Yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus) is a warm-season perennial with distinctive, erect, triangular i.e. three side shaped leaves. Its color is yellow-green so it stands out when growing among standard turfgrass species. The most troublesome trait of this weed is that it forms a nut-like tuber in the ground. These storage organs are extremely difficult to kill once they become established.

Nutsedge is a different type of plant from common landscape ornamentals. Common herbicides used in lawns will not control it. A product specifically labeled for nutsedge must be used.

You can try to dig it out but you must be persistent since a small part of the tuber left in the ground will soon sprout a new plant. It may take several seasons of regular effort to control a patch of nutsedge.

Note: We have provided some general information and observations on this topic aimed at the home gardener. Before you take any serious action in your landscape, check with your state's land grant university's Cooperative Extension Service for the most current, appropriate, localized recommendations.