Organic Horticulture in the Mid-Atlantic/Cyperus esculentus

Cyperus esculentus (Yellow Nutsedge)
Cyperus esculentus (yellow nutsedge) is a perennial, grass-like plant that is a common perennial weed of gardens and lawns. The leaves are shiny and yellowish, with spiny flowers appearing in late summer.

The plant spreads aggressively by underground stolons, and in late summer also produces small starchy tubers. The plant can grow back from very small root fragments, so the soil should be loosened with a claw-type cultivator when pulling, and diligence is required for several months to attain full control

Wet or compacted soils favor the growth of this plant, so improving soil structure and drainage is the most effective long-term control.

Plant
Flowering plant
in a lawn (the yellow patch)
Plant with roots