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Short-point Flatsedge

Cyperus acuminatus

Last reviewed: August 2026

Short-point Flatsedge (Cyperus acuminatus)
Photo: Robert H. Mohlenbrock / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Toxicity unknown

Short-point Flatsedge (Cyperus acuminatus) 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.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Short-point Flatsedge as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

4"–16" H × 2"–6" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, CA and 26 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 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central California Foothills and Coastal MountainsCentral California ValleyNorthwestern Forested MountainsArizona/New Mexico MountainsChihuahuan DesertsHigh PlainsSouthwestern TablelandsCentral Great PlainsGreat PlainsCross TimbersEdwards PlateauTexas Blackland PrairiesEast Central Texas PlainsWestern Gulf Coastal PlainSouth Central PlainsOzark HighlandsCentral Irregular PlainsNorthwestern Great PlainsNorthern Glaciated PlainsWestern Corn Belt PlainsCentral Corn Belt PlainsSoutheastern PlainsInterior River Valleys and HillsMississippi Alluvial PlainMississippi Valley Loess PlainsMadrean ArchipelagoSonoran Basin and RangeSouthern California/Northern Baja Coast

Tapered flatsedge is a small native annual sedge that forms compact clumps with narrow, grass-like foliage. It produces small brownish flower clusters from summer through early fall and thrives in sunny locations with moderate moisture.

In an HOA neighborhood

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

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Very small stature makes it nearly invisible in landscaping
  • Annual nature means gaps and bare spots each spring
  • Grass-like appearance easily mistaken for weeds

Wildlife value

This sedge provides seeds for small birds and supports various insects with its foliage and flowers. Its compact growth makes it valuable habitat for ground-dwelling beneficial insects.

Common questions

How much sun does Short-point Flatsedge need?
Short-point Flatsedge grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Short-point Flatsedge bloom?
Short-point Flatsedge blooms in June, July, August, and September.
Where is Short-point Flatsedge native?
Short-point Flatsedge (Cyperus acuminatus) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CA and 26 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Short-point Flatsedge toxic to livestock?
The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Short-point Flatsedge as toxic to livestock.
Is Short-point Flatsedge HOA-friendly?
Short-point 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.

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

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