Cobblers pegs - Bidens pilosa

Origin

Behaviour


Description


Dispersal


Removal



Follow-up

Native to tropical America    

This is a major weed of vegetables and other crops; it is common in pastures, plantations, along roadsides and on wasteland.  It can form a dense ground cover that prevents regeneration of other species. It likes full sun.

The plants are a characteristic dark green colour and  have toothed edges. The flowers are white and yellow (this weed belongs to the daisy family).

Black seeds grow in clusters, about 1cm long. It can flower and seed at any time of the year.
The seeds have hooks that are very effective in sticking to animal fur and clothes.

By hand: If there are seeds on the plant remove and bag them before removing the plant. Dispose of these off site.
Grasp the base of the plant firmly and pull out by the roots. If the stem snaps make sure you dig the root out as a new plant can grow from the remaining root.

Essential due to prolific reproduction