Safeplants

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Great Plains flatsedge

Scientific Name: Cyperus lupulinus ssp. lupulinus

Family: Cyperaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth: Graminoid

Duration: Perennial

Other Names: NY (hop sedge)

Cyperus lupulinus, commonly known as Great Plains flatsedge, is a plant species native to North America.

The leaves are described as slender and wiry, with 3-sided culms. This might present a minor physical hazard if ingested by pets.

The leaves are described as slender and wiry, with 3-sided culms. This might present a minor physical hazard if ingested by children.

Scientific Name: Cyperus lupulinus (Spreng.) Marcks
Common Names: Great Plains flatsedge, slender flatsedge, slender sand sedge, Great Plains cyperus, slender cyperus, hop flatsedge, sand cyperus
Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge Family)
Kingdom: Plantae
Taxonomic Rank: Species
Subspecies:
- Cyperus lupulinus subsp. lupulinus
- Cyperus lupulinus subsp. macilentus (Fernald) Marcks
Synonyms: Cyperus bushii (for Cyperus lupulinus ssp. lupulinus)

Great Plains flatsedge is widespread across southeastern Canada and the central and northeastern United States, with occasional occurrences in the Pacific Northwest.
It prefers open fields, roadsides, and disturbed areas with sandy, well-drained soil.
It can also be found in wet areas.

Culms: Slender, wiry, 3-sided, glabrous (smooth).
Leaves: Blades folded lengthwise or flat, 2 to 18 inches long, 1/25 to 1/7 inch wide, typically shorter than the culms.
Flower Color: green, yellow, brown
Flower Arrangement: Spike

One source suggests a mnemonic for distinguishing *Cyperus lupulinus* subsp. *macilentus* from similar species: the scales are more loosely arranged around the fruit.