The name of this species is sometimes spelled Cyperus setigerus[]

Common Name:

General Information

Cyperus setiger is a perennial, grass-like plant growing from a rhizomatous rootstock; it can grow around 50 - 100cm tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and source of materials.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

Central to southern N. America - Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas.

Habitat

Bottomlands and sandy swamps[]. Stream or pond banks in low areas[]. Ditches, croplands; at elevations from 100 - 1,000 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	1.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Prefers a moist sandy loam in a sunny position[, ].

Edible Uses

Tuber - raw or cooked[].

We have no specific information for this species, but it is said that the inner base of the young stems of all species in this genus can be eaten raw, and make an excellent survival food in times of need[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The leaves are used in basketry and for weaving hats, matting etc[].

Propagation

Seed - surface sow in the spring and keep the compost moist[]. The seed usually germinates in 2 - 6 weeks at 18°c[]. 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. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.