Nutsedge

Dec 3, 2010

Nutsedge is an aggressive weed that reproduces by tubers. These weeds are common in our area of the state; the most common species being yellow nutsedge, Cyperus esculentus and purple nutsedge, C. rotundus.

Home gardeners and landscape professionals can find science-based information about nutsedge, including management suggestions, from the UC IPM Nutsedge Pest Note publication.

Commercial growers can find helpful information at the UC IPM Pest Management site.

Local UCCE research continues in an effort to improve methods available to combat this troublesome pest in commercial fields.

Yellow nutsedge, extensively covering berms and ditches in grove of young citrus trees

Yellow nutsedge, extensively covering berms

and ditches in grove of young citrus trees.

Photo by David Rosen.

A yellow nutsedge seedling. Nutsedge leaves are V-shaped or triangular in cross section and grow from the base in sets of three.

A yellow nutsedge seedling. Nutsedge leaves are

V-shaped or triangular in cross section and grow

from the base in sets of three. Photo by Jack Kelly Clark.

cyperus esculutus Plant held up with several tubers on root system

Yellow nutsedge held up with several tubers on

root system. Photo by Jack Kelly Clark.

Purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus) plant with tubers and rhizomes.

Purple nutsedge plant with tubers and rhizomes.

Photo by Joseph D. Tomaso.