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Nutgrass

Cyperus rotundus

Other Common Names

Nutsedge, Purple Nutsedge

Plant Category

Grass and Sedge

Invasive Description

The native range of Nutgrass is Africa, southern and central Europe and southern Asia. There is some dispute among plant authorities of the exact origins, but it is definitely Old World. Nutgrass is a grasslike perennial with dark green leaves and triangular stems with purple-brown spiky flower clusters. It rarely reproduces by seed but extensively reproduces by rhizomes which initially are white and fleshy, becoming wiry with age. Rhizomes either extend upward, horizontally, or downward facilitating growth in all directions.

Ecological Threat

Nutgrass is an herbaceous, grass-like perennial that is among the world’s worst weeds, exhibiting prolific vegetative activity which produces a complex underground system of basal bulbs, rhizomes, and tubers, making it very difficult to control.  It infests crop production areas, causing large losses in crop yields. It is a competitor for ground resources and its roots release allelopathic compounds which limits or harms the growth of other plants. It infests gardens, lawns, natural areas, etc. worldwide.

Because you may not want to replace this invasive plant, no replacements are listed.

How to Eradicate

For information on how to eradicate this invasive, view our statement on herbicide use and preferred alternatives for invasive plants.

Native Alternatives

You can replace this invasive plant with native alternatives. Here are some plants that make superior replacements.

Match your location on the Texas map to the color squares on the replacement plants below to find suitable replacements for your ecoregion.

Click for more details about the ecoregions