Chufa, Cyperus esculentus var. Native nutsedge can be a problem weed in some areas. Chufa is not aggressive like the native nutsedges and will not create problems when other crops are planted after it. Chufa foliage grows 1-3 feet tall and produces small, nut like tubers, which grow under the ground. Wild turkeys and waterfowl relish the tubers.
Turkeys begin scratching out the tubers in the fall, after the tops have turned brown.
In southern areas they will continue using chufa throughout the winter and into the spring. In areas where the ground freezes and snow accumulates, it does not provide a source of food during the winter. Once turkeys begin using chufa, they will visit the field regularly until the tubers are gone or spring green-up provides a more desirable food source. A chufa patch that is being used regularly by turkeys look like a herd of hogs has been rooting in the field or takes on the appearance of craters on the moon. The tubers are high in carbohydrates and protein.