Purple Nutsedge

(Cyperus rotundus L.)

Cyperaceae (Sedge Family)

▲▼ young plants

▲▼ flowering plants

▲▼ flowers

▲ rhizomes and tubers

 

Purple Nutsedge:  (mentioned on pp. 26-27,Weeds of the Northeast; not in Weeds of the Great Plains)

·         also a sedge, with a triangular stem (not a grass)

·         produces seeds, rhizomes and tubers

·         smaller than yellow nutsedge—growing 6-24” tall

·         inflorescences are purplish panicles and leaves are darker green than yellow nutsedge

·         rhizomes are dark, sometimes purplish and thicker than  yellow nutsedge

·         tubers are formed in chains while yellow nutsedge tubers are formed singly at end of short underground stems

·         also prefers moist and/or sandy soils, but can grow anywhere

·         more of a problem south and west of here, but getting closer

·         was considered one of the worlds worst weeds in difficulty to control