Leaves are 5 to 8 mm wide and have a distinct ridge along the midvein. Leaves are produced in groups of 3 from the base of the plant. The leaves of purple nutsedge taper abruptly to a sharp point, unlike the gradual taper of yellow nutsedge leaves. Rhizomes and tubers occur on the same plants. Tubers are oblong, ridged, initially white in color, eventually turning brown or black, and are bitter to the taste.
Purple nutsedge produces chains of tubers that develop along the entire rhizome.
However, the leaves of yellow nutsedge taper to a point gradually whereas those of purple nutsedge taper to a point abruptly. Additionally, the seedhead of yellow nutsedge is yellow in color, while that of purple nusedge is purple. Lastly, the tubers of purple nutsedge are often connected in chains and bitter to the taste, while those of yellow nutsedge are solitary and sweet to the taste.