HOP SEDGE, Carex lupulina Muhl. Perennial, reproducing by seeds and rhizomes. Root system shallow and fibrous. Stems smooth, 2 to 2-1/2 feet (60 to 75 cm) tall, 3-sided, filled with pith, with few nodes and internodes, ending in a spike. The plant grows in dense mats. Leaves 3 ranked, without hairs but harsh, mostly basal with long blades and short sheaths. The relatively few stem leaves have long, narrow, V-shaped blades, pronounced midribs, closed sheaths, no auricles, and much reduced ligules. Spikes 1 to 3 inches (2.5 to 7.5 cm) long, bearing male and female flowers on the same plant, with male flowers uppermost on inflorescence. Bloom in July and August. Seeds brown, 3-sided, 1/8 inch (3 mm) thick and 1/2 inch (13 mm) long. Found in swamps, ditches, and other poorly drained areas. Not an important weed.