About Carex pendula Huds.
Carex pendula Huds. is a tall perennial sedge that forms large, dense tufts. It commonly reaches 1.8 metres in height, and may occasionally grow up to 2.4 metres. Its smooth stems are triangular in cross-section with rounded angles. Its long, hairless leaves are yellowish-green on the upper surface and glaucous on the lower surface, and measure 8–20 mm wide. Simple flowers of this plant grow on long, drooping, catkin-like spikes. There are 1–2 male spikes located at the top of the stem, with typically 4–5 female spikes growing below them. Male spikes are 55–160 mm long, while female spikes range from 50–260 mm long and 5–7 mm wide. The fruits of Carex pendula are green-brown, 3–5 mm long, and bear a 1–2.5 mm beak. This plant usually flowers from May to June and produces fruits from June to July. It has been introduced to New Zealand, and has started spreading into the wild in the United States, where it has been recorded in Washington, Virginia, and California.
