Not the plant you're looking for? Search over 300,000 plants

Cyperus esculentus

yellow nutsedge

An evergreen, spreading sedge with bright green to yellowish-green, narrow leaves up to 1cm wide and 90cm long. Flower stems are topped by clusters of green to yellowish-brown flowerheads

Other common names
chufa
earth almond
see moreedible rush nut
grass nut
nut rush
tiger nut
Zulu nut

Join the RHS

Become an RHS Member today and save 30% on your first year

Join now
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Clay
Moisture
Poorly–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green Brown Yellow Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Cyperaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Tufted
Genus

Cyperus can be annuals or evergreen, rhizomatous perennials, with linear, grass-like leaves and terminal clusters of small greenish flower-spikes with spreading leaf-like bracts beneath

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Trop & subtrop.

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moisture-retentive soil, can be grown as bog plant in sun or light shade. Can be grown in large containers to prevent spread of invasive roots

Propagation

Propagate by division or by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
Pruning

Cut back dead material in autumn

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.