Cyperus esculentus
Yellow Nutsedge
NON-NATIVE
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Strongly-keeled, wide leaves
Credit: Kristie Gianopulos. Used with permission.
FIELD ID CHARACTERISTICS:
Identification of Cyperus to species requires examination of fruits and mature achenes (containing a single seed).
Description: A large, clumping, perennial, grass-like sedge with triangular stems. Usually 0.2 to 0.7 m tall.
Leaves: Basal, linear leaves, strongly keeled and about 1 cm wide.
Flowers/Fruit: Airy seedheads, composed of long, thin spikelets. Underground nutlets form along roots. Inflorescences located at ends of stems, with flattened spikelets usually in pairs or groups. Seeds in a folded scale, unlike Carex.
Habit and Range: Often planted; can grow in fields, disturbed places, also in wetlands. Non-native. Found statewide.
Typical Max Plant Height (m):
0.7
Leaf Arrangement:
Basal
Leaf Division:
Simple
Leaf Margin:
Entire
Leaf Shape:
Linear
Inflorescence Color:
Yellow,
Green
Fruit Color:
Yellow,
Green,
Brown
Lifespan:
Perennial
Group:
Monocot
Family:
Cyperaceae / Sedge
Ecoregions Found In:
Statewide
