Enzyme electrophoresis, chromosome counts and self-incompatibility trials were used to compare genetic and clonal diversity in Carex lasiocarpa and C. lanuginosa, two closely-related wetland sedge species of north-temperate distribution. Genetic variation was similar in the two species, but C. lanuginosa was somewhat less diverse and had a higher coefficient of genetic differentiation among populations than C. lasiocarpa. Wright's fixation index indicated that both species are primarily outcrossing, although crossing experiments suggested that C. lanuginosa may be self-fertile. The haploid chromosome numbers were n = 38 for C. lasiocarpa and n = 40 or 41 for C. lanuginosa. Cluster analysis using genetic identities and principal components analysis of allele frequencies clearly grouped the two species, but the separation was less clear for morphological data. Clonal diversity was higher and clone size smaller in C. lasiocarpa than in C. lanuginosa, but C. lasiocarpa showed less clonal and genetic diversity at dry than at wet sites.

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