Systematics of the Carex jamesii complex (Cyperaceae: sect

Analyses of morphologic, geographic, and ecologic data indicate three species comprise the Carex jamesii complex: C. jamesii, C. juniperorum, and C. timida, sp. nov. Carex jamesii has shoot bases lack-ing red-purple, relatively tall culms, relatively long staminate portions of spikes, and relatively long perigynium beaks. It is common and widespread in mesic deciduous forests in much of the eastern U.S.A. and in southwestern Ontario. Carex juniperorum has red-purple shoot bases, short culms, short staminate portions of spikes, and short perigynium beaks. It is rare and has a disjunct distribution in mesic deciduous and deciduous-juniper forests and forest edges in the eastern U.S.A. and southeast-ern Ontario. Carex timida has red-purple shoot bases, tall culms, short staminate portions of spikes, and short perigynium beaks. It is rare and has a disjunct distribution in mesic deciduous forests of the eastern U.S.A. Phylogenetic analysis of morphologic data indicates the complex is monophyletic and C. juniperorum is the sister species of C. timida. The correct name and authorship of the section to which the C. jamesii complex belongs is determined to be Carex section Phyllostachyae Tuck. ex Kük. Synonymies, typifications, descriptions, and citations of representative specimens are provided for each species, along with an identification key