Nutsedges

Common: Purple Nutsedge, Yellow Nutsedge

Scientific: Cyperus rotundus, Cyperus esculentus

Affected Crops: Corn, cotton, soybeans, tobacco.

Identification: Stems are erect and grasslike, with triangular stems. Leaf blades measure 6-12 inches long, with prominent mid-vein. The esculentus species has yellow seed heads and tubers not in chains. The purple nutsedge has a purple seed head and the tubers are in the chain. These perennials can spread by seed, creeping rootstocks or by small underground nutlets. It is a very aggressive weed particularly in moist conditions.

Geographical Distribution: Prefer temperate regions throughout the United States, more specifically in the Southeast, Southwest, and West.