Nutsedges Invade Turf and Ornamental Plantings

Nutsedge in the landscape
(Photo:  Leslie Beck, NMSU)

Featured Diagnosis: Nutsedge (Cyperus spp.) is a perennial with triangle-shaped stems and long grass-like leaves that appear very shiny in direct sunlight. There are two types of nutsedges: purple (C. roundus) and yellow (C. esculentus), though both are very difficult to control. The plant germinates in the late spring or early summer from underground 'nutlets' or tubers that grow at the end of aggressive rhizomes. The tubers of both nutsedges have the capabilities to survive many years beneath the soil surface. Both purple and yellow nutsedge can outcompete desirable plants and are very tolerant of intensive management.

Nutsedge in a lawn
(Photo: Leslie Beck, NMSU)

Nutsedge in a landscape planter
(Photo: Leslie Beck, NMSU)

Nutsedge flowers
(Photo: Leslie Beck, NMSU)

Nutsedge tuber
(Photo: Leslie Beck, NMSU)

Triangular-shaped stem of a nutsedge
(Photo: Leslie Beck, NMSU)