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Soliva sessilis

Phonetic Spelling
SOL-ih-vuh SES-sil-iss
Description

Lawn burweed, is one of nine species of the Burweed genus in the Asteraceae (daisy) family. It is a small, low, fast-growing, herbaceous, broadleaf annual, typically seen in winter, growing in lawns. It is listed as a noxious weed in several southern states from OR south to CA to FL and north to VA. 

Either full sun or partial shade in stressed, worn, or bare areas of turfgrass is where it grows best reaching height of 2 inches and a spread of 6 inches.  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 that appears in the junction of branches and they can hook onto clothing, shoes or other equipment and travel great distances. The plant develops a number of creeping stems that produce shoots that, if left alone, will form a low ground cover. When the plant matures, it displays small, bright yellow 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. 

Healthy turfgrass is one of its biggest competitors.  Manually remove the weeds by pulling up the plant including the root; however, this should be done before seeding. Because of its prostrate growth habit, it is very difficult to mow it.  Manage with herbicides that target broadleaf plants. Aerating the soil also tends to reduce the presence of lawn burweed.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems. This species is listed as invasive by the NC Invasive Plant Council.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#winter annual weed#high maintenance#fast growing#aggressive#small flowers#annual weed#cool season weed#weed#burrs
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#winter annual weed#high maintenance#fast growing#aggressive#small flowers#annual weed#cool season weed#weed#burrs
  • 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
    Dimensions:
    Height: 0 ft. 1 in. - 0 ft. 2 in.
    Width: 0 ft. 2 in. - 0 ft. 6 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Annual
    Weed
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Prostrate
    Growth Rate:
    Rapid
    Maintenance:
    High
    Texture:
    Fine
  • 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
    Available Space To Plant:
    Less than 12 inches
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
  • 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
    Green
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Head
    Insignificant
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Summer
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    Tiny yellow green disk flowers (no ray flowers) in the leaf axils. The flower-heads are roughly hemispherical in shape, and 1/4 inch across when the 'seeds' are mature. The flowering season is February-July.
  • 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 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 Color:
    Green
    Purple/Lavender
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Surface:
    Hairy (pubescent)
    Stem Description:
    1 to 10 light or dark green stems slighty to very hairy with purple spots
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Lawn
    Problems:
    Weedy