Soliva sessilis Ruiz & Pav.

Lawn Burweed; Field Burweed

Herb

Annual

Vascular

Lawn Burweed is an introduced herbaceous annual in the Sunflower family (Asteraceae). It is native to South America. In Alabama it can be found throughout the state. Lawn Burweed grows in lawns, on roadsides, and in fallow fields. It is a low growing winter annual with a tap roots. Stems are from 2-5 inches in length, prostrate to ascending, green in color, and pubescent. The leaves are opposite and 2-3 times pinnately lobed. Flowers are produced in heads. The heads are sessile in the forks of branches or in the axils of leaves. The heads contain 4-8 disc flowers. The flowers are very tiny and yellowish green in color. The fruit is an achene. The achene is brown and flat with broad, sinuate wings. Each achene has a sharp spine-like tooth. Lawn Burweed is a common lawn weed, especially in high traffic areas. The sharp spines easily penetrate the flesh of people walking barefoot, and even cats and dogs will avoid areas where it grows. It can be removed by pulling up plants if the infestation is not severe. A Post-Emergent Herbicides can be used on large areas.--A. Diamond

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Native FACU- (NWPL)

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