Purple nutsedge collections from 13 states within the continental Unit
ed States and from 21 other locations around the world were studied to
compare their reproduction and morphological characteristics. Differe
nces occurred in the number of shoots produced from single tubers, the
number of leaves per shoot, and the length and width of leaves. Diffe
rences were also found with respect to flowering, length of culms supp
orting the inflorescences, and number, length, and width of involucral
bracts at the apex of the culms. Variations occurred in the flower pa
rts, including the number and length of rachises and the length of rac
hillae and spikelets. There were differences in the growth patterns of
the leaves, with some collections having leaves mostly erect and othe
rs having leaves Lie more closely to the ground. The color of the leav
es varied between light and dark green, and the color of the infloresc
ence varied between Light and dark purplish-brown. Greater variation w
as found among plants from different locations around the world than f
rom within the continental United States.