http://www.nwtf.org/nwtf_newsroom/nftr_articles.html?id=10036

States are becoming increasingly concerned about non-native species of plants overwhelming their habitat in a similar way that kudzu, a fast-spreading exotic vine, has done in the South. In a decision that could make many hunters and wildlife enthusiasts unhappy, Michigan recently toughened a law that bans planting any species considered invasive.

"Most hunter favorites such as clover, rye grass and wheat are considered legal, but chufa has been banned in Michigan because of its similarity to yellow nutsedge, also known as nut grass. California also has strict laws regulating the introduction of plant species, but has not banned chufa.

Some people are concerned that if two similar plants like chufa and yellow nutsedge could cross-pollinate, the hybrid could possibly become an invasive plant that could spread rapidly and outcompete native plant species.

Dr. Andrew Dyer, a plant ecologist who specializes in invasive species and is heading the study, doesn't believe that will be the case with chufa and nutsedge.

"To do so (cross-pollinate) they would both have to flower at the same time, and chufa almost never flowers," Dyer said. "In two years of research, I have had only one chufa plant to flower out of hundreds."

According to Dyer, the chance of chufa crossing with yellow nutsedge is extremely remote because chufa has been altered to be an agricultural crop plant similar to how corn was cultivated from a once-wild plant.

Tom Hughes, NWTF biologist, said that chufa has major differences from yellow nutsedge. Yellow nutsedge's tubers grow deep and spread out to populate more areas, while chufa doesn't spread in the same way, limiting unwanted growth or expansion.

"Both plants are the same species, but just like the wild turkey, they have subspecies that are very different," Hughes said. "Chufa can grow over a couple of years in warmer climates, but it typically must be reseeded every year."
In northern climates, chufa tubers freeze over the winter, which makes the tubers turn to mush during the spring thaw.

Dyer has not had the opportunity to study every subspecies of chufa and will not claim that there is no chance that chufa and nutsedge will cross, but he does feel that the chance is extremely low. Low enough that Dyer sent a letter to the Michigan Department of Agriculture explaining his views that chufa should not be banned.

"Chufa is a non-invasive plant that is great for attracting and feeding wildlife," Hughes said. "Deer and turkeys will go out of their way to get the tubers, and flooded chufa fields will bring ducks in large numbers."

Turkey Gold® Chufa is available through the NWTF. For information on the benefits of chufa, or to make a purchase contact Greg Boozer at 1-800-THE NWTF or email him at [email protected].