Yellow Nutsedge
Cyperus esculentus · Warm-season, Perennial Sedge (C4)
Grass Family
Cyperaceae (Sedge Family)
Grass Category
Invasive/Weed Grass (Technically a Sedge)
Variety / Cultivar
Wild type
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 3-11; goes dormant and turns brown after the first frost.
About This Grass
An aggressive, grass-like perennial with a yellowish-green color. It grows faster than turfgrass, making it stand out. It features a distinct triangular stem at the base and produces small, yellowish-brown spiky seed heads.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse width (>4mm), V-shaped/folded in cross-section, sharply pointed tip, shiny yellowish-green color, smooth texture with a prominent midvein; no ligule or auricles due to triangular stem structure.
Root System
Fibrous roots with an extensive network of rhizomes producing small, edible underground tubers (nutlets); high thatch-forming tendency and rapid establishment.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia; widespread worldwide
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous and Tuberous; forms dense patches via underground nutlets
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade; prefers wet, poorly drained soils but is highly drought-tolerant once established.
Mowing & Maintenance
Grows faster than turf (requires frequent mowing); resistant to standard lawn mowing heights; high maintenance to control (requires specific sedge-targeted herbicides).
Special Characteristics
Extremely difficult to eradicate; resistant to most broadleaf and standard grass herbicides; high moisture tolerance; spreads rapidly when pulled by hand if tubers remain.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Native depending on region; tubers provide food for waterfowl and wildlife; generally considered a noxious weed in agricultural and turf settings.