Carex lupulina
Hop Sedge
General
This species is a large, showy sedge that is easily distinguishable from most other sedge species. It is a food source for some types of wildlife. It is often found in marshes and other areas with relatively stagnant inundation.
Plant Description
Yellow-green leaves are 0.2-0.4” wide and longer than the stems. Three-sided stems end in a male inflorescence, with 2-5 female inflorescences below. Many perigynia are clumped together in the female spike, which is 1-2.5” long and up to 1.5” wide. Perigynia are lance-shaped and balloon around the three-sided achene. Looks similar to the less common Carex lupuliformis, with subtle differences in the shape of the achenes.
Height (ft)
4.5'
Soil moisture
Wet
Soil types
Medium to fine textured mineral soils, often with some organic material
Wetland indicator
OBL
Shade tolerance
Intermediate, Full Sun to Partial Shade
Bloom color
Green
Bloom period
Spring
Drought tolerance
Low
Salinity tolerance
None
Range
Eastern half of the United States, to Minnesota and Texas.
Kartesz, J.T. 2024. Floristic Synthesis of North America, Version 1.0. Biota of North America Program (BONAP) [website http://bonap.org/]