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yellow nutsedge
Scientific Name: Cyperus esculentus var. sativus
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 perennial plant belonging to the sedge family (Cyperaceae). While often mistaken for a grass, it is a distinct species with unique characteristics.
Considerations for Pets
- This plant produces small nutlets underground.
- It's grass-like in appearance.
Considerations for Children
- This plant produces small nutlets underground.
- The leaves are v-shaped.
- The stems are triangular.
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, yellow nutgrass, yellow nutsedge.
- Subordinate Taxa: 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 is considered one of the most troublesome and widespread perennial weeds, particularly in landscapes and gardens across coastal plains.
- It thrives in moist conditions and poorly drained soils.
- In California, it is found from central California south to the tropics.
Ecological Role
- Yellow nutsedge is considered one of the world's worst weeds.
- It is a major weed of vegetable and row crops in temperate and tropical regions.
- It is known for its aggressive and difficult-to-control nature.
- Its prolific growth can result in a 3000-fold increase in reproductive potential during one growing season.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- It is an erect, grass-like perennial, but it is not a grass.
- Yellow nutsedge emerges as a pale green spike, similar to a grass seedling.
- The leaves are three-ranked.
- The stem is triangular.
- The leaves are v-shaped.
- It grows from an extensive system of rhizomes, tubers, and roots.
- Stems reach 12 to 32 inches in height, or from 6 to 30 inches.
- It has shiny, yellowish-green, waxy leaves.
- It has glossy, triangular stems.
Quirky Facts
- The tubers of yellow nutsedge, often incorrectly called "nuts" or "nutlets," are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked.
- In some areas, yellow nutsedge tubers have been known to grow into potato tubers.
- It was cultivated in ancient Egypt for its edible tubers.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- It can be controlled biologically with the indigenous rust fungus Puccinia canaliculata.
Further Information
- Purdue Turfgrass Science: www.agry.purdue.edu/turf