Cyperus eragrostis is a species of sedge known by several common names, including tall flatsedge, nutgrass, tall nutgrass, umbrella sedge, chufa, Earth almond, zula nuts, edible galingale and pale galingale.[1]
This species is native to the West Coast of North America from California to Washington, the Southeastern United States, Jamaica, and South America.[2] [3] [4] It has become naturalized elsewhere in some regions in the northeastern and southeastern U.S., Europe, South Africa, and various oceanic islands (Azores, Canary Islands, Ryukyu Islands, Norfolk Island, Easter Island, etc.).[5] [6] [7] It can become a weed where it is introduced; it has been known to infest rice fields.
It is found in riparian areas, roadsides ditches, damp grasslands, and other moist habitats.[4]
Cyperus eragrostis is an herbaceous perennial growing from rhizomes. It is a green sedge with tall, erect stems, 10cm-90cmcm (00inches-40inchescm) in height. Long, thin, pointed leaves radiate from the top, similar to parasol ribs.
Its flowers are found within tough, rounded, greenish-yellow or beige spikelets. Fruiting is in the summer.[4]