Leptalia: Answers to key questions in Sedges (Carex) of Saskatchewan, Fascicle 3, Flora of Saskatchewan by Anna Leighton leading to this species. The answers are in the order you would normally work through the key. 

	Stigmas 3; achenes three-sided, occasionally terete, though their shape may be concealed by flattened perigynia. NOT [Stigmas 2; achenes lenticular]
	Spikes 1 per culm, terminal; spike bracts absent; NOT [Spikes 2 or more per culm, terminal and lateral; spike bracts present on lateral spikes (except in Section Phyllostachyae), lowest bract usually evident, often conspicuous].
	Spike androgynous; plants monoecious; perigynia 1-18 per spike; if perigynia pubescent then plants caespitose.  NOT [Spike unisexual; plants dioecious; pistillate spike narrowly cylindrical, 10-30 (40) mm long; perigynia 50-100 per spike; plants rhizomatous with pubescent perigynia]
	Lower pistillate scales not bract-like or leaf-like but similar in size and shape to individual perigynia; NOT [Lower pistillate scales resembling green, leaf-like bracts much longer and wider than individual perigynia.  Section Phyllostachyae (C. backii, C. saximontana)]
	Perigynia either 6-8 mm long with ill-defined beak, or shorter than 3.5 mm and beakless.  NOT [Perigynia to 3.5 (4.8) mm long with beak between 0.2 and 0.8 mm long.]
	Perigynia to 3.5 mm long, rounded and often slightly notched at tip, appressed at maturity; style jointed at base and deciduous from achene; staminate scales about 1 mm long and joined along lower margins to form a short sheathing cylinder; plants widespread in moist, shady habitats.  NOT [Perigynia 6-8 mm long, narrowly lanceolate, long tapering, reflexed at maturity; style continuous with achene and persisting as a long prong; staminate scales 4-6 mm long and not joined along lower margins; plants of northern fens and bogs.]