How to Identify Nut Grass

Nutgrass, also known as nutsedge, is a pesky weed that is very difficult to control. Nutgrass grows fast and spreads quickly. It is difficult to kill, and many a gardener has yanked stem after stem, only to find new ones growing in their place soon after. Though it's tough to get rid of nutgrass, the weed is at least easy to identify.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Look for patches taller than the rest of the lawn. They may be nutgrass, which grows far faster and more upright than normal grass.

2. Check the color. Nutgrass is a shade or two lighter than most types of grass.

3. Look at the leaves. Nutgrass leaves are thicker and stiffer than most grass, according to the University of California. They are arranged in sets of three, as opposed to regular grass, whose leaves are arranged in sets of two.

4. Look at the stems. Nutgrass stems are solid and triangular. Stems of regular grass are hollow and round.

5. Dig to the root. Nutgrass grows from tubers, which resemble nuts (hence the name). These may be brown or black, and can be as deep as 14 inches in the ground.

References

• University Of California
• Ohio State University
• United States Department Of Agriculture