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yellow nutsedge
Scientific Name: Cyperus esculentus var. esculentus
Family: Cyperaceae
Category: Monocot
Growth:
Duration:
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 persistent perennial weed found worldwide. It's often mistaken for grass but is actually a member of the sedge family.
Considerations for Pets
- The plant grows from tubers which may be accessible to pets if the plant is dug up.
Considerations for Children
- Produces tubers, sometimes called "nuts" or "nutlets," which could be a choking hazard for young children.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Cyperus esculentus L.
- Family: Sedge family (Cyperaceae)
- Synonyms/Common Names: chufa sedge, nut grass, yellow nutgrass, tiger nut sedge, earth almond, chufa flatsedge, rush nut, souchet comestible, Northern nut-grass, yellow nutgrass
- Taxonomic Rank: Species, with a variety: Cyperus esculentus var. esculentus L.
Distribution and Habitat
- Yellow nutsedge is native to North America, Eurasia, and the eastern Mediterranean region.
- It is found worldwide in warm and temperate zones.
- It thrives in moist or poorly drained soils and is often a problem in lawns and gardens, especially in wet years.
Ecological Role
- Considered one of the world's worst weeds, yellow nutsedge is an aggressive and difficult-to-control plant.
- It can be a major weed of vegetable and row crops in temperate and tropical regions.
- It has been listed as a noxious weed in many places due to its prolific growth and difficulty to control.
- Prolific growth can results in a 3000-fold increase in reproductive potential during one growing season.
Morphological Characteristics
- Erect, grass-like perennial.
- Grows from an extensive system of rhizomes, tubers, and roots.
- Stems are triangular in cross-section, reaching 12 to 32 inches tall.
- Leaves are narrow, grass-like, glossy, yellowish-green, and waxy. Leaves originate from the base.
- Forms dense clumps and resembles many grasses in habit.
Quirky Facts
- The tubers of yellow nutsedge are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked, leading to the name "earth almond."
- In some areas, yellow nutsedge tubers have been known to grow into potato tubers.
- It was cultivated in ancient Egypt.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Mentioned in the context of biological control with the indigenous rust fungus Puccinia canaliculata.
Further Information
- Purdue Turfgrass Science: www.agry.purdue.edu/turf