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Globe Flatsedge

Cyperus echinatus

Last reviewed: August 2026

Globe Flatsedge (Cyperus echinatus)
Photo: (c) Michael J. Papay, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Michael J. Papay

Toxicity unknown

Globe Flatsedge (Cyperus echinatus) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

6"–24" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AR, DE, FL and 23 more states

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Great PlainsGreat PlainsCross TimbersEdwards PlateauTexas Blackland PrairiesEast Central Texas PlainsWestern Gulf Coastal PlainSouth Central PlainsEastern Temperate ForestsOzark HighlandsCentral Irregular PlainsPiedmontWestern Corn Belt PlainsNortheastern Coastal ZoneMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsBlue RidgeRidge and ValleyWestern Allegheny PlateauInterior PlateauInterior River Valleys and HillsMississippi Alluvial PlainMississippi Valley Loess PlainsSouthern Coastal PlainAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Cyperus echinatus is a small annual sedge with grass-like foliage and distinctive spiky seed heads that appear in summer. This compact plant grows in clumps and produces umbrella-like clusters of brown flowers that mature into ornamental seed heads.

In an HOA neighborhood

Globe Flatsedge takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Grass-like appearance may be mistaken for weeds
  • Annual nature means gaps will appear when plants die
  • Spiky seed heads can look unkempt to traditional gardeners

Wildlife value

The seed heads provide food for small birds and the plant may attract some beneficial insects during its flowering period.

Common questions

How much sun does Globe Flatsedge need?
Globe Flatsedge grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Globe Flatsedge bloom?
Globe Flatsedge blooms in July, August, and September.
Where is Globe Flatsedge native?
Globe Flatsedge (Cyperus echinatus) is native to AL, AR, DE, FL and 23 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Globe Flatsedge HOA-friendly?
Globe Flatsedge takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Globe Flatsedge? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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