Species PlantsHop Sedge

Hop Sedge

Carex lupulina

CommonPlant
Illustration of Hop Sedge (Carex lupulina)

Hop Sedge is a large, coarse wetland sedge named for its inflated, hop-like fruiting bodies. Native to eastern North America, it grows 2–4 feet tall in forested wetlands and along stream banks. The distinctive inflated perigynia give it an ornamental appearance. It is an important component of bottomland forest understories.

Habitat
Grows in forested swamps, floodplain forests, and along shaded stream margins.
Diet
Seeds eaten by wood ducks and other waterfowl; provides cover for amphibians.
How common
Common

Recent Hop Sedge sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

Spot a Hop Sedge? Identify it instantly.

Point Huck at any plant or animal and get an instant ID, rarity, and field notes — building your personal nature collection as you go.

Get Huck — free

More plants

Adam's Needle
Adam's Needle
Yucca filamentosa
Adonis Blazingstar
Adonis Blazingstar
Mentzelia multiflora
Allegheny Blackberry
Allegheny Blackberry
Rubus allegheniensis
Allegheny Monkeyflower
Allegheny Monkeyflower
Mimulus ringens
Allegheny Serviceberry
Allegheny Serviceberry
Amelanchier laevis
American Alumroot
American Alumroot
Heuchera americana
American Basswood
American Basswood
Tilia americana
American Beautyberry
American Beautyberry
Callicarpa americana