Lawn Care/Basics for Homeowners-Lawn Care/Weed Identification and Control/Classification/Miscellaneous Weeds
Also known as yellow nutgrass. It is a perennial member of the Cyperaceae (Sedge Family) that reproduces by seeds and tubers (nutlets) that form at ends of rhizomes. Individual yellow nutsedge plants have upright, grass-like leaves that emerge from a fibrous root system and scaly rhizomes. These leaves emerge from the plant's base, are 3-ranked, grass-like, and light yellow-green. They are 1/8 to 1/2 inch wide, up to 3 feet long, and have parallel veins with a prominent midvein. The upper surface is shiny or waxy and the lower surface is dull. Nutsedge inflorescences are flat-topped and multiple-branched with long leaf-like bracts beneath. They appear burr-like and occur at end of stout, triangular, yellow-green stem. Each branch of the inflorescence is composed of multiple yellow-to-golden brown spikelets, each up to 1 1/4 inches long. The inflorescences appear July to September during 12-to-14-hour days. Yellow nutsedge grows on all soil types, especially wet or moist sites with pH of 5.0 to 7.0. It does not tolerate shade and will tolerate dry sites when established. To control nonchemically, maintain turf density and health through proper culture; mechanically remove plants soon after germination, and increase drainage in moist or wet areas. Mow high to reduce growth from plant base, and use weed-free propagules or growing media. Apply herbicide soon after emergence prior to tuber formation. Total control is difficult and may require multiple applications of currently available materials. Yellow nutsedge is very difficult to control after tubers have formed due to reproductive capacity of tubers. The tubers develop rapidly six to eight weeks after emergence and grow quickly during July and August reaching up to 4/5 inch in length. New plants emerge from tubers from late May to mid-July. These tubers can persist for many years in soil.
Lawn Care/Basics for Homeowners-Lawn Care/Weed Identification and Control/Classification
