MSU Extension Turf

Yellow Nutsedge

Weeds

Edible Galingale, Chufa, Rush-nut, Earth-almond, Nut-sedge, Northern Nut-grass, Coco, Coco sedge

Cyperus esculentus

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Yellow nutsedge is a persistent perennial weed of poorly drained soils. Yellow nutsedge is grass-like in its appearance with parallel leaf veination. The stem of nutsedge is triangular with leaves coming off each corner (three-ranked). Nutsedge is very difficult-to-control and can produced hundreds of thousands of seeds per plant per season.

Nutsedge is particularly a problem in years of above average rainfall and the following year. It will grow faster than the surrounding turf. Nutsedge is a common invader of landscape beds.

• Crops Affected: turf

  Management

  In landscape beds, yellow nutsedge is likely an indicator of too much soil moisture. Unless the conditions are changed, nutsedge will continue to mingle with the landscape plants. Nutsedge is most often a problem in heavy soils during years with above average rainfall and the following year.

  Mature nutlets can remain dormant in the soil for years and are not controlled by herbicide treatment.

  Similar Species

  The triangular stem of yellow nutsedge and glossy yellow-green appearance distinguish it from many other weeds. Purple nutsedge is similar in habitat and appearance (although usually shorter) but does not grown in Michigan.