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The Western Australian Herbarium’s collections management system and census were set to read-only mode on 1 October 2025. Taxonomic updates published since this time are not being reflected in Florabase, herbarium collections, or Western Australia’s taxonomic names census (Nomos). Conservation listings displayed on Florabase may also be out of date. Please refer to DBCA’s Threatened species and communities webpage for the most recent Threatened and Priority Flora List, noting that recent taxonomic updates are similarly not included. Our database migration is moving to a staging phase. We thank you for your patience as we ensure the integrity of our biodiversity data, develop new workflows, and train staff to use the new systems. Please reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns.

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Cyperus eragrostis Lam.
Umbrella Sedge

Reference
Tabl.Encycl. 1:146 (1791)
Conservation Code
Not threatened
Naturalised Status
Alien to Western Australia
Name Status
Current

Robust, tufted perennial, grass-like or herb (sedge), ca 1.4 m high. Fl. green, Oct to Dec or Jan or Jun to Jul. Irrigated pastures, swamps.

Grazyna Paczkowska, Descriptive Catalogue, 4 November 1993

Distribution

IBRA Regions
Avon Wheatbelt, Esperance Plains, Jarrah Forest, Swan Coastal Plain, Warren.
IBRA Subregions
Fitzgerald, Katanning, Northern Jarrah Forest, Perth, Southern Jarrah Forest, Warren.
Local Government Areas (LGAs)
Augusta Margaret River, Busselton, Capel, Dardanup, Gosnells, Harvey, Jerramungup, Kalamunda, Melville, Northam, Stirling, Waroona.

Management Notes (for the Swan NRM Region)

Alternative Names. Tall Flatsedge, Golden Nutsedge, Nutgrass, Earth Almond, Pale Galingale, Drain Flat Sedge.

General Biology. Growth form. Sedge. Life form. Perennial. Reproduction. Primarily seed, also rhizomes. Dispersal. Soil, water, occasionally animals (by adhesion).

Notes. Weed of irrigated crops, gardens, lawns and disturbed wetlands. Can obstruct irrigation channels and drains. Small seed is mainly spread by water, and may also be transported by animals. Hardy once established.

Additional information. Origin. South America.

Suggested method of management and control. Hand remove small/isolated infestations ensuring removal of all rhizomes. Otherwise try 1% glyphosate + Pulse®. Read the manufacturers' labels and material safety data sheets before using herbicides. For further information consult the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority to determine the status of permits for your situation or state.

Management Calendar

Calendar Type Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Comments
Germination         U U              
Active Growth       O Y Y Y            
Flowering           Y Y            
Fruiting             Y Y          
Manual Removal Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y  
Herbicide Treatment         Y Y              

Legend: Y = Yes, regularly, O = Occasionally, U = Uncertain, referred by others but not confirmed.

 

References

  • Brown, K. & Brooks, K. (2002) Bushland Weeds: A Practical Guide to their Management. Environmental Weeds Action Network, Greenwood.
  • Hussey, B.M.J., Keighery, G.J., Dodd, J., Lloyd, S.G. & Cousens, R.D. (2007) Western Weeds. A guide to the weeds of Western Australia. 2nd Edition. The Plant Protection Society of Western Australia, Victoria Park.
  • Manningham City Council (2006) Weed Identification Booklet. Manningham City Council, Doncaster, Victoria. URL: http://www.manningham.vic.gov.au/maccwr/_assets/main/lib90021/02%20-%20pdf%20files/weed%20id%20booklet.pdf.
  • Moore, C.B. & Moore, J.H. (2002) Herbiguide, the pesticide expert on a disk. Herbiguide, PO Box 44 Albany, Western Australia, 6330.
  • Nazer, C., Bodulovic, Z. & Somervaille, A. (1999) Evaluation of alternative methods of weed control in municipal areas. In 12th Australian Weeds Conference - weed management into the 21st Century: do we know where we're going? Eds, A.C Bishop, M. Boersma, and C.D. Barnes. Tasmanian Weed Society Inc.