Carpet Burweed (Soliva Sessilis) | Fraser Valley Invasive Species ...

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Carpet Burweed

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• Current: Carpet Burweed

Carpet Burweed

(Soliva sessilis)

Priority: - Prevent / EDRR

Tags: Terrestrial

Identification and Reproduction

Identification:

• Carpet burweed, is also known as lawn burrweed, it is a low-growing annual plant.
• Forms a rosette with stems arranged in a sprawling pattern. Measures about 3-5 cm wide and 7 cm tall.
• Individual plants have at most 10 hairy stems growing from the base.
• Leaves are small, feathery and carrot or fern-like.

• This plant is covered in flat seeds that have stiff hairs and are spined.

Reproduction:

• It reproduces by seed.
• Up to 100 seeds per plant in a growing season.
• Bur-like seeds easily attach to fur and clothing.

Habitat & Ecology

• Carpet burweed is commonly invading exposed grasslands, pastures and recently disturbed sites.
• It is also regarded as a common lawn weed, negatively impacting lawns, parks, playing fields and golf courses.

Impacts

Social:

• Dead or alive, this plant poses a serious problem.
• If found on lawn will pose as a hazard for pets and humans because of its thorny nature.

Ecological:

• Once introduced, carpet burweed quickly spreads and forms a dense "carpet".
• These dense mats prevent the growth of native species.
• It has a competitive advantage over native vegetation as it flowers and seeds very early in the spring.
• When it dies off in the summer it leaves patches of bare soil, allowing germination of its own seeds.

Management

Prevention is a high priority for this species.

• Early detection and eradication is the best control measures for this plant.
• Learn to identify this plant and report sightings.
• Identified infestations should be fenced off to limit accidental spread of seeds.
• Clean and remove any seeds that may attach to clothing, shoes, equipment and pets when leaving an infested site.
• Refrain from moving unknown soil and plant matter.
• Maintain healthy and tall turf grass to prevent establishment of carpet burweed.

Mechanical/Manual Control:

• Small infestations can be hand pulled. Ensure removal is done before seed set to prevent further dispersal of seeds.
• Plants should not be composted but bagged and thrown in the garbage.

Resources

Download the factsheet from Garry Oak and Associated Ecosystems in British Columbia on Soliva sessilis: carpet burweed here.

For more details check out the Invasive Species Compendium datasheet on Soliva sessilis.

Header photo (Harry Rose).

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