SafePlants

Yellow Nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus)

Yellow nutsedge, scientifically known as Cyperus esculentus, is also commonly referred to as chufa sedge, nut grass, yellow nutgrass, tiger nut sedge, earth almond, chufa flatsedge, or rush nut. It is a widespread plant recognized as a significant weed in many areas.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant produces tubers (sometimes incorrectly called "nuts" or "nutlets") underground.

Considerations for Children

• This plant produces tubers (sometimes incorrectly called "nuts" or "nutlets") underground.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Cyperus esculentus
• Family: Cyperaceae (sedge family)
• Synonyms/Common Names: Chufa sedge, nut grass, yellow nutgrass, tiger nut sedge, earth almond, chufa flatsedge, rush nut.
• Subordinate Taxa: Cyperus esculentus var. esculentus L.

Distribution and Habitat

• Yellow nutsedge is native to North America and Eurasia, but it's found worldwide in warm and temperate zones.
• It is particularly common in lawns and gardens, especially in wet years or poorly drained soils.
• Purple nutsedge, a related species, is found from central California south to the tropics.

Ecological Role

• Yellow nutsedge is considered one of the world's most troublesome weeds.
• It is a major weed of vegetable and row crops in temperate and tropical regions.
• Its prolific growth allows it to rapidly spread.
• It's noted to be an aggressive and difficult-to-control weed.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Yellow nutsedge is an erect, grass-like perennial.
• It grows from an extensive system of rhizomes, tubers, and roots.
• Stems typically reach 12 to 32 inches in height, or sometimes up to 2 1/2 feet.
• The stems are triangular in cross-section and glossy.
• Leaves are narrow, grass-like, waxy, and yellowish-green, originating mostly from the base of the plant.
• It emerges as a pale green spike, similar in appearance to a grass seedling.
• Leaf blades are V-shaped.

Quirky Facts

• Yellow nutsedge tubers are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. In fact, it was cultivated in ancient Egypt for its tubers.
• In some areas, yellow nutsedge tubers have been known to grow into potato tubers.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The text references research into using the rust fungus Puccinia canaliculata for biological control of yellow nutsedge.
• Chufa (a variety of Cyperus esculentus) is used for wildlife food plots.

Resources and Further Information

• Purdue Turfgrass Science: www.agry.purdue.edu/turf
• Virginia Association for Biological Farming