Annual Kyllinga

Cyperus sesquiflorus

Annual Kyllinga is a perennial grassy weed that is also known as Fragrant Kyllinga, Fragrant Spikesedge or by its scientific name, Cyperus sesquiflorus.

Identify

Bunch

Sedge

Annual Kyllinga can be identified as a perennial grassy weed with a bunch-type growth habit. It features a single seed head that is round, elongated and sometimes lobed. It also includes three to four leaves growing perpendicular to the stem at the base of the head. Annual Kyllinga produces seeds from mid-summer until the first frost. This lawn weed also emits a sweet aroma when its leaves are mowed or crushed.

Life Cycle

This lawn weed is most often found in moist areas that have been disturbed by human activity, including in home lawns and landscaping. Annual Kyllinga thrives throughout much of the southeastern United States. These perennial grassy weeds can germinate and spread from seeds, but they also produce a root structure (tubers, bulbs or corms) that can birth new weeds from your lawn's surface (using stolons) or from underground (using rhizomes). Perennial grassy weeds live two or more years and have a deeper root structure that can give rise to new weeds—even if you no longer see the weeds in your lawn.

Control

Annual Kyllinga can be tough to control with simple cultural control methods, such as lawn mowing and weed-pulling. For weed removal, professionally applied weed control treatments are recommended for complete elimination.