Origin:
Native to the southeastern United States, and found from Texas to Florida to Maryland, as well as in Oregon and Puerto Rico.
Biology:
A perennial weed that reproduces by seeds, but aggressively sends out rhizomes that rapidly spread the plants. A common turf weed as well as a problem in other moist, sandy soils in many habitats.
Identification:
Similar in habits and appearance to Asiatic pennywort, but the leaves of Erect pennywort are more spade-shaped than rounded, the margins are only slightly wavy, and the upper and lower surfaces are covered with short, soft hairs. The margins are usually distinctly red, and there is a short petiole. Flowers occur in small clusters from the leaf axils, and they are inconspicuous white flowers that live only a short time.
Characteristicts Important to Control:
When it occurs in turf a systemic broadleaf herbicide will be effective.
