Species › Plants › Yellow Nutsedge

Yellow Nutsedge

Cyperus esculentus

CommonPlant
Illustration of Yellow Nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus)

Yellow Nutsedge is a native sedge found across North America that produces small, starchy tubers called chufa or tiger nuts, which are highly nutritious and relished by many wildlife species. Wood ducks, teal, and sandhill cranes actively seek the tubers. The species is cultivated in Spain for horchata de chufa and has been used as food since ancient Egypt.

Habitat
Moist disturbed areas, stream banks, and wetland margins across North America
Diet
Tubers and seeds eaten by wood ducks, teal, sandhill cranes, and many birds
How common
Common

Best time to see a Yellow Nutsedge

The best time to see a Yellow Nutsedge is August–September, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 3,399 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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