Alternanthera sessilis (L.) R. Br. ex DC.

Sessile Joyweed

Herb

Annual

Vascular

Sessile Joyweed is an introduced annual or perennial herb in the Amaranth family (Amaranthaceae). It is native to Asia, but is now widespread in Africa, Central and South America. In Alabama it has been found in the southern half of the state. Sessile Joyweed occurs on sand bars, on river banks, in roadside ditches, and in disturbed wetlands. Several stems branched from near the base arise from a tap root. The stems are procumbent or sprawling, green in color, and angled. They often root at the nodes. The stems are pubescent in lines. Leaves are opposite, sessile, glabrous, elliptic to oblanceolate in outline with entire margins. Flowers are produced in sessile, axillary heads. The flowers are surrounded by papery white tepals. The fruit is an utricle. Sessile Joyweed is sometimes used as an aquarium plant, and young shoots and leaves are eaten as a vegetable in Southeast Asia. It is listed as a noxious weed on the USDA Federal Noxious Weed List, and is listed as a Class A Noxious Weed by the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries. A member of the Federal Noxious Weed List (24 May 2006).--A. Diamond

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Not Native FACU (NWPL)

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