Annual Sedge Cyperus
Other Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- sy-PEER-us
- Description
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This is a genus of approximately 700 species of sedges that can be found worldwide in tropical and temperate locations. They can be annuals or perennials with many being water plants in still or slow-moving water.
These plants can grow from 2 inches to 4 feet tall and grow in a variety of conditions depending on the species. Some spread by tubers and others by seed.
The flowers are small and greenish and wind-pollinated. The leaves are generally basal, green and grass-like. Stems can be round or triangular.
Some are considered invasive, so choose carefully before planting. Use around a pond or stream.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
- Cyperus alternifolius, Cyperus esculentus
- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
- Cyperus alternifolius, Cyperus esculentus
- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Cyperus
- Family:
- Cyperaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Annual
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Seed
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- South hemisphere and parts of norther hemisphere
- Wildlife Value:
- Birds and small mammals often eat the seeds and tubers. Serves as a host plant for species of butterflies and moths.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Native Plant
- Ornamental Grasses and Sedges
- Perennial
- Weed
- Habit/Form:
- Clumping
- Growth Rate:
- Rapid
- Maintenance:
- Medium
- Texture:
- Fine
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- Loam (Silt)
- Sand
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Alkaline (>8.0)
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Frequent Standing Water
- Good Drainage
- Occasional Flooding
- Available Space To Plant:
- 12 inches-3 feet
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Type:
- Achene
- Fruit Description:
- The fruits are three-angled nutlets
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Cream/Tan
- Green
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Fall
- Summer
- Flower Description:
- Small greenish flowers
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Leaves:
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Glossy
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Whorled
- Leaf Shape:
- Linear
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Description:
- Leaves are generally in a basilar whorl with grass-like green leaves.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Cross Section:
- Angular
- Stem Description:
- Stems are round to triangular.
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Naturalized Area
- Patio
- Pond
- Riparian
- Walkways
- Landscape Theme:
- Butterfly Garden
- Native Garden
- Pollinator Garden
- Water Garden
- Design Feature:
- Border
- Mass Planting
- Small groups
- Attracts:
- Butterflies
- Moths
- Pollinators
- Small Mammals
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Wet Soil
- Problems:
- Weedy
