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yellow nutsedge
Scientific Name: Cyperus esculentus
Family: Cyperaceae
Category: Monocot
Growth: Graminoid
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Yellow Nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus)
Yellow nutsedge, also known as chufa sedge, nut grass, yellow nutgrass, tiger nut sedge, earth almond, chufa flatsedge, or rush nut, is a common perennial member of the sedge family (Cyperaceae) often found in lawns and gardens.
Considerations for Pets
- Yellow nutsedge is grass-like in appearance with narrow, grass-like leaves.
- It grows from an extensive system of rhizomes, tubers, and roots.
Considerations for Children
- Yellow nutsedge is also known as Earth almond.
- It grows from an extensive system of rhizomes, tubers, and roots.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Cyperus esculentus L.
- Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge family)
- Common Names: Chufa sedge, nut grass, yellow nutgrass, tiger nut sedge, earth almond, chufa flatsedge, rush nut.
- Synonyms: CYPES, souchet comestible, Chufa, Earth almond, Ground almond, Northern nut-grass.
- Subordinate Taxa: Cyperus esculentus var. esculentus L.
Distribution and Habitat
- Yellow nutsedge is native to North America and Eurasia.
- It is found worldwide in warm and temperate zones, including throughout the United States.
- It thrives in moist, poorly drained soils and wet years.
Ecological Role
- Yellow nutsedge is considered one of the world's worst weeds and a major weed of vegetable and row crops.
- It is an aggressive and difficult-to-control weed that can spread rapidly.
- It is listed as a noxious weed in many places.
Morphological Characteristics
- Yellow nutsedge is an erect, grass-like perennial.
- It has shiny, yellowish-green, waxy leaves.
- Stems are triangular and grow from 6 to 32 inches tall.
- It grows upright to form dense clumps.
- It has parallel leaf veination.
- It has an extensive system of rhizomes, tubers (incorrectly called "nuts" or "nutlets"), and roots.
Quirky Facts
- Yellow nutsedge tubers have been known to grow into potato tubers in some areas.
- The tubers are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked.
- Yellow nutsedge was cultivated in ancient Egypt for its tubers.
- One growing season can result in a 3000-fold increase in reproductive potential.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Yellow nutsedge can be affected by the indigenous rust fungus Puccinia canaliculata.
Resources and Further Information
- Purdue Turfgrass Science: www.agry.purdue.edu/turf