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More Genus
Nutgrasses (Cyperus)
Also known as : Papyrus sedges, Umbrella sedges, Sedges
Nutgrasses comprise a large, cosmopolitan, and diverse group of sedges. They grow in still or slow-moving water and produce small green flowers. Many species are ecologically important, serving as food sources for insects, birds, and mammals alike. Various species of nutgrasses have been used in making various products such as paper, mats, and sombreros. Some species are grown as ornamentals in pots and containers.
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Herb/Vine
Key Facts About Nutgrasses
Feedback
Attributes of Nutgrasses
Leaf type
Evergreen
Ideal Temperature
10 - 41 ℃
Scientific Classification of Nutgrasses
Distribution of Nutgrasses
Feedback
Distribution Map of Nutgrasses
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Nutgrasses
Feedback
Nutgrasses is a versatile plant genus requiring moderate care. In terms of basic care needs, nutgrasses prefers full to partial sunlight, regular watering, but will tolerate short periods of dryness, and optimal temperatures between 15 to 25℃. It flourishes in well drained, nutrient-rich soil. Nutgrasses is prone to pests like aphids and diseases like stem rot. Adjusting care according to seasons is required, with increased watering and light in the summer, and reduced watering during winter. Local climate should also be considered when cultivating nutgrasses.
How to Water Nutgrasses?
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Nutgrasses?
How to Propagate Nutgrasses?
How to Plant Nutgrasses?
Exploring the Nutgrasses Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Umbrella Sedge
Umbrella Sedge (Cyperus alternifolius) is a perennial houseplant that grows best in full sun, bright indoor light, or light shade. Umbrella Sedge is named for its leaves that resemble the spokes of an umbrella growing atop a long upright stalk. It is an ideal pond or aquatic plant because it grows well in water.
Papyrus sedge
Papyrus sedge (Cyperus papyrus) is an aquatic flowering plant that’s originally from Africa. It was used by the ancient Egyptians to make papyrus, one of the earliest kinds of paper. For thousands of years, people have tied the stems together to build boats. Nowadays, it’s often used ornamentally. It’s close to extinction in the Nile Delta region—one of the places it calls home.
Yellow nutsedge
Yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus) is a perennial plant that is found throughout much of the eastern hemisphere, where it is often cultivated for its edible tubers. The tubers, commonly called “tiger nuts,” can be crushed in water and then strained to create a milky beverage called “horchata.”
Tall flatsedge
Tall flatsedge (Cyperus eragrostis) is a flowering species of sedge found along the California coast, in the eastern United States, in Jamaica, and South America. Tall flatsedge can be a problematic weed in an agricultural context, it can infest rice fields and decrease yields.
Strawcolored flatsedge
Strawcolored flatsedge (Cyperus strigosus) is a sedge plant native to the United States, Canada, and Cuba. It grows in the wild in wet areas like roadsides and fields. Strawcolored flatsedge grows in clusters and is considered a weed in some regions.
Nut grass
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.
Variable flatsedge
Variable flatsedge (Cyperus difformis) is an annual herbaceous plant that can become invasive in areas it's not native to, such as the Americas, crowding out native plants and disrupting the ecosystem, especially in waterways. Commonly found growing as a weed in rice fields, Other common names are small-flower umbrella sedge and rice sedge.
Swamp flatsedge
Swamp flatsedge is a tropical perennial sedge, typically thriving in coastal marshes and sandy soils. With long, narrow, grass-like leaves, it features tall stems topped by dense clusters of small brown spikelets. Its robust root system enables it to stabilize shorelines, showcasing adaptation to fluctuating water levels and saline conditions.
All Species of Nutgrasses
Umbrella Sedge
Umbrella Sedge
Umbrella Sedge (Cyperus alternifolius) is a perennial houseplant that grows best in full sun, bright indoor light, or light shade. Umbrella Sedge is named for its leaves that resemble the spokes of an umbrella growing atop a long upright stalk. It is an ideal pond or aquatic plant because it grows well in water.
Papyrus sedge
Papyrus sedge
Papyrus sedge (Cyperus papyrus) is an aquatic flowering plant that’s originally from Africa. It was used by the ancient Egyptians to make papyrus, one of the earliest kinds of paper. For thousands of years, people have tied the stems together to build boats. Nowadays, it’s often used ornamentally. It’s close to extinction in the Nile Delta region—one of the places it calls home.
Yellow nutsedge
Yellow nutsedge
Yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus) is a perennial plant that is found throughout much of the eastern hemisphere, where it is often cultivated for its edible tubers. The tubers, commonly called “tiger nuts,” can be crushed in water and then strained to create a milky beverage called “horchata.”
Tall flatsedge
Tall flatsedge
Tall flatsedge (Cyperus eragrostis) is a flowering species of sedge found along the California coast, in the eastern United States, in Jamaica, and South America. Tall flatsedge can be a problematic weed in an agricultural context, it can infest rice fields and decrease yields.
Strawcolored flatsedge
Strawcolored flatsedge
Strawcolored flatsedge (Cyperus strigosus) is a sedge plant native to the United States, Canada, and Cuba. It grows in the wild in wet areas like roadsides and fields. Strawcolored flatsedge grows in clusters and is considered a weed in some regions.
Nut grass
Nut grass
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.
Variable flatsedge
Variable flatsedge
Variable flatsedge (Cyperus difformis) is an annual herbaceous plant that can become invasive in areas it's not native to, such as the Americas, crowding out native plants and disrupting the ecosystem, especially in waterways. Commonly found growing as a weed in rice fields, Other common names are small-flower umbrella sedge and rice sedge.
Swamp flatsedge
Swamp flatsedge
Swamp flatsedge is a tropical perennial sedge, typically thriving in coastal marshes and sandy soils. With long, narrow, grass-like leaves, it features tall stems topped by dense clusters of small brown spikelets. Its robust root system enables it to stabilize shorelines, showcasing adaptation to fluctuating water levels and saline conditions.
Manyspike flatsedge
Manyspike flatsedge
Manyspike flatsedge is appropriately named since it is a low-growing sedge with dramatically spiked seed heads. It has little ornamental appeal but often occurs as a garden weed. A common sight in man-made environments, it can be found in the wild around wetland margins. The distinctive seedpods appear in late summer and early fall.
Shortleaf Spikesedge
Shortleaf Spikesedge
Shortleaf Spikesedge (*Cyperus brevifolius*) is a perennial herb that blooms from spring to fall, and goes dormant in the winter. Green flowers grow on triangular stalks. It is native to tropical areas, but has been found in other warm regions. When it shows up in lawns and cultivated areas, it is considered a weed, and it is highly resilient, producing an abundance of seeds.
Ricefield flatsedge
Ricefield flatsedge
Ricefield flatsedge is a smooth, tufted annual sedge that often grows in rice paddies. It's considered a vigorous weed, causing many problems in rice fields throughout Asia. Ricefield flatsedge is distinguished by its yellowish inflorescence and yellowish-red roots.
Globe Flatsedge
Globe Flatsedge
Globe Flatsedge (Cyperus echinatus) is a type of sedge that grows in pockets throughout eastern North America. It prefers open areas with plenty of sun and moderate levels of moisture. The plant's seeds grow in globe-shaped pods at the end of small stalks.
Poorland flatsedge
Poorland flatsedge
Poorland flatsedge is an annual sedge that is a common weed found in rice, maize, and sugarcane fields throughout warmer climates. In the United States, it is a weed often found in lawns and low-lying wetlands. The leaves have a sweet aroma when crushed.
Fragrant flatsedge
Fragrant flatsedge
This species of sedge, known as fragrant flatsedge, grows best in full sun and moist, mucky soil. It can be grown near water features and bog gardens. It can overwinter in more temperate growing zones, but this plant can also be grown as an annual in cooler climates.
English galingale
English galingale
English galingale is suitable for large garden ponds as its natural environment is wet or marshy areas. This plant is a fast-growing evergreen perennial that prefers dappled sun and avoids full shade. Its leaves are commonly used in basketry.
Red-root flat sedge
Red-root flat sedge
Red-root flat sedge (Cyperus erythrorhizos) is named for the color of its roots. Red-root flat sedge grows in wetlands and freshwater shorelines. Some birds and muskrats are fond of the seeds, but it doesn't attract the same sort of attention as some other sedge species.
Yellow flatsedge
Yellow flatsedge
The name of yellow flatsedge is derived from the color of its yellowish spikelets, which have a slightly golden cast. Yellow flatsedge naturally occurs in wet and disturbed sites across North America and it's considered a mild allergen.
Brown flat sedge
Brown flat sedge
Brown flat sedge is commonly found along lake shores and along river and stream banks, appearing when water levels drop. The non-native plant is currently only found in one area along the Mississippi River in the United States. In the United Kingdom, it has been listed as a priority species for conservation.
Slender flatsedge
Slender flatsedge
Slender flatsedge is a fairly common sedge that is usually found in wetlands. Its most distinct feature are its unique seeds. The flowers of this small annual produce deep crimson seeds that appear almost scale-like and drop off individually, leaving behind a bare stalk.
Tidal-marsh flatsedge
Tidal-marsh flatsedge
Tidal-marsh flatsedge (Cyperus serotinus) has a descriptive common name since it is native to swampy meadows and tidal marshes. The common name flatsedge comes from its unusual flattened seed pods. This plant is attacked by the rice water weevil Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus. Tidal-marsh flatsedge is extinct in Switzerland and is classed as threatened in Croatia.
Umbrella papyrus
Umbrella papyrus
Umbrella papyrus features a unique umbrella-like arrangement of its green, ribbon-like leaves which radiate from a central stem, resembling the spokes of an umbrella. Thriving in moist, subtropical environments, this ornamental plant displays a naturally occurring radial symmetry, providing an eye-catching aesthetic in both indoor and outdoor water garden settings.
Asian flatsedge
Asian flatsedge
Asian flatsedge is a perennial sedge that thrives in wetland habitats. Characterized by its dense clumps of long, slender leaves, this plant features umbrella-like clusters of small, greenish-brown flowers. The distinctive papyrus-like appearance of asian flatsedge lends an ornamental quality, while it plays a vital role in stabilizing soil and filtering water within its ecosystem.
Flatsedges 'Baby Tut'
Flatsedges 'Baby Tut'
Flatsedges 'Baby Tut' is an amphibious sedge, named ‘baby’ because it is a dwarf cultivar. It is believed that the cultivar's name also references the boy king of Egypt, Tutankhamun. Flatsedges 'Baby Tut's size makes it a good houseplant, but in temperate climates, it can also be planted outside in wet areas or near water.
Cyperus nipponicus
Cyperus nipponicus
Cyperus nipponicus is a perennial grass-like plant with slender stems and dark green foliage. This species thrives in wet, marshy conditions, where its tufted clumps rise above the water's surface. The plant produces delicate, umbrella-shaped flower clusters atop triangular stems, a trait characteristic of its genus, which attract select pollinators while offering a visual allure.
Pacific island flatsedge
Pacific island flatsedge
Pacific island flatsedge inhabits warm wetlands and grasslands in Africa, Asia, and Australia. It is considered an invasive weed in Hawaii and Fiji. In native areas it is occasionally sown to help stabilize soil, colonize disturbed ground, or for later use in flower arrangements.
Papyrus sedge 'King Tut'
Papyrus sedge 'King Tut'
Papyrus sedge 'King Tut' is bred from the cyperus aquatic plant, the same source that produced papyrus for ancient paper. The cultivar's name is a nod to its origins in Ancient Egypt. It is a dwarf cultivar, smaller than the parent. Gardeners use it as a popular water garden plant, given its upright foliage and the dramatic flower heads that look like exploding fireworks.
Papyrus sedge 'Prince Tut'
Papyrus sedge 'Prince Tut'
Derived from Cyperus papyrus 'King Tut', the name of papyrus sedge 'Prince Tut' hints at its smaller stature. Standing only half the height of its parent plant, this cultivar grows to only 91 cm. This smaller size reduces the chance of this grass flopping, making it ideal for use in landscaping, containers, and gardens.
Whitehead spikesedge
Whitehead spikesedge
Whitehead spikesedge (Cyperus mindorensis) is named for its flower heads, which rise in a white spiky ball above a long stem. You won't find this plant in many gardens, though, since it is a water-loving weed that doesn't have much in the way of ornamental appeal. The plant spreads via a subsoil rhizome.
Baldwin's flat sedge
Baldwin's flat sedge
Baldwin's flat sedge is a vibrant, tall grass-like plant with dense clumps of slim, erect stems. Native to subtropical regions, it thrives near freshwater and boasts radiant, golden brown flower clusters. Unique, angular spikelets and triangular-shaped stems heighten its striking appeal. While its adaptation to aquatic settings make it highly resilient, these characteristics also lead to its identification as an invasive species in certain locales.
Cyperus orthostachyus
Cyperus orthostachyus
Cyperus orthostachyus is characterized by tall, slender green stems and umbrella-like clusters of small, inconspicuous flowers at the top. Native to wetland areas, this perennial sedge thrives in marshy soils, often contributing to the stability of riverbanks and pond edges. Its growth pattern and habitat preferences reflect an adaptation to environments where water is abundant and soil is saturated.
More Popular Genus
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Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
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About
Key Facts
Distribution
How To Care
All Species
More Genus
Nutgrasses
Cyperus
Also known as: Papyrus sedges, Umbrella sedges, Sedges
Nutgrasses comprise a large, cosmopolitan, and diverse group of sedges. They grow in still or slow-moving water and produce small green flowers. Many species are ecologically important, serving as food sources for insects, birds, and mammals alike. Various species of nutgrasses have been used in making various products such as paper, mats, and sombreros. Some species are grown as ornamentals in pots and containers.
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Herb/Vine
Key Facts About Nutgrasses
Feedback
Attributes of Nutgrasses
Leaf type
Evergreen
Ideal Temperature
10 - 41 ℃
Scientific Classification of Nutgrasses
Distribution of Nutgrasses
Feedback
Distribution Map of Nutgrasses
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Nutgrasses
Feedback
Nutgrasses is a versatile plant genus requiring moderate care. In terms of basic care needs, nutgrasses prefers full to partial sunlight, regular watering, but will tolerate short periods of dryness, and optimal temperatures between 15 to 25℃. It flourishes in well drained, nutrient-rich soil. Nutgrasses is prone to pests like aphids and diseases like stem rot. Adjusting care according to seasons is required, with increased watering and light in the summer, and reduced watering during winter. Local climate should also be considered when cultivating nutgrasses.
How to Water Nutgrasses?
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Nutgrasses?
How to Propagate Nutgrasses?
How to Plant Nutgrasses?
Exploring the Nutgrasses Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Umbrella Sedge
Umbrella Sedge (Cyperus alternifolius) is a perennial houseplant that grows best in full sun, bright indoor light, or light shade. Umbrella Sedge is named for its leaves that resemble the spokes of an umbrella growing atop a long upright stalk. It is an ideal pond or aquatic plant because it grows well in water.
Papyrus sedge
Papyrus sedge (Cyperus papyrus) is an aquatic flowering plant that’s originally from Africa. It was used by the ancient Egyptians to make papyrus, one of the earliest kinds of paper. For thousands of years, people have tied the stems together to build boats. Nowadays, it’s often used ornamentally. It’s close to extinction in the Nile Delta region—one of the places it calls home.
Yellow nutsedge
Yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus) is a perennial plant that is found throughout much of the eastern hemisphere, where it is often cultivated for its edible tubers. The tubers, commonly called “tiger nuts,” can be crushed in water and then strained to create a milky beverage called “horchata.”
Tall flatsedge
Tall flatsedge (Cyperus eragrostis) is a flowering species of sedge found along the California coast, in the eastern United States, in Jamaica, and South America. Tall flatsedge can be a problematic weed in an agricultural context, it can infest rice fields and decrease yields.
Show More Species
All Species of Nutgrasses
Umbrella Sedge
Papyrus sedge
Yellow nutsedge
Tall flatsedge
Strawcolored flatsedge
Nut grass
Variable flatsedge
Swamp flatsedge
Manyspike flatsedge
Shortleaf Spikesedge
Ricefield flatsedge
Globe Flatsedge
Poorland flatsedge
Fragrant flatsedge
English galingale
Red-root flat sedge
Yellow flatsedge
Brown flat sedge
Slender flatsedge
Tidal-marsh flatsedge
Umbrella papyrus
Asian flatsedge
Flatsedges 'Baby Tut'
Cyperus nipponicus
Pacific island flatsedge
Papyrus sedge 'King Tut'
Papyrus sedge 'Prince Tut'
Whitehead spikesedge
Baldwin's flat sedge
Cyperus orthostachyus
More Popular Genus
Feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
