Bearded nutsedge

Cyperus aristatus

Physical Characteristics

Cyperus aristatus is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. The seeds ripen from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.

Distribution

N. America to S. America. Naturalized in N. Italy[50].

Habitats

Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root Edible Uses: Tuber - raw or cooked[46, 161, 177]. A starchy flavour[61]. Bearded nutsedge is one of several Cyperus species with edible roots. Like other nutsedges (also called flatsedges), the plant produces small underground tubers that can be eaten. These tubers are starchy, firm, and nut-like, often compared to “earth almonds” (best known in Cyperus esculentus, or chufa). They can be eaten raw, but are improved by cooking: Roasting develops a nutty flavor. Boiling softens the texture and reduces any muddy or bitter undertones. The seeds (achenes) of related species are also edible, though less substantial than the tubers. They can be eaten raw or boiled into mush, providing additional calories. Nutritional & Cultural Notes: Nutsedge roots and seeds were historically an important food source for Native Americans, sometimes even cultivated. They provided carbohydrates that could be stored, dried, or ground into meal. Cautions: Because nutsedges often grow in wet or aquatic habitats, they may harbor parasites. Cooking is essential to ensure safety. Textures can be fibrous and somewhat irritating in some species, but tubers and seeds are the most worthwhile parts [2-3].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

Because nutsedges often grow in wet or aquatic habitats, they may harbor parasites. Cooking is essential to ensure safety. Textures can be fibrous and somewhat irritating in some species, but tubers and seeds are the most worthwhile parts [2-3].