SafePlants

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 weed found in many lawns and gardens. It is a member of the sedge family.

Considerations for Pets

• The plant grows from tubers, rhizomes, and roots.

Considerations for Children

• The plant grows from tubers, rhizomes, and roots.

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, chufa, Northern nut-grass, souchet comestible, CYPES
• Taxonomic Rank: Variety, Cyperus esculentus var. esculentus L.

Distribution and Habitat

• Yellow nutsedge is native to North America and Eurasia but is found throughout the world in warm and temperate zones.
• It is a common lawn and garden weed, especially in wet years or poorly drained soils.
• In California, it is found from central California south to the tropics.

Ecological Role

• Considered one of the world's worst weeds, it is an aggressive and difficult-to-control species.
• It is a major weed of vegetable and row crops in temperate and tropical regions.
• It has a prolific growth rate with a 3000-fold increase in reproductive potential during one growing season.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• It is an erect, grass-like perennial with shiny, yellowish-green, waxy leaves and a triangular stem.
• The stems reach 12 to 32 inches tall.
• The leaves originate from the base of the plant.
• It grows from 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.
• The tubers are edible raw or cooked.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Mentioned in relation to biological control using the indigenous rust fungus Puccinia canaliculata.

Further Information

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