Nut grass actually comes in two different species being yellow nutsedge and purple nutsedge. This plant is very difficult to control. It reproduces in three different ways and does it quickly during the growing season.

Nut grass has a purple coloring in the top few layers of leaves at the leaf base. The color then fades to white in straight layers. This color can be seen by removing a plant and stripping the top few layers of leaves from the base.

Young nut grass leaves tend to be a darker green and the flower heads a darker red / purplish in color.

Nut grass is highly competitive with cotton, and heavy infestations are able to completely suppress cotton production. It is a difficult weed to manage, but can be controlled with premeditated gardening and glyphosate applications.