This is a common sedge but not easy to see. I look for it in very boggy areas, stream sides and expect to find other sedges such as Carex echinata (Star Sedge) somewhere near. The thin pointed utricles with a "beak" are diagnostic, the only other sedges you might confuse it with is Carex microglochin (Bristle Sedge) which only occurs at high altitudes in the Scottish highlands and Carex pauciflora (Few-flowered Sedge) which has three sided stems instead of round as in the C. pulicaris and C. microglochin.

When ripe the fruits will sometimes spring off the stem when touched - like a flea.

Carex pulicaris is often found in Wales, Scotland, Ireland and Cornwall but is less common in central and southern England.

Bowlees quarry, Teesdale 21st June 2005

Added on 22nd September 2005, updated 25th November 2008