Well named for of the forty-one species of Carex in the Park for C. spectabilis is certainly eye catching. Authors remind us that “sedges have edges” with solid triangular stems with sharp edges whereas the stems of rushes are round. Leaves are in three rows as opposed to two for grasses. Usually in clumps with stems 10″ to as high as 52″ (25 – 70 cm). The terminal spike is male with 3 – 4 female spikes below, the lowest on a nodding stalk. Usually found in moist meadows and forest openings but also on open rocky slopes between 5,000′ to 7,500′ elevation.