Yellow Nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus) vs. Straw-Colored Flatsedge (Cyperus strigosus)

These two flatsedges are easily confused, mostly overlap in range in North America, and can occur in the same habitats, both natural and anthropogenic. They can be distinguished by the base of the stem, root system, and flower/seed spikes. C. esculentus is more common in anthropogenic habitats and ranges into slightly drier (mesic) conditions, and has more of a preference for loose-textured soils, whereas C. strigosus is more likely in natural habitats, more restricted to moist or wet habitats, and more likely on heavy, muddy soils.

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