Horseherb

Calyptocarpus vialis

cal-ip-toe-CARP-us vie-AL-us

Asteraceae

Native to:  Southeastern U.S. to Central America.

Florida abundance and distribution:  Throughout Florida, but more common in the southern part.

Recognition:  The small opposite broad leaves have toothed margins and conspicuous veins.  Stems grow along the ground, rooting at nodes.  Bright yellow flower heads are only a quarter inch across.

Potentially confusion species:  More likely to be overlooked than misidentified. Flower heads are much smaller and the plant more prostrate than in spotflower (Acmella oppositifolia) or coatflower (Tridax procumbens).

Other:  Although straggler daisy usually occurs as weedy patches scattered in lawns and neglected beds, it can be cultivated to make an attractive fine-scale groundcover.

Contributed by:  David Black, Ph.D.