shaggy soldier
Family
AsteraceaeScientific Name
Galinsoga quadriradiata
Other Common Names:
fringed quickweed
hairy galinsoga
Synonyms (former Scientific Names):
Galinsoga aristulata
Galinsoga caracasana
Galinsoga bicolorata
Galinsoga ciliata
Habit
An erect plant reaching heights of 10-70 cm. Hairy galinsoga has a shallow fibrous root system and spreads by seed.
Leaves
Leaves are egg-shaped with 3 prominent veins and toothed margins. They are also covered with dense hairs and are alternate in arrangement.
Identifying Characteristics
Leaves are egg to triangle shaped and are covered with dense hairs.
Flower Seed Head
Floral heads are found in clusters at the ends of branches and are composed of yellow disc florets and white ray florets. Floral heads have several disk florets and 4-5 ray florets with 3 teeth on the terminal end.
Seed Fruit
An achene 4 sided and black in color. Single plant yields can be as high as 7500 seeds; however seeds have no dormancy and last only a few years in the soil.
Where Found
Throughout the United States in several habitats including cultivated crops, landscapes, wastelands, and gardens. Hairy galinsoga can be very hard to control in vegetable crops.
Life Cycle
summer annual
Plant Type
Herb