Nut grass - Cyperus rotundus (Taxonomy, Characteristics, Invasive, Images, Control)

Nut grass

Also known as: Nut-grass, Coco-grass, Java grass, Coquito

Nut grass can be found all over the world. This perennial plant gets its name because its tubers resemble nuts. Nut grass is considered one of the most invasive plants in the world, and among the most difficult to eradicate. It reduces crop yields and is resistant to most herbicides.

Scientific classification

Species

Nut grass (Cyperus rotundus)

Grasses, sedges and allies

Instantly identify plants with a snap

Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.

Download the App for Free

Weeds

Weed or not

Perennial

Lifespan

1 m

Spread

Green, Yellow, Gold, Brown, Blue, Bronze

Leaf Color

1.2 cm to 5 cm

Flower Size

Brown, Silver, Copper, Gray

Fruit Color

Brown, Red, Green, Purple

Flower Color

Green

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

15 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring, Summer

Growth Season

Rapid

Growth Rate

Images of Nut grass

Distribution of Nut grass

Distribution Map

Nut grass is a widely dispersed plant with a presence across multiple continents. It is native to various regions, including parts of Asia and Africa, and has been introduced to areas in Europe, North and South America, as well as some islands. In certain areas where nut grass is non-native, it is sometimes thought to be invasive and may have an impact on local ecosystems, potentially competing with indigenous flora.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

Discover plant distribution and habitat

Gain insights into where plants thrive and how they adapt, helping you identify, cultivate, and protect them with essential information on habitats, distribution maps, and climate trends.

Download the App for Free

Habitat

Roadsides, sandy fields, cultivated ground, damp places

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Weed Control

Nut grass is a colony-forming weed that seriously impacts agriculture and crops in tropical climates worldwide. It can be found in most of the United States, the Caribbean, Africa, Europe, and South America. It is included in the state invasive species law in California and Oregon, and is considered invasive in several southeast Asian countries, Pacific island nations, and Mexico. Nut grass is troublesome as it removes nutrients from soil and reduces crop yield. To curtail spread, till the soil to break up the weed into fragments and repeat when new shoots have appeared. Mowing several times a week can also reduce weed populations.

How to Control It

The best season to remove nut grass would be during the Spring and Summer. It's crucial to remove this weed before it commences flowering to prevent it from reseeding. Here are some ways to control or remove it:

Hand-weeding: Wearing a pair of gardening gloves, locate the base of the nut grass and gently pull it out. Try to get as much of the root as possible because any left behind could lead to regrowth.
Solarization: This technique utilizes the heat of the sun to kill nut grass. Start by saturating the invaded area with water, then drape a clear plastic sheet over it. Weigh down the edges of the plastic to keep it in place for about 6-8 weeks.
Organic Herbicides: A vinegar-based herbicide can be quite effective in controlling nut grass. Spray it directly onto the weed until the solution covers all the foliage. Note, it might take a couple of applications before the weed fully succumbs.
Mulching: By creating a thick layer of organic material like wood chips or straw around your plants, you can prevent sunlight from reaching nut grass, thereby limiting its ability to photosynthesize and grow.
Crop Rotation: Rotate crops that are not favorable for nut grass growth. This method not only aids in exhausting the weed's resources but also helps in improving the soil's fertility.

Identify toxic plants in your garden

Find out what’s toxic and what’s safe for humans and pets.

Download the App for Free

Quickly Identify Nut grass

Triangular stem with three branches

Purple, antenna-like seedpods

Reddish-purple to brown flowers in dense clusters

Tiny, smooth-textured triangular achenes in fruit clusters

Long, narrow dark green leaves with scabrid margins

Identify plants with a snap

Instantly identify plants with AI: Snap a photo, and get accurate results within seconds.

Download the App for Free

Care Guide for Nut grass

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

15 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Nut grass, from semi-arid regions, has moderate drought tolerance and thrives in intermittently wet and dry conditions. For optimal growth, water nut grass weekly, adjusting for seasonal changes, ensuring consistent moisture during its active growing season.

Fertilize: Nut grass requires minimal fertilization, needing only small amounts of standard-strength fertilizer monthly during active growth. Compared to similar-sized plants, nut grass has lower nutrient consumption, making it easier to maintain without heavy feeding.

Pruning: In fall, prune dead stems of nut grass to prevent diseases. Avoid cutting leaflets, as it causes brown tips—a natural defense. Cutting these tips won't help; instead, leave them as the plant matures for healthier growth.

Propagation: Nut grass propagates best in Spring and Autumn via division, with a moderate difficulty level. Success is shown by new growth and robust roots. Proper soil drainage is essential during the division process.

Get tips and tricks for your plants.

Keep your plants happy and healthy with our guide to watering, lighting, feeding and more.

Download the App for Free

Images of Nut grass

Distribution of Nut grass

Weed Control

Quickly Identify Nut grass

Care Guide for Nut grass

PEOPLE ALSO ASK