Carex lupulina aka Hop Sedge

Carex lupulina, or hop sedge, belongs to the sedge family, Cyperaceae. This herbaceous perennial grows in eastern North America. Its native range spans eastern Canada, central and eastern America, and parts of Mexico. It grows in lowland woods and other wet places. Its name refers to flower spikes that look like hops. It forms clumps with a rounded, mounded shape. The supplied sources give no mature height or spread.

The narrow, dark green leaves give the plant a fine texture. They resemble grass blades and grow alternately along the stems. Each leaf has a smooth edge and no hairs. Leaves exceed six inches in length but stay under one inch wide. Papery leaf sheaths wrap loosely around the stems. Their tips form a U or V shape. The stems have three sides and range from green to brown.

Green flowers grow in separate male and female spikes. The top male spike reaches about 0.25 feet [0.08 metres]. Smaller spikes grow around it, with female spikes below. Lower female spikes may reach 0.58 feet [0.18 metres]. A long, leaf-like bract grows beneath each female spike. Chicago Botanic Garden lists bloom from May through June. NC State lists June through September, so flowering dates vary between accounts. Brown to copper fruits remain on display from July through October. These dry fruits are achenes, each enclosed by a perigynium.

Grow hop sedge in full sun or light shade. It needs moist to wet soil with some organic matter. Suitable soils include clay loam, silty loam, and sandy loam. NC State lists acid soil and tolerance of standing water. It also tolerates sites that flood from time to time. Growth is moderate, and care needs are low in suitable conditions. NC State lists USDA zones 3–9; Chicago gives the narrower range 4–8. NC State reports no serious pest, disease, or other plant problems.

Hop sedge suits pond edges, rain gardens, and wet ground. Gardeners can plant it in groups or use it as ground cover. It also fits borders, native gardens, and wildlife gardens. Its roots help hold banks, and the plants help filter pond water. Some satyrine butterfly larvae feed on this sedge. Birds and small mammals eat its achenes and shelter among its leaves. The sources provide no evidence of human food uses or toxicity.