Nut grass is hated by lawn lovers and gardeners. It’s more of a garden weed than a bushland threat but will dominate any area it can get into.
I recently had a car die and it spent some time on the lawn. When it was removed, most of the grass had died but the nut grass was alive and seeded a few days after being exposed to the sun. I hadn’t seen it in the garden or lawn before this. It’s now spreading quickly and I will have to spend some time dealing with it if I don’t want it to take over the lawn and nearby garden.
As with all weeds, quick response is vital and removing the immature seed heads saves a lot of time treating it later.
Nut grass (Cyperus rotundus) is commonly mistaken for other sedges, both weeds and natives. The seed heads are an identification feature and look for the hard pea shaped structure just below the soil.
Common name: Nut grass
Scientific name: Cyperus rotundus
Native to: Asia and Africa. This plant is reported to be a famine plant in Africa.
Family: Cyperus
Habit: Sedge
Dispersal method: Seeds and has underground tubers that form new plants.
Control measures: Don’t allow seeding. Once established this weed is very hard to eliminate. Speak with an herbicide specialist for a chemical best suited to your situation.
More information can be found in ‘Weeds of the Sunshine Coast’ (page 294 second edition).
Michelle Newall
