Origin:
A native plant in southeastern North America, now found from New York to Florida, and west to Texas and Oklahoma.
Biology:
A perennial that reproduces from seeds. It is tolerant of dry to moist habitats, and occurs in many sites including turf, roadsides, and waste areas.
Identification:
Mature plants will be very tall, with a single strong stem that terminates with the flower spikes, and several leaves arising from or near the base. Leaves are flattened and smooth. At the top of the stem several branches form, along with several stiff, upward-pointing leaves, all forming from a single point on the stem. These branches terminate with the flower spikes, which are tight cylindrical clusters about 3/8 inch long. These begin a green color and as they mature they turn to dark brown or black.
Characteristicts Important to Control:
Control of excessive moisture in turf will help to discourage the growth of most sedges, including the various Kyllinga species. For sedges that reproduce only from seeds control with pre-emergent herbicides can be effective. Post-emergence control in turf will require a selective herbicide which targets the sedges specifically. In non-turf settings a systemic, non-selective herbicide will be effective.
