Heres how to identify a new weed cropping up in the South.
Calledskyseed, or Chevreuls sharp lawn weed, this winter perennial was discovered in Alabama in 2012.
Since then, its been found in many places in Alabama and Georgia, including the metro Atlanta area.
Credit:Wayne Barger, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bugwood.org
However, scientists are concerned that this is just the beginning.
Uncontrolled, skyseed (Chevreulia acuminata) forms a low-growing mat that can predominate the turfgrass.
The risk is that we dont know enough about this weed to predict its impact.
Credit:Clint Waltz, PhD, UGA
Getting it early is prudent."
“Get on your hands and knees and look at it up close,” says Waltz.
“Look for the true signs so you get a good ID.”
Credit:Wayne Barger, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bugwood.org
Skyseed appears in many places, including well-maintained lawns of bermudagrass, Centipedegrass, St. Augustinegrass, and zoysiagrass.
Its believed to be from the Asteraceae family, the same family as sunflowers, says Waltz.
The plant creeps along the surface of the ground and has leaves that are hairy on the lower surfaces.
Like dandelions, the seeds are attached to bristles that help them disperse on the wind.
