Which feature distinguishes sedges from grasses (as per the material)?

• A. Round stems and two rows of leaves
• B. Sedges have no leaves
• C. Sedges have triangular stems and three rows of leaves
• D. Sedges have leaves arranged in rosettes

Answer: (C)

The key trait to tell sedges from grasses is the shape of the stem plus how the leaves are arranged. Sedges typically have stems that are triangular in cross-section and leaves arranged in three rows around the stem. This combination—triangular stems and three-ranked leaves—is what sets sedges apart from grasses, which usually have round stems and leaves in two ranks along the stem. So recognizing a sedge comes from noticing the triangular stem and three-row leaf arrangement rather than round stems or rosette-like leaf patterns.