Weed Yellow nutsedge, also known as yellow nutgrass
Scientific Name (Cyperus esculentus)
Family Sedge family (Cyperaceae)
Life Cycle Warm season perennial
Reproduction Method Reproduces by seed and tubers (nutlets) that form at ends of rhizomes.
Appearance Individual yellow nutsedge plants have upright, grasslike leaves that emerge from a fibrous root system and scaly rhizomes.
Leaves These leaves emerge from the plant's base, are 3-ranked, grasslike, and light yellow-green. They are 1/8 to 1/2 inch wide, up to 3 feet long, and have parallel veins with a prominent midvein. The upper surface is shiny or waxy and the lower surface is dull.
Flowers Nutsedge inflorescences are flat-topped and multiple-branched with long leaf-like bracts beneath. They appear burr-like and occur at end of a stout, triangular, yellow-green stem. Each branch of the inflorescence is composed of multiple yellow-to-golden brown spikelets, each up to 1 1/4 inches long. The inflorescences appear July to September during 12-to-14-hour days.
Occurrence Yellow nutsedge grows on all soil types, especially wet or moist sites with pH of 5.0 to 7.0. It does not tolerate shade and will tolerate dry sites when established.
Non Chemical Control To control nonchemically, maintain turf density and health through proper culture; mechanically remove plants soon after germination, and increase drainage in moist or wet areas. Mow high to reduce growth from plant base, and use weed-free propagules or growing media.
Chemical Control
Application Period Apply herbicide soon after emergence before tuber formation. Total control is difficult and may require multiple applications of currently available materials.
Active Ingredient in Labeled Products

Preemergent

Postemergent

  • ethofumesate (reduces competition)
  • 2,4-D (nutgrass)
  • 2,4-DP (nutgrass)
  • bentazon
  • dicamba (nutgrass)
  • halosulfuron
  • MCPP (nutgrass)
Notes Yellow nutsedge is very difficult to control after tubers have formed due to reproductive capacity of tubers. The tubers develop rapidly six to eight weeks after emergence and grow quickly during July and August reaching up to 4/5 inch in length. New plants emerge from tubers from late May to mid-July. These tubers can persist for many years in soil.

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Yellow nutsedge nutlets

Yellow nutsedge in turf

Yellow nutsedge in bloom

Yellow nutsedge stem

Yellow nutsedge stand

Yellow nutsedge mature plant

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