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Eclipta, False Daisy

Eclipta prostrata L.

Asteraceae (Sunflower Family)

▲▼ young plants with leaves and stems

▲▼ young plants

▲ mature plant

▲ ▼ flowers and fruit

▲ ▼ flowers and fruit

▲ flowers and fruit

▲ mature plant growing in regularly-mowed lawn

 

 

Eclipta prostrata (L.) L., Eclipta:  (Bayer Code:  ECLAL; US Code ECPR)

·         A summer annual weed native to south, central and north America that grows 3-36 inches tall, with equal or wider spread

·         Has opposite, linear to lanceolate, dark-green leaves with wide-spaced teeth on margins, and a much-branched growth habit

·         Leaves and stems turn black when injured, cut—sap is used in some cultures as a blue dye for tatoos

·         Can tolerate regular mowing and be found in lawns and sports turf

·         Flower head inflorescences are about 0.5 inch diameter in leaf axils, and are flat, about ½ inch across, with two rows of short white ray flowers and greenish-white or green disk flowers

·         Prefers moist soils, full sun—found in horticultural crops, gardens, lawns, riparian areas, non-crop areas, disturbed sites

·         Can spread very easily and rapidly—is found worldwide

 

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