Description

The cudweeds (Gnaphalium) are comprised of many different species that are similar in growth habits and control measures. In general, the cudweeds have basal rosettes and the leaves and seedheads are covered in distinct fine, white "wooly" fibers. Some cudweeds only have this hair on the undersides of the leaves, and other cudweeds have this hair on all surfaces. Cudweeds overwinter as small basal rosettes, but in the spring usually grow an upright stem.

Cultural Control

Proper turf management is important for biennial broadleaf weed control. Maintain a dense, actively growing turf through proper mowing, fertilizing, and watering practices. Mow at the proper height for your selected adapted turfgrass. Coring and traffic control reduce compaction and encourage desirable turfgrass competition. It is best to control this biennial broadleaf weed in spring or fall, if actively growing at these times.

Species Data

• GROWTH SEASON / LIFE CYCLE
  • summer annual or winter annual or biennial weed
• GROWTH HABIT
  • upright; rosette
    Figure 1, Figure 2, Figure 3, Figure 4
• LEAFLET NUMBER
  • one
    Figure 5
• LEAF MARGIN
  • smooth
• LEAF HAIRS
  • upper / lower surface
• LEAF / LEAFLET SHAPE
  • oval / egg-shaped / elliptical
    Figure 6
• LEAF WIDTH
  • ¹⁄₂ - 2 inches
    Figure 7
• LEAF VENATION
  • pinnate; leaf venation is hard to see, but leaves usually look like they have been folded or creased
• LEAF ARRANGEMENT
  • whorled or basal rosette
• ROOT TYPE
  • taproot
• FLOWER COLOR
  • flower is tanish white, and produces a white fiber