There are more than 2,000 species of plants categorized in the genus Carex, meeting the qualifications of a “true sedge.” Many of these varieties of sedges – like evergold sedge, Everillo Japanese sedge, leather leaf sedge, blue sedge, and more – are used for ornamental landscaping purposes. However, in the context of North American lawns, the sedge we’re most concerned with is nutsedge (also called “nut grass”). Some of the same characteristics that make some species of sedge ideal for ornamental planting actually make nutsedge an insidious lawn pest!

In general, the most common weeds plaguing North American lawns can be grouped into three categories: broadleaf weeds, grassy weeds, and sedges. Broadleaf weeds (like dandelions and clover), grassy weeds (like crabgrass), and sedges (like nutsedge) look and behave very differently, which means the methods used to control them will differ as well. 

Recently, we took a closer look at broadleaf weeds and grassy weeds. Today, we’re exploring sedges – and what to do about them!

Characteristics of Nutsedge

Often mistaken for turfgrass grass or grassy weeds, nutsedge can be distinguished by its growth habit, light green color, and rapid growth rate, resulting in a non-uniform turf. Nutsedge leaves are thicker and stiffer than most grasses and are arranged in sets of three at the base, growing from triangular stems. Nutsedge thrives in warm and humid climates, and the presence of nutsedge in your lawn may indicate poor drainage or poor watering practices.

There are many different varieties of nutsedge, but yellow nutsedge and purple nutsedge are the most common throughout North American lawns. The main difference between the two is that yellow nutsedge has light brown flowers and seeds, while purple nutsedge has reddish flowers and dark brown or black seeds.

Both yellow and purple nutsedge are perennial plants that usually die back in the fall as the temperatures decrease. The nut-like tubers (from which nutsedge gets its name) and rhizomes of the plant survive in the soil to sprout the next spring. These tubers are usually situated in the top six inches of the soil and can remain dormant for up to three years before germinating. 

Controlling Nutsedge