Umbrella Flat Sedge

Non-Native

Cyperus involucratus

USDA, NRCS. 2018. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 28 March 2018). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC 27401-4901 USA.
Illustration: eFloras.org. 2018. Flora of North America (www.efloras.org, 12 April 2018). Lui Churong and Zhang Ronghou, FOC 223; FRPS 11: 148, pl. 49. 1961.

What is Umbrella Flat Sedge?

Physical Characteristics

Leaves:

• No leaf blades
• Sheaths wrapping around base of stem

Flowers:

• 15-25 clusters
• Each cluster for 8-15 spikelets

Spikelets:

• Long, thin
• Up to 3/8ths inches long
• 2 rows of tan, overlapping scales
• 15-30 flowers

Bracts:

• Leaf-like
• Not very noticeable
• Grow in clusters of 10-25
• Mostly longer than the flower

Seed:

• Small nut
• 3-angled
• Brown in color

Stem:

• Forming clumps
• Solid
• Tree-angled
• Up to 4.5 feet tall
• Up to 0.75 inches wide near the base

Where Does it Grow?

Non-Native

Umbrella flat sedge is native to Africa. It can be found as a weed in wet areas.

Pros and Cons of Umbrella Flat Sedge

Umbrella flat sedge is non-native to the United States, and tends to disrupt the ecosystem by pushing the native species out of their habitat.

This plant is not native to North America, but has naturalized in much of the United States. While it is not illegal to possess this plant in Texas, it should not be introduced into new water bodies and should be treated with herbicide when present.