Cyperus sp.
Flatsedge, nutsedge, galingale, Galingale
no rights reserved, uploaded by Allan Harris · CC0
Family: Cyperaceae · Type: Perennial · Variable; species dependent
Cyperus sp. (Flatsedge) is a non-native California perennial in the Cyperaceae family.
How to tell it apart
vs Carex: Cyperus has umbrella clusters with flat spikes; Carex has brown/green spikelets with seeds in individual flasks.; vs Scirpus: Cyperus has flattened ribbon-like spikes; Scirpus has rounded, cylindrical spikelets.; vs Juncus: Cyperus has triangular stems and flat flower spikes; Juncus has round stems and individual flowers.; vs Sticherus: Cyperus is a sedge with triangular stem; Sticherus is a fern with fronds.; vs Eleusine: Cyperus has triangular stems; Eleusine is a grass with round stems and obvious grass flowers.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cyperus sp. native to California?
No. Cyperus sp. is not native to California (recorded as variable; species dependent).
What plant family does Cyperus sp. belong to?
Cyperus sp. is in the Cyperaceae family, genus Cyperus.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-04-14
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.