Threat to Turf and Recreation Areas
Family: Sunflower (Aster)
Other Names: Lawn Burweed, Onehunga Weed, Spurweed
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Photo Credit: Bart and Susan Eisenberg, via University of California, Berkeley Digital Library Project
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Description:
Low-growing winter annual with small yellow flowers and up-turned spine-tipped
flattened seed structures.
Stems: Low growing; to about 2 inches in height. Single plants can spread to 6 inches
in diameter.
Leaves: Very finely divided. Feathery in appearance.
Flowers: Yellow, inconspicuous
Seeds: Small, flattened seed structures terminate in up-turned spine tips that easily
attach to shoes, clothing and animals.
Concern
Carpet burweed, an introduced weed originating from South America, was
discovered by the BC Parks Branch at Ruckle Park, Saltspring Island in 1997.
This is the first confirmed sighting of this winter annual weed in B.C. The weeds
are threatening the destruction of a number of endangered plant species at this
site.
It has become a major nuisance in the United States on golf courses,
athletic fields and in parks and lawns. It is of particular concern on
playfields and other recreational sites due to the production of sharply
pointed spines on the seed structures. These can easily pierce the skin. In the
absence of competition, or on compacted soils, plants will cover the ground
like a “carpet”.
Burweed develops to full maturity very early and very quickly in the spring,
given warm, dry conditions.
What Can You Do?
Prevention to reduce the chance of introduction must be given the
highest priority.
Be Aware! Plants seed out very early in the Spring. Control plants early!
- Learn to identify carpet burweed or take suspect plants to the
Ministry of Agriculture and Lands to confirm identification.
- Take immediate action by pulling, mulching or using herbicides to
prevent plants from setting seed.
- Stay off infested sites to prevent seed attachment and spread.
- Thoroughly clean footwear, clothing, equipment, etc. before leaving
infested areas.
- Do not move infested soil.
- Do not Hesitate. Control infested patches immediately.
For more information contact
the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Lands
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