Kyllinga Sedge, Shortleaf Spikesedge, Green Kyllinga

Kyllinga brevifolia

kei-LIN-ga brev-ah-FOAL-ee-ah

Cyperaceae

Native to: to southern wet areas in the Americas; found around world in warm regions. 

Florida distribution and abundance:  Throughout.  Grows best in sunny, wet conditions.   A common turf weed in irrigated or otherwise moist settings.

Recognition:  Perennial rhizomatous herb rarely to 2 feet—usually much shorter.  Flower cluster green, dome-shaped, to about ¼”-1/2” long.  

Easily confused species:  Kyllinga brevifolia is rhizomatous; the similar K. pumila is merely clumping; also occurring locally, K. odorata has a white (vs. green) flower cluster.

Internet source:  www.floridagrasses.org

Contributed by: Carolyn Hendry