This is one of the more attractive sedges in Illinois – the large pistillate spikelets have a striking appearance, resembling a spiked-club or similar weapon of medieval warfare. Hop-like Sedge closely resembles Carex lupulina (Hop Sedge), and distinguishing these two species can be rather difficult. The most reliable method of identification involves an examination of their achenes: Hop-like Sedge has rhomboid achenes that are as broad as they are long (diamond-shaped), while the achenes of Hop Sedge are longer than they are broad (and somewhat flattened). The common names of these species refer to the superficial resemblance of their pistillate spikelets to the fruits of Humulus lupulus (Hop Vine). Another common name of Carex lupuliformis is False Hop Sedge.