What’s the Difference between Nutsedge and Crabgrass? Nutsedge plants like yellow nutsedge or purple nutsedge are perennial flowering plants that tend to thrive in moist soils. Conversely, crabgrass is an annual grassy weed that will grow in compacted soil where lawn grasses struggle. Both types of plants differ in the way they spread too. Nutsedge spreads via underground tubers and seeds.

Crabgrass has a rough, short stem while nutsedge has a smooth, long stem. Nutsedge produces flowers. Nutsedge leaves are grouped in bunches of 3 while crabgrass spreads out in a “wheel” or “star” pattern. Crabgrass grows laterally along the ground.