Lepidosperma laterale, commonly known as the variable swordsedge, is a plant found in south-eastern Australia, New Caledonia and New Zealand. It is often found on sandy soils or rocky areas in wooded areas. The specific epithet laterale is derived from the Latin, which refers to the sides. It is a somewhat indeterminate species, with different varieties recognized. As yet, no further formal division of this species has been made. In 1810, this species first appeared in scientific literature in the Prodromus Florae Novae Hollandiae, written by the prolific Scottish botanist Robert Brown.