Hop sedge is a native herbaceous perennial in the sedge family (Cyperaceae). It is found in eastern North America, from Canada to Mexico, in bottomland forested areas. The species epithet is a reference to the resemblance of the spikes to the inflorescences of hops ( Humulus lupulus ) . Hop sedge prefers full sun to light shade in moist to wet clay loam, silty loam, or sandy loam soils with some organic matter. In conditions suitable for its growth, hop sedge is trouble-free and easy to grow. This plant is an excellent choice for bank stabilization, wet sites and water gardens. It helps to filter water and improve the water quality of ponds, as well as providing cover and food for wildlife. Use hop sedge in a native garden, water garden, or wildlife garden. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No serious problems. More information on Carex .
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Fine-textured narrow, grass-like leaves that are dark green in color. The papery leaf sheaths are U to V-shaped at the tip and loosely wrap the stem.
Flower color
Green
Flower value
Long-lasting; Showy
Flower form
Spike
Flower size
< 1 inch
Flower detail
There are separate male and female spikes of flowers. The terminal male spike is about 3 inches long and is surrounded by smaller secondary spikes. Below them are the female spikes that are 3 inches long with lower spikes up to 7 inches long. At the base of each female spike is a leaf-like bract that is 5 to 20 inches long. Blooms from June to September.
Bloom time
Spring; Summer
Fruit color
Brown/Copper
Fruit type
Achene
Fruit size
< 1 inch long, < 1 inch wide
Fruit detail
Clusters of achenes are wrapped in a casing (perigynium), subtended by a scale and contain several seeds. Displays from July to October
Stem color
Brown/Copper; Green
Stem detail
Triangular stems can range in color from green to brown.
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Native
Origin
Canada, U.S.A. and Mexico
Distribution
AL , AR , CT , DC , DE , FL , GA , IA , IL , IN , KS , KY , LA , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , MO , MS , NC , NE , NH , NJ , NY , OH , OK , PA , RI , SC , TN , TX , VA , VT , WI , WV Canada: NB , NS , ON , QC
Wildlife value
This plant supports larvae of certain satyrine butterflies (Nymphalidae-Satyrinae). Birds and small mammals consume the achenes and use the plants for cover.
Attracts
Butterflies; Pollinators; Small Mammals; Songbirds
Food & Medicine
Harvest time
Fall; Summer
Fruit type
Achene
Landscape Use
Landscape location
Pond; Riparian; Woodland
Landscape theme
Butterfly Garden; Native Garden; Pollinator Garden; Rain Garden; Water Garden