Which sedges are pollinated by insects?

While the vast majority of sedges (family Cyperaceae) are wind-pollinated, a small number of genera have evolved to be insect-pollinated. These species typically feature inflorescences contracted into dense heads, often with white or yellow scales and bracts that serve to attract pollinators.1

Known examples of insect-pollinated sedges include:

• Whitetop sedges: Species within Rhynchospora section Dichromena, found from the southeastern United States to South America, are the most well-known examples.1
• African species: Species of Ascolepis and Ficinia often possess white, yellow, or orange heads.1
• Tropical and subtropical species: Various species within the genera Cyperus and Kyllinga.1
• North American and European species: Cymophyllus fraseri in the eastern United States and Carex baldensis in the Alps are also considered to be primarily insect-pollinated.1