Origin:
Native to North America, and found throughout the eastern half of the U.S. and Canada, and west to Texas and possibly Arizona.
Biology:
A perennial weed reproducing from seeds. The plant is almost vine-like in its growth, with its thin stems rapidly growing over the top of other foliage. Usually found in moist habitats in ditches, marshes, or along roadsides.
Identification:
Stems are extremely long and thin, with sparse foliage and many branches. Along the stems there are angles, with downward-pointing, rough hairs at these locations. The leaves are whorled, with 4 to 6 long, thin leaves at each node. The tiny white flowers occur in small clusters at the tips of the stems.
Characteristicts Important to Control:
Preventive control in turf or landscape with pre-emergent herbicides, and post-emergent control in turf with a selective broadleaf herbicide.
