Practical information to identify and manage non-native, invasive plants
The Quiet Invasion:A Guide to Invasive Plants of the Galveston Bay Area
Cyperus entrerianus
| USDA Symbol: | CYEN2 |
| ITIS TSN: | 501921 |
| Presence: | Current Invaders |
| Habitat: | Terrestrial |
| Native Range: | South America |
Toxic Characteristics
This species is not known to be toxic.Geographic Distribution
Common in all Gulf Coast states and Georgia. Projected to spread as far north as Arkansas and the coastal plains of Virginia. Naturalized in all surrounding Galveston Bay counties, extending as far south as Matagorda and Jackson counties.Introduction Pathways
Most likely introduced via rice agriculture; was first reported in 1990 in the United States; continues to be spread especially along roadsides via mowing, flooding, and soil and equipment movement.Specific Primary Habitats
Thrives in disturbed, inundated soils. Will form monospecific stands in ditches, coastal prairies, low flatwoods, and fallow rice fields. Tolerant to various soil textures (sands to clays).Identifying Characteristics
Grows in robust, loose clumps to up to 40 inches high; leaves are cross-sectionally V-shaped and glossy. Leaf bases are distinctly purplish-black. Culms (stems) are strongly 3-sided. The inflorescence is terminal and consists of 5 - 11 groups of densely clustered spikelets, which are greenish-white. Culms are connected by thick rhizomes.Reproduction Characteristics
An aggressive seed producer; large plants can produce 1 million viable seeds/year. Seeds are readily transported by water. Will flower and fruit from June through November. Also reproduces vegetatively via fragmentation and budding of rhizomes.Growth Characteristics
Deep-rooted sedge grows very rapidly with a robust root system. Without control, will most likely continue to spread into undisturbed natural areas.Ecological, Economic, or Social Impact
Rapidly spreading from disturbed to natural areas. Once established, it outcompetes native grasses and sedges, threatening local plant biodiversity. Alters habitat for the endangered Attwater's prairie chicken. A potential pest to rice agriculture.Suggested Control Methods
Glyphosate is expected to achieve 98% control when applied at a rate of 2 quarts/acre. Use a 2% solution on individuals. Mowing at 2-4 week intervals suppresses seed production. Machinery should be kept clean to prevent seed spread.|
Native Species Alternatives
Below is a list of alternative plants that are native to the area:
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Lists
This species belongs to the following lists:
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Images
To view a larger version of an image, click on the thumbnail. The deep-rooted sedge in flower. Photo courtesy of Charles T. Bryson, USDA Agricultural Research Service, www.forestryimages.org; Image Number 1117062. |
 Plants of the deep-rooted sedge in flower. Photo courtesy of Charles T. Bryson, USDA Agricultural Research Service, www.forestryimages.org; Image Number 1117100. |
 Close-up of flowers of the deep-rooted sedge. Photo courtesy of Richard Carter, Valdosta State University, www.forestryimages.org; Image Number 1451006. |
 Close-up of flowers of the deep-rooted sedge. Photo courtesy of Richard Carter, Valdosta State University, www.forestryimages.org; Image Number 1451009. |
 Infestation of the deep-rooted sedge in a ditch. Photo courtesy of Richard Carter, Valdosta State University, www.forestryimages.org; Image Number 1451010. |