Carex leptalea Wahlenberg var. harperi (Fernald) Weatherby & Griscom. Section: [26mmm] Section 46 Leptocephalae. Harper’s Sedge. Phen: May-Jun. Hab: Bogs, seeps, blackwater bottomlands, usually in saturated conditions with Sphagnum spp. Dist: NJ south to c. peninsular FL, west to TX, inland in the interior to IN and AR.

Origin/Endemic status: Endemic

Taxonomy Comments: Var. harperi is considered to differ from the typic variety in its larger perigynia, larger spikes, more aristate pistillate scales, and more southern range; it needs additional study.

Synonymy: = F, G, Tat, Va; = Carex harperi Fernald; = Carex leptalea Wahlenb. ssp. harperi (Fernald) W.Stone – ETx1, FNA23, K1, K3, K4; < Carex leptalea Wahlenb. – Ar, C, GrPl, GW1, Pa, RAB, S, Tn, Tx, W, WH3, Mackenzie (1931-1935)

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Wetland Indicator Status:

• Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain: OBL (taxonomic split from wetland indicator species)
• Eastern Mountains and Piedmont: OBL (taxonomic split from wetland indicator species)
• Great Plains: OBL (taxonomic split from wetland indicator species)
• Midwest: OBL (taxonomic split from wetland indicator species)
• Northcentral & Northeast: OBL (taxonomic split from wetland indicator species)

Heliophily: 5