Carex lupulina

Common Names

Hop Sedge, Common Hop Sedge, Carex Houblon

Summary

Carex lupulina, commonly called Hop Sedge, is a native perennial sedge of wetland habitats in eastern North America. It forms loose tufts or clumps to about 8–40 inches tall, with light green, three-angled culms and basal leaves; the flowering stem ends in 2–5 pistillate spikes beneath a terminal staminate spike, with large bladder-like perigynia and green flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. It grows best in full sun to partial shade in moist to wet soils such as clay loam, silty loam, or sandy loam with some organic matter; it is hardy to USDA zones 3–9 and tolerates occasional inundation. It spreads over time by rhizomes and is often used in rain gardens, shoreline restorations, wetland restorations, and water gardens, while providing wildlife value as seeds are eaten by waterfowl and other birds. It can be propagated by seed or by division.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

8 inches - 3.5 feet

Spread

12-24 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 3-9

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun to partial shade.

Soil Type

Moist loam soils (loam, clay-loam, silty loam, or sandy loam) with some organic matter.

Soil Drainage

Moist and well drained

Soil pH

6.2-6.5

Bloom Color

Green

Bloom Time

Spring to Summer

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Moderate

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, and Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds and Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts birds, Attracts butterflies