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Yellow Nutsedge - Cyprus esculentus
Family: Cyperaceae

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Description

Yellow nutsedge is considered one of the world’s worst weeds (Bayer 1987; Holt 1987; Mulligan and Junkins 1976). Well-adapted to irrigated agriculture, yellow nutsedge is particularly problematic in row crops because it competes with crops for water, light, and nutrients, thereby reducing crop yield (Torrell et al. 1993; Mulligan and Junkins 1976). Yellow nutsedge has also been known to spoil the quality of some crops. In some areas, yellow nutsedge tubers have been known to grow into potato tubers causing them to be graded as culls. They may also pass through with shelled lima beans, requiring costly hand sorting (Mulligan and Junkins 1976). In addition, there has been some suggestion that this species may produce chemicals that are toxic to crops (Torrell et al. 1993).: Negative - Yellow nutsedge is considered one of the world’s worst weeds (Bayer 1987; Holt 1987; Mulligan and Junkins 1976). Well-adapted to irrigated agriculture, yellow nutsedge is particularly problematic in row crops because it competes with crops for water, light, and nutrients, thereby reducing crop yield (Torrell et al. 1993; Mulligan and Junkins 1976). Yellow nutsedge has also been known to spoil the quality of some crops. In some areas, yellow nutsedge tubers have been known to grow into potato tubers causing them to be graded as culls. They may also pass through with shelled lima beans, requiring costly hand sorting (Mulligan and Junkins 1976). In addition, there has been some suggestion that this species may produce chemicals that are toxic to crops (Torrell et al. 1993).

Interesting facts

Yellow nutsedge is found worldwide in warm and temperate zones (Holt 1987), occurring in southern Europe and Africa (including Madagascar). In the Western Hemisphere, it grows from southern Canada to northern Argentina. The plant is known from all 50 states (Mulligan and Junkins 1976).

Yellow nutsedge is closely related to chufa; some taxonomists treat them as the same species (Mulligan and Junkins 1976). In parts of Africa, Europe, and Asia, chufa is grown for its edible tubers (Torrell et al. 1993). Chufa tubers are ground into flour, as well as being used to produce a cold drink (horchata de chufa), a coffee substitute, vegetable oil, and cellulose (Mulligan and Junkins 1976).

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Website, video, and graphics by Rob Nelson
For more information on this plant or management please contact US Army Corp of Engineers

 
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