uppermost leaf on the stem 3-25 cm long, as long as the sheath or longer; stems scabrous near the inflorescence | |
2 Foliaceous involucral bracts (subtending the head of spikelets) 2 or 3, spreading, the inflorescence therefore appearing terminal. | |
4 Scales (subtending the flowers) 1-nerved, greenish-black; spikelets solitary at ends of inflorescence branches; perianth bristles white; [NJ northwards] |