Click on any image to open the slideshow
Cyperus esculentus
Yellow Nutgrass
Chufa Flatsedge
Not native to Florida
This non-native sedge is present in disturbed areas of most habitats in much of Florida, the United States and into southern Canada.
Growing up to about 90cm (3 ft.) tall with triangular stems (culms) with slender grass-like leaves 3-10mm (1/8 to 3/8 in.) wide. The spikelets of the inflorescence are straw-colored to golden brown. The extensive root system produces numerous tubers 3-25mm in diameter.
These tubers known as tiger nuts are edible and are also used in making the drink horchata de chufa.
Cyperus esculentus is a member of the Cyperaceae - Sedge family.
Atlas of Florida Vascular Plants (Institute for Systemic Botany) profile for this species
USDA Plant Profile for this species
Date record last modified: Sep 15, 2022
