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Cyperus fendlerianus - Boeckl.

Common Name Fendler's Flatsedge
Family Cyperaceae
USDA hardiness 5-9
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Clearings in montane forests at elevations of 500 - 1800 metres[270].
Range Southwestern N. America - Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Wyoming and Mexico.
Edibility Rating    (2 of 5)
Other Uses    (2 of 5)
Weed Potential Yes
Medicinal Rating    (0 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Moist Soil Wet Soil Full sun
Cyperus fendlerianus Fendler


Cyperus fendlerianus Fendler

 

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Summary

Fendler’s flatsedge is a lesser-known but edible species whose roots were historically used as food. It occurs mainly in western North America and shares many culinary traits with other nutsedges.


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Cyperus fendlerianus is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.7 m (2ft 4in) at a fast rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. The seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind.
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.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Homotypic Synonyms: Chlorocyperus fendlerianus (Boeckeler) Palla. Mariscus fendlerianus (Boeckeler) T.Koyama.

Plant Habitats

 Bog Garden; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root
Edible Uses:

Roots are edible and moderately nutritious [2-3]. Edible Uses & Rating: Rated moderate; worthwhile when abundant but rarely cultivated [2-3]. Taste, Processing & Kitchen Notes: Roots are starchy with mild flavors reminiscent of potatoes. Roasting improves aroma, while boiling softens texture [2-3]. Seasonality (Phenology): Root reserves are highest from late summer into autumn [2-3]. Safety & Cautions (Food Use): Cook thoroughly when harvested from wet soils. Harvest & Processing Workflow: Dig carefully to avoid breaking the small tubers. Wash and cook promptly [2-3]. Cultivar/Selection Notes: No cultivated forms. Look-Alikes & Confusion Risks: May resemble other nut sedge species; confirm root structure before harvesting [2-3]. Traditional/Indigenous Use Summary: Roots were gathered by Native Americans, indicating dependable food value [2-3]. Tuber - raw or cooked[85]. They are usually peeled[257].

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


None known

References   More on Medicinal Uses

Other Uses

Weaving

The leaves are used for weaving hats, matting etc. Supports wetland biodiversity. Restoration projects.

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

A respectable but underappreciated edible sedge. Growing Conditions: Prefers moist meadows and seasonal wetlands. Habitat & Range: Western United States, especially interior regions. Size & Landscape Performance: Forms modest colonies without overwhelming plantings. Cultivation (Horticulture): Rare outside restoration projects. Pests & Problems: Generally trouble-free. Identification & Habit: Grass-like with triangular stems and clustered spikelets. Pollinators: Wind-pollinated; seeds attract birds. Plant Name: Fendler’s Flatsedge. Family: Cyperaceae. Genus: Cyperus. Common Names: Fendler’s nutgrass. USDA Hardiness Zones: Approximately 5–9. Height/Spread: 20–70 cm tall.

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:

Fahrenheit:

Plant Propagation

Seed - surface sow in the spring and keep the compost moist[164]. The seed usually germinates in 2 - 6 weeks at 18°c[164]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle. Grow on for their first winter in a greenhouse and plant them out in late spring after the last expected frosts. Division in spring or autumn. This is more a matter of harvesting the tubers and replanting them. If this is done in the autumn, then it is best to store the tubers in a cool frost-free place overwinter and plant them out in the spring.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Fendler’s nutgrass. Homotypic Synonyms: Chlorocyperus fendlerianus (Boeckeler) Palla. Mariscus fendlerianus (Boeckeler) T.Koyama.

Native Range

NORTHERN AMERICA: United States (Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico, Texas, Arizona), Mexico (Baja California (Norte), Chihuahua, Coahuila de Zaragoza, Durango, Nuevo León, Sonora, Tamaulipas, México)

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it's worth checking.

Moderate but manageable.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

IUCN Red List

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Cyperus aristatusBearded nutsedgePerennial0.5 6-10  LMNMWe202
Cyperus articulatusJointed flatsedge, Priprioca, PiripiriPerennial1.8 10-12 FLMHNMWeWa142
Cyperus cephalotesBhada, Flat Sedges, Nut Sedges or Umbrella Sedge.Perennial0.3 10-12 FLMHNWeWa012
Cyperus distansSlender Cyperus, Piedmont flatsedgePerennial0.5 0-0  LMNMWe112
Cyperus erythrorhizosRedroot FlatsedgeAnnual0.8 4-10 FLMHSNMWe202
Cyperus esculentusTiger Nut, Yellow nutsedge, Nut GrassPerennial0.9 5-10 FLMHNMWe423
Cyperus giganteusPiripiri, Mexican PapyrusPerennial1.5 9-11 FLMHNWeWa023
Cyperus longusGalingalePerennial1.2 6-9 FLMHNMWeWa213
Cyperus odoratusFragrant or rusty flatsedgeAnnual/Perennial0.8 6-10 FLMHNMWe332
Cyperus papyrusPapyrus. Papyrus sedgePerennial5.0 9-12 FLMHNWeWa222
Cyperus rotundusPurple NutsedgePerennial0.6 7-11  LMNMWe332
Cyperus schweinitziiFlatsedge, Schweinitz's flatsedgePerennial0.8 0-0  LMNMWe202
Cyperus setigerusLean flatsedgePerennial1.0 0-0  LMNMWe202
Cyperus tegetiformis Perennial0.0 -  LMNMWe002
Cyperus textilisFlat sedge, Basket grass,Perennial1.5 9-12 FLMHFSNMWeWa004
Cyperus ustulatus Perennial1.2 -  LMNMWe002

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Expert comment

Author

Boeckl.

Botanical References

270

Links / References

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Subject : Cyperus fendlerianus  
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