Variable Flat Sedge

Cyperus difformis

Non-Native

USDA, NRCS. 2018. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 28 March 2018). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC 27401-4901 USA.
Illustration courtesy of University of Florida/IFAS Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants. Used with permission.

What is Variable Flat Sedge?

Physical Characteristics

Leaves:

• 2-4 appearing on stem
• About as long as stem
• 0.05-0.16 inches wide

Flowers:

• Umbrella shaped

Spikelets:

• Linear
• 0.16-0.31 inches long
• Green with brown on sides
• 1 0r 2 stamen

Fruit:

• Dry
• Does not open to release seed when ripe
• Three-angled
• About 0.05 inches long

Stem:

• Hollow stems
• Forming mats
• Smooth
• 6-19.69 inches tall

Roots:

• Fibrous

Where Does it Grow?

Non-Native

Variable flat sedge is non-native to North America. It can be found as a weed in rice fields.

Pros and Cons of Variable Flat Sedge

Variable 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.