What is this weed? SW Michigan

Hi, I have a stubborn weed in my blueberry field. I would like to know what it is so I can find better ways of managing it. Maybe there is even a use for it. Does any one recognize this thing? The picture doesn't show it but in the fall it gets a cluster of bulb like formations at the top kind of like a chive/onion. It doesn't smell like anything and is VERY hard to pull out or cut.

The foreground has some dead remains that remind me of bulrush. Is the area frequently wet?
http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Scirpus+microcarpus

Possibly Nutsedge Cyperus esculentus?

http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/pests-and-problems/weeds/yellow-nutsedge.aspx

http://www.eattheweeds.com/cyperus-esculentus-rotundus-for-lunch-2/

Soft rush or common rush (Juncus effusus) native throughout the world in damp locations.

That looks more like it, Mike!

Thanks everyone. From what you all posted I think it's a rush too. It's only in the wet areas of my land. I guess I can use it as an indicator for growing plants that need lots of water. Any other uses you can think of?

"...is VERY hard to pull out or cut"
"Any other uses you can think of"

With the stubborn roots, it will help prevent erosion. I have used rushes as mulch, but I don't have many plants.
There are references of using rushes for baskets. Try cutting it with pruners.

You could use them to make rush lights, an alternative to candles. They are made by soaking the rush in heated animal fats and then hanging them up to dry/harden. I first saw it done on the show Tales from the Green Valley I don't remember what episode it was so here is a you tube link to full playlist

You can also see rush lights being made here.


Not as good as a candle but better than nothing.

Craig Dobbelyu wrote:You could use them to make rush lights, an alternative to candles. They are made by soaking the rush in heated animal fats and then hanging them up to dry/harden. I first saw it done on the show Tales from the Green Valley I don't remember what episode it was so here is a you tube link to full playlist

You can also see rush lights being made here.

Not as good as a candle but better than nothing.

Wow, that is one creative use!

Rushes are also used to aid in tuning bagpipes by taking up space in the bore.....silly rush fact!