This sedge grows in bunches with flowering stems from 6-48 inches tall, much longer than the late-developing leaves (B). From 2-6 spikes are clustered at the end of the flowering stem, the lower ones more widely spaced than those at the tip. The tip of the flowering stem is often curved slightly (A). Individual spikes are all alike, the female flowers situated above the males (D,E), which are usually inconspicuous, especially after flowering, Spikes are usually tapered at the base and bluntly pointed at the tip (F). The flat, rounded perigynia have medium, finely toothed beaks and turn a light to golden brown at maturity (F,H).
Open areas including prairies, pastures, roadsides, open woodlands and low moist sites. Short-beaked Sedge is common at Neale Woods in Knull Prairie and in the brome field below Koley Prairie. It has not been documented at Fontenelle Forest, but is expected to be there. Flowering occurs in mid to late May. The perigynia mature by the end of June, turning a light to rich golden brown.
Typically, Troublesome Sedge (Carex molesta) has more compactly arranged spikes that are rounded at the base and apex and the tip of the spike is straight, not curved. These non-technical features will separate most, but not all, plants in these two very similar species
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