The widespread northern Carex parryana was well studied by Dr. D.F. Murray, University of Alaska Museum of the North; numerous collections were available of Utah plants called Carex parryana, which were collaboratively studied by D.F. Murray and myself. With examination of all known herbarium collections of Carex specuicola, combined with study of it in its natural habitat in Arizona and southernmost Utah, we came to several conclusions:
1. Carex specuicola is a distinct species
2. The Utah plants that seem to bridge the gap in habitat and morphology between northern Carex parryana and C. specuicola are different from both the northern Carex parryana and Carex specuicola. The Utah plants belong to a completely overlooked species, which does not fit any existing description; they were merely assumed to be Carex parryana, which caused much of the confusion.
3. The closest relative of Carex specuicola is probably the unrecognized Utah species.

Even in countries as well studied by scientists as the United States, surprises still occur.

Research 2