Turf Weeds was developed to provide weed management information and newsearch reports to turfgrass managers.  This site contains information on weed identification, chemical and cultural management of weeds, and current topics relevant to weed management in lawns and professional turf.  Turf Weeds was created  by Dr. Shawn Askew, Assistant Professor of Turfgrass Weed Science at Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University.
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Plant Description:
Name:purple nutsedge
Scientific Name:Cyperus rotundus
Family:Cyperaceae
Type:Sedge
Lifecycle:Perennial
Habit:Purple Nutsedge is a perennial weed plant from rhizomes and tubers. It can reach 2 1/2 feet in height. It is found throughout the southeastern United States as a common weed of agronomic and horticultural crops, nurseries, turfgrass, and landscapes.
Leaves:The leaves are yellow to green in color with a distinct shiny appearance. Leaves are 5mm to 8 mm wide. They have a distinct ridge along the mid-vein. Leaves are produced in groups of 3 from the base of the plant. Leaves are without hairs. No auricles or ligules are present in Purple Nutsedge. The leaves of purple nutsedge taper abruptly to a very sharp point.
Leaf Arrangement:Folded in bud
Characteristics:The success from this troublesome weed is due to its ability to survive and reproduce from tubers during adverse conditions. It grows in almost every soil type, over a wide range of soil moisture, pH and elevation. It can survive the highest temperatures encountered in agriculture.
Flower Seed Head:Purple Nutsedge spikelets occur at the ends of the solitary stems where the flower stalks arise from a common point. Individual spikelets are reddish-purple to reddish-brown in color.
Seed Fruit:
Where Found:Purple Nutsedge is primarily found in the warm humid Southern United States.

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