Soliva sessilis
Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- SOL-ih-vuh SES-sil-iss
- This plant is an invasive species in North Carolina
- Description
-
Soliva sessilis, or Lawn Burweed, is one of nine species of the Burweed genus. It is a small, low-growing, herbaceous, broadleaf annual, typically seen in winter, that can be weedy or invasive. It is listed as a noxious weed on the databases of 46 states. It is known for its tiny sharp-needled seeds and small feathery leaves that have the appearance of parsley. The seeds are contained in a pod in the junction of branches. The plant develops a number of creeping stems that produce shoots that, if left alone, will form a low ground cover. If the plant is allowed to mature, and not be removed, it does display small, bright flowers. In some areas of the country, the plants is known as Bindi Patches with the reputation that they cannot be walked on barefoot. This includes dogs and cats, which tend to avoid sites where the weed appears.
You can manually remove the weed by pulling up the root; however, this should be done before seeding. It can also be controlled with herbicides that target broadleaf plants. Aerating the soil also tends to reduce the presence of Lawn Burweed.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- Tags:








- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- Tags:
-
-
Attributes:
- Genus:
- Soliva
- Species:
- sessilis
- Family:
- Asteraceae
- Life Cycle:
- Annual
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Seed
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Peru to Brazil and Southern South America
-
-
Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Annual
- Weed
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Habit/Form:
- Prostrate
- Growth Rate:
- Rapid
- Maintenance:
- Low
- Texture:
- Coarse
- Appendage:
- Prickles
-
-
Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- Sand
- Soil Drainage:
- Occasionally Wet
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 7b, 8a, 8b, 9b, 9a
-
-
Fruit:
- Fruit Type:
- Achene
- Fruit Description:
- The flattened 'seeds' are less than a 1/4 inch with a two-lobed wing along either side and two spines at one end, one of which is especially sharp. The fruit usually mature in spring and summer.
-
-
Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Insignificant
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- Tiny yellow flowers. The flower-heads are roughly hemispherical in shape, and 1/4 inch across when the 'seeds' are mature. The flowering season is mainly during autumn and winter.
-
-
Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Soft
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Opposite
- Leaf Shape:
- Palmatifid
- Leaf Margin:
- Lobed
- Hairs Present:
- Yes
- Leaf Length:
- < 1 inch
- Leaf Width:
- < 1 inch
- Leaf Description:
- Small feathery leaves resembling parsley. The stems are green and softly hairy. The leaves are borne on stalks up to 3/4 inch long and have deeply divided leaf blades. These relatively small leaf blades (3/4 inch long and 1/2 inch wide) are covered in soft hairs (i.e. pilose). The first leaves are arranged in a rosette, while leaves are also alternately arranged along the stems.
-
-
Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
-
-
Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Lawn
- Problems:
- Invasive Species
- Weedy