Origin:
A native sedge found throughout the United States and southern Canada, with the exception of the more arid areas of the southwest U.S.
Biology:
A perennial sedge that reproduces from seeds. It is common in wet areas along stream or irrigation banks, in canals and ponds, and in poorly drained areas, forming dense mats of vegetation that crowds out other plants and potentially reduces water flow.
Identification:
Mature plants are bunch-forming and dense, up to 6 feet in height. The stems are sharply angled and have a rough texture. The leaves are longer than the stems, are over ½ inch wide, and may have their margins rolled slightly. The flower heads may be male or female, with the more conspicuous female flower heads in groups of 2 to 6 spikes that are cylindrical and nearly 3 inches long. These tend to hang downward, or nodding, and the flower heads have long, leaf-like bracts arising from below and extending well beyond the spikes.
Characteristicts Important to Control:
A systemic herbicide will be necessary to control this plant. Reduction of excessive moisture will reduce the plant’s growth and spread. A product such as diuron may be effective at preventing new growth from seeds along ditch banks and canal banks.
