INVASIVE PLANT FACTSHEET Yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus L.) Problems: Forms dense stands of unwanted vegetation that outcompete native species for light, nutrients, and water. This increased vegetation can reduce decrease native plant diversity and aesthetic attractiveness of the landscape.

This herbaceous perennial produces just a few basal leaves and many strong, deep green, triangular (3-sided) stems (culms) from woody rhizomes. The new rhizomes and culm bases are covered by papery scales, which are actually reduced leaves.

Uses of the sedges include fibers, weaving, construction material for houses and boats, paper-making, fragrance, and edible tubers. The umbrella plant makes a clump of upright culms, each topped by a whorl of leaves. Small flowers are borne between the leaves. The stalks can grow to about four feet tall.

Cyperus alternifolius (Umbrella grass) is a denizen of warmer climes than ours, so is only just hardy. It will still overwinter successfully outdoors in the south but is not suitable for cold Northern areas of the UK.