An upgraded key for identifying all native species, subspecies and varieties of the genus <i>Carex</i> (Cyperaceae) in Europe and the Caucasus

The last pan‐European key to Carex taxa was published in 1980 by Chater. Since that time several new species have been described, and numerous nomenclatural changes, including the recognition that the former genus Kobresia should be incorporated into Carex as C. subg. Euthyceras, have been made. This article provides a comprehensive key to identify all native European and Caucasian Carex taxa, plus two North American taxa, C. crawfordii and C. vulpinoidea , which are commonly regarded as being widely established in Europe. The key presented includes a general access key that directs the reader to one of five detailed keys (keys A–E), thus enabling the identification of all 316 European and Caucasian Carex taxa: 239 species, 63 subspecies and 14 varieties. Hybrids and introduced taxa, other than the two species mentioned above, are not included.