Carex straminiformis is a densely tufted sedge with culms to 50 cm. Leaves are crowded on the lower onefourth of the culms. The National Vegetation Classification (NatureServe 2007a) recognizes the Carex straminiformis alliance from Nevada north to Washington and east to the central Rocky Mountains. Stands occur on gently sloping sites on eastern aspects where snow accumulation and duration is low to moderate. These sites are significantly moister throughout the growing season than are the sites of stands of the Carex filifolia alliance, and they are somewhat drier than the sites of stands of the Carex scopulorum alliance (Jackson and Bliss 1982). C. straminiformis is dominant in stands in which other perennials are typically sparse; annuals are seasonally present, especially on sites disturbed by small mammals.

The range of Carex straminiformis includes montane and subalpine areas in California’s northern mountains. In the Sierra Nevada (M261E), Nachlinger (1985) denoted a Carex straminiformis meadow type on Freel Peak south of Lake Tahoe, and Taylor (1984, see Cheng 2004) denoted an Achnatherum lemmonii- Carex straminiformis association at the Harvey Monroe Hall RNA. We expect more stands in the high Sierra Nevada and elsewhere. We need more sampling and analysis to understand more fully the affinities of these stands and others at high elevations in California’s mountains.