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Soliva, Genus, sessilis, Species,
- Genus & species
common soliva
SunFull Sun – Part Shade
Overview
Soliva sessilis is a low, spreading winter annual in the daisy family, native to South America and widely naturalized in North America as a lawn and turf weed. It forms flat rosettes and trailing stems 1-4 inches (2.5-10 cm) high and 4-12 inches (10-30 cm) across, hugging the ground. The leaves are finely divided into narrow segments, giving a soft, parsley-like or fern-like look. From late winter into spring it produces small, stalkless green flower heads tucked in the leaf axils; the heads have no showy petals and are easy to overlook. As the seeds ripen, each fruit develops a sharp, stiff spine, and the clustered burs become painful to bare feet, pets, and hands, which is the plant's main significance in lawns and play areas. S. sessilis grows in thin or compacted turf, sandy soil, paths, and disturbed open ground, completing its life cycle in the cool season and dying as temperatures rise. It tolerates mowing by flowering and fruiting below the blade height. The plant self-seeds heavily, returning each fall from seed, and forms dense low patches in worn lawns.
Native Range
Soliva sessilis is native to temperate South America, including Argentina and Chile. It has naturalized widely in North America, Australia, and parts of Europe, where it grows in lawns, turf, sandy soils, paths, and disturbed open ground.Suggested Uses
Soliva sessilis is not planted intentionally and is managed as a weed of lawns, turf, and play areas. Where it appears, dense turf and timely control limit its spread. The plant is known mainly for the sharp burs it produces in worn grass.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1" - 4"
Width/Spread4" - 1'
Bloom Information
Inconspicuous green flower heads form from late winter into spring, tucked against the stems in the leaf axils without showy petals. The heads are wind- and self-pollinated. The spine-tipped seeds ripen soon after and harden as the plant matures.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Drought Tolerance
Drought tolerant when established