Nutedge / Nutsedge (Yellow or Purple Nutsedge)
Cyperus esculentus or Cyperus rotundus · Warm-season, Perennial sedge (C4 photosynthetic pathway)
Grass Family
Cyperaceae
Grass Category
Invasive/Weed Grass (Sedge)
Variety / Cultivar
Wild type
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 5 to 10.
About This Grass
Appears as bright yellow-green, upright shoots emerging aggressively from moist soil or recently seeded turf areas. Leaves are shiny and emerge in sets of three ranks. Typically grows faster than surrounding turfgrasses, reaching heights of 1 to 2 feet if left unmowed.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are medium-coarse in width (3-8 mm), V-shaped in cross-section, smooth, and shiny yellowish-green. Leaves have a pointed tip and lack ligules, auricles, and true collar regions typical of grasses.
Root System
Fibrous root system featuring underground rhizomes that terminate in small, nut-like tubers (nutlets) which store energy and propagate new shoots. Fast establishment and high resilience.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to the Northern Hemisphere and tropics, widely distributed globally in moist, disturbed soils.
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous and tuber-producing, forming spreading patches with a distinct upright habit.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers wet, poorly drained, or frequently overwatered soils. High tolerance to saturated conditions.
Mowing & Maintenance
Grows faster than most turfgrasses, often outstripping them within days of mowing. Requires targeted selective herbicides specifically labeled for sedges (such as halosulfuron or imazaquin), as regular mowing only encourages lower-growing adaptation.
Special Characteristics
Extremely difficult to control due to underground tubers that regenerate when pulled. Highly tolerant of wet soils, poor drainage, and standard grass herbicides. Excellent at invading thin turf.
Ecological Information
Introduced/native weed status depending on the specific region. Provides little forage value for typical livestock, acts as an indicator of overwatering or soil compaction, and can quickly dominate damp garden beds and lawns.