Field burweed (Soliva sessilis, Fl. Peruv. Prodr.: 113 (1794))

Family: Asteraceae

Author: Ruiz & Pav.

Bibliography: Fl. Peruv. Prodr.: 113 (1794)

Year: 1794

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Soliva

Vegetable: False

Observations: Peru to Brazil and S. South America

Description

Field burweed, scientifically known as Soliva sessilis, is a plant species that belongs to the family Asteraceae. This plant is noted for its spiny burs and is often found in open, disturbed areas where it can become a problematic weed. Commonly recognized for its low-growing habit, Field burweed can form dense mats on the ground, making it difficult to eradicate once established.

Originally described in the “Flora Peruviana, et Chilensis Prodromus” by Ruiz and Pavón in 1794, Soliva sessilis boasts a historical botanical significance. True to its origins as outlined in its early description, this species is indigenous to a vast range encompassing areas from Peru to Brazil and reaching into southern parts of South America. Its prevalence in these regions underscores its adaptability to various climatic conditions and soil types.

Field burweed is typically characterized by its small, pinnately divided leaves and inconspicuous flowers, which later develop into its notorious spiny burs. These burs easily attach to clothing or animal fur, facilitating the plant’s spread far beyond its original growth site. While not typically grown for ornamental purposes, Soliva sessilis is often studied for its invasive tendencies and its interaction with local ecosystems.

Given its widespread occurrence and its potential to invade lawns, parks, and agricultural lands, Field burweed remains a subject of interest for botanists and ecologists alike. Efforts to control its spread involve both mechanical removal and, in some cases, chemical treatments, making it a key focus of weed management programs in the regions it inhabits.

In conclusion, Field burweed (Soliva sessilis) is a resilient species from the Asteraceae family, known for its invasive nature and widespread distribution across regions from Peru to southern South America. Despite its troublesome characteristics, it continues to pique the curiosity of the scientific community, highlighting the dynamic interplay between plant species and their environments.

Common Names

Eng: field burrweed, onehunga-weed, field burweed, jo-jo, jojoweed, lawn burweed, lawnweed, stalkless soliva, carpet burrweed, common soliva, lawn burrweed, onehunga weed, prickly soliva
Por: espinho-de-cachorro, roseta
Nld: naaldzaadbloem
Fra: soliva sessile
Swe: spjutkotula
En: Field burweed, Lawn burweed, Lawnweed, Jo-jo, Jojoweed, Onehunga-weed, Stalkless soliva, Field burrweed, Field soliva, Carpet burrweed, Common soliva, Lawn burrweed, Onehunga weed, Prickly soliva
Nl: Naaldzaadbloem
Fr: Spurweed, Soliva sessile
Pt: Espinho-de-cachorro, Roseta
Sv: Spjutkotula

Synonyms

• Gymnostyles chilensis (Spreng.)
• Soliva valdiviana (Phil.)
• Gymnostyles barcklayana (Steud.)
• Soliva neglecta (Cabrera)
• Soliva microloma (Phil.)
• Soliva sessilis var. barclayana ((DC.) Baker)
• Gymnostyles alata (Spreng.)
• Soliva barclayana (DC.)
• Soliva alata (DC.)
• Soliva pterosperma ((Juss.) Less.)
• Gymnostyles pterosperma (Juss.)
• Soliva daucifolia (Nutt.)
• Cotula sessilis ((Ruiz & Pav.) Stace)

Distribution

• Argentina Northeast (native)
• Argentina Northwest (native)
• Argentina South (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil South (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Chile Central (native)
• Chile South (native)
• Paraguay (native)
• Peru (native)
• Uruguay (native)
• Alabama (introduced)
• Arkansas (introduced)
• Azores (introduced)
• Belgium (introduced)
• British Columbia (introduced)
• California (introduced)
• Cape Provinces (introduced)
• Florida (introduced)
• France (introduced)
• Georgia (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• Italy (introduced)
• Louisiana (introduced)
• Mississippi (introduced)
• New South Wales (introduced)
• Norfolk Is. (introduced)
• North Carolina (introduced)
• Oklahoma (introduced)
• Oregon (introduced)
• Portugal (introduced)
• Queensland (introduced)
• South Australia (introduced)
• South Carolina (introduced)
• Spain (introduced)
• Taiwan (introduced)
• Tasmania (introduced)
• Texas (introduced)
• Victoria (introduced)
• Virginia (introduced)
• Washington (introduced)
• Western Australia (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jan 10, 2022 by sinape Ale (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 25, 2021 by Matheus Protzen (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 30, 2021 by Meilan Higgins (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 10, 2022 by sinape Ale (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 18, 2021 by Josh Mitchell (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Mar 1, 2022 by Eli Small (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Mar 1, 2022 by Eli Small (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 1, 2022 by Eli Small (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 1, 2022 by Eli Small (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 30, 2022 by Gabrielle Braz de Moura Cavalcanti de Brito (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 18, 2022 by esat ORNON (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Sep 11, 2022 by Gonçalves da Cunha Lucas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 11, 2022 by Gonçalves da Cunha Lucas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 15, 2022 by Annette Neeley (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 10, 2022 by sinape Ale (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3092691)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:330243-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Soliva sessilis Ruiz & Pav.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth