Yellow Nutsedge (often mistaken for grass)
Cyperus esculentus · Warm-season perennial sedge (C4)
Grass Family
Cyperaceae (Sedge Family)
Grass Category
Invasive/Weed Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Native species (Wild type)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 3-11; extremely hardy, tubers survive deep freezes in a dormant state.
About This Grass
Technically a sedge, it is a bright lime-green or yellowish weed that grows faster than surrounding turf. It features a characteristic triangular stem in cross-section and long, waxy leaves.
Blade Characteristics
Waxy, thick blades with a prominent mid-vein and 'V' shape. Blades are arranged in groups of three from the base. Tips are long and tapering to a sharp point.
Root System
Fibrous roots connected to a complex network of rhizomes and small underground tubers known as 'nutlets'. Rapid establishment from tubers.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to much of the Northern Hemisphere, including North America, Europe, and North Africa
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous and tuber-producing; spreads rapidly via underground nutlets
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade. Thrives in poorly drained, wet, or overwatered soil, but is highly drought-resistant once established.
Mowing & Maintenance
High maintenance for control. Mowing does not kill it; it outpaces grass growth. Requires selective herbicides (sedgicides) or manual removal of the entire root/tuber system.
Special Characteristics
Highly invasive in lawn and garden settings. Triangle-shaped stems distinguish it from true grasses. Strong resistance to common broadleaf and grass-specific herbicides.
Ecological Information
Introduced and naturalized in many areas. While tubers are edible (Tiger Nuts) and provide food for some wildlife (waterfowl), it is considered a noxious weed in agricultural and residential landscapes.