Green Kyllinga (locally often called Nutgrass or Sedge)
Kyllinga brevifolia (syn. Cyperus brevifolius) · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 photosynthetic pathway sedge (not a true grass)
Grass Family
Cyperaceae (Sedge Family)
Grass Category
Invasive/Weed Grass (Turf competitor)
Variety / Cultivar
Common wild type
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-11; goes dormant and turns brown after the first hard frost, returning in late spring.
About This Grass
A low-growing, mat-forming perennial sedge often mistaken for grass. It features light green, glossy foliage and distinctive globe-shaped, lime-green flower heads (spikes) that appear in late spring through autumn. It remains shorter than most turfgrasses but spreads aggressively in moist areas.
Blade Characteristics
Leaf blades are narrow (2-4mm), linear, and glossy with a prominent midrib. Leaves are arranged in three ranks (triquetrous stems), which is characteristic of sedges. The tips are pointed, and the color is typically a bright, yellowish-green compared to darker turfgrasses. No ligules or auricles are present.
Root System
Extensive system of slender, reddish-to-white rhizomes; lacks the terminal tubers found in Yellow Nutsedge. It forms a dense, difficult-to-pull sod that survives regular mowing.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Asia; well-adapted to tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions including the Southern US
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous; forms dense, low-growing mats via creeping underground stems
Sunlight & Water Needs
Prefers full sun to partial shade; thrives in wet, poorly drained soils and high-humidity environments. High water requirement to maintain aggressive spread.
Mowing & Maintenance
Highly tolerant of low mowing (can survive under 1 inch); maintenance usually involves chemical control (sedge-specific herbicides) rather than cultural care, as it outcompetes lawn grasses in moist conditions. Low nitrogen requirement.
Special Characteristics
Extreme moisture tolerance; resistant to most standard broadleaf and grassy-weed herbicides. Identifiable by its triangular stem (sedges have edges) and lack of distinct tubers. High wear tolerance in wet areas.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Invasive in many regions; provides minimal wildlife value. Primarily serves as a colonizer of disturbed, wet soils. Often found as a companion weed in Bermudagrass or St. Augustinegrass lawns.