Yellow Nutsedge

What it looks like

Bright yellow-green leaves that come to a sharp point, growing from a solid, triangular stem (not round or flat like grass). It sends up a straw-colored seedhead and spreads by single tubers underground. Purple nutsedge looks similar but has a blunt leaf tip and tubers that grow in chains.

Often mistaken for: Purple nutsedge; grasses (due to leaf shape before you check the stem)

When it shows up in the Triangle

Shows up in late spring and grows fast all summer in the Triangle. The best window to stop new tubers from forming is after it's fully up but before early summer.

Where you’ll see it

Grows in all types of home lawns, especially areas that stay wet, drain poorly, or get watered too much.

What you can do

• Fix drainage issues - nutsedge is a sign your soil stays too wet
• Avoid overwatering your lawn
• Pull small patches early before tubers form, though this rarely gets rid of it long-term
• Keep your lawn thick and healthy to help crowd it out
• Watch for it in low spots or near downspouts/gutters