The stems are 3-sided and triangular in cross section and the leaves are yellow to green in color with a distinct ridge. Found throughout the southeastern United States as a common weed of agronomic and horticultural crops, nurseries, turfgrass, and landscapes. Leaves do not have ligules or auricles and have a distinct ridge along the midvein, but are nevertheless often mistaken for grasses. Erect, unbranched, and 3-sided and triangular in cross section.
Stems are usually solitary and produce terminal spikelets.
Dark green in color and have a distinctly shiny appearance. 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.