Page 136 - AG 7-2011 Revised 2016

Drawing by Andrew Schaible Yellow nutsedge
(Cyprus asculentus)
Sedges have triangular stems with waxy grass-like leaves which
alte-rnate. Sedges are not grass plants, but seedlings may be
mistaken for grass. The leaves on sedges are waxy and have
an upright growth habit and a prominent midrib. Sedges have
underground root systems containing rhizomes and underground
tubers which accomplish most of the reproduction. On yellow
nutsedge, the tubers (nutlets) form at the end of whitish rhizomes.

The flowers of yellow nutsedge are yellowish. Seedheads are on
triangular stems. Yellow nutsedge spreads mainly by germinating
underground tubers, which are the only part of the plant that over-
winters. A yellow nutsedge tuber can produce 1,900 plants and
7,000 new tubers in a single growing season. Sedges do well
where soil drainage is poor.

Yellow nutsedge is found throughout the United States.

Immature Stage

Integrated Pest Management Control Recommendations
Cultural Practices:
Improve drainage through core aeration and lightening the soil. Keep turfgrass sites free from stress and
vigorously competitive with sedges. Keep mowing heights as low as possible in spring and early summer when
sedges are most actively growing. Fertilize cool-season grasses in the fall after frost.

Herbicide Use:
Use a post-emergent herbicide when nutsedge is actively growing. For best control results, time applications for
nutsedge that is in the three-leaf to flower growth stage.

Grass Stalk Identification

Grasses when viewing as a cross section either appear round or oval (flattened). Sedges, on the other hand are
triangular in shape.

Cross Section Cross Section Cross Section
Triangular Round Oval

Sedges are not true grasses and are resistant to some grass herbicides. Therefore it is necessary to distinguish
between the two for control purposes.

130