Straggler daisy - Calyptocarpus vialis (Taxonomy, Characteristics, Symbolism, Images, Control)

Straggler daisy

Also known as: Lawnflower, Prostrate lawnflower

The straggler daisy is a low-growing ground cover plant that tolerates shade and can withstand moderate foot traffic. The straggler daisy blooms for the entire spring, summer, and well into fall. In frost-free areas, year-round blooming is possible and the flowers of this plant are a sunny yellow color.

Scientific classification

Species

Straggler daisy (Calyptocarpus vialis)

Asters bellflowers fanflowers and allies

Instantly identify plants with a snap

Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.

Download the App for Free

Weeds

Weed or not

Perennial, Annual, Biennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Late spring, Summer, Fall, Early winter

Bloom Time

15 cm to 30 cm

Plant Height

15 cm to 30 cm

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

4 mm to 8 mm

Flower Size

Brown, Green

Fruit Color

Semi-evergreen

Leaf type

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Straggler daisy

Distribution of Straggler daisy

Distribution Map

Straggler daisy is a plant species native to regions in the Americas where warm climates prevail. It has expanded from its origin to areas within Asia, Africa, and South America, where it is now regarded as introduced. The spread of straggler daisy to these new territories demonstrates its adaptative prowess to a variety of warm climates beyond its original range.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

Discover plant distribution and habitat

Gain insights into where plants thrive and how they adapt, helping you identify, cultivate, and protect them with essential information on habitats, distribution maps, and climate trends.

Download the App for Free

Habitat

Lawns, along other disturbed areas, roadsides, paths

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

Straggler daisy is valued as groundcover in shady gardens. This species is tolerant to foot traffic and mowing and is considered a hardy species in landscaping settings. It produces blooms between the spring and summer seasons that often attract butterflies.

Symbolism

Loyal love, Gentleness, Innocence

Name Story

Straggler daisy: This kind of plant is classified as invasive weeds in many places. It spreads easily and tends to invade the territory of other plants. Since the yellow flowers look like daisies, they have become of the favorites for the butterflies. Considering its tendency to spread to other territories, it is called straggler daisy.

Get quick plant knowledge with a snap

Snap a photo for instant plant identification and learn about its name, symbolism, interesting facts, uses, and more.

Download the App for Free

Weed Control

Straggler daisy is considered a weed in the southern coastal U.S., along with the Caribbean and Venezuela. Its habitats include lawns, meadows and woodlands. It is sometimes used as ground cover or a substitute for a lawn, particularly in shady areas where grass has trouble growing. It attracts butterflies as a nectar source. However, because it may expand by runners and roots from the stems, it can become invasive in gardens and crowd out other plants. It can be mowed to cut back overgrowth, and removal techniques include cutting them off with a hoe or laying down mulch to stop seed growth.

How to Control It

The best season for the removal of straggler daisy is spring, before the plant has started its rapid growth and reproducing. Here are a few methods to control or remove this plant:

Hand Pulling: Put on a pair of gloves and make sure the soil is moist. Grasp the base of straggler daisy near the ground level and pull slowly but firmly. Make sure to remove the root system completely from the ground.
Solarization: Cover the area where straggler daisy grows with a clear plastic sheet in the hotter months. Secure the edges with rocks or soil. The heat from the sun will kill the plant and its seeds. Leave the sheet in place for around six weeks.
Smothering: Lay down a thick layer of newspaper or cardboard over the straggler daisy and wet it thoroughly. Top it with a 2-3 inches layer of mulch. This will block the sunlight and suffocate the plant.
Vinegar Spray: Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar and coat the leaves of straggler daisy under the midday sun. The acidity of the vinegar will burn and kill the plant.
Biological control: Introduce plant-eating insects, such as beetles or goats, to the infested area. They can naturally control the straggler daisy by eating the vegetation.

Identify toxic plants in your garden

Find out what’s toxic and what’s safe for humans and pets.

Download the App for Free

Quickly Identify Straggler daisy

Small, ovate to deltoid leaves with serrated edges, up to 3 inches (7.5 cm) long.

Yellow, daisy-like flowers with tubular florets, 0.2 inches (5 mm) in diameter.

Dry achene fruit with a bristled crown for wind dispersal after flowering.

Slender green stem with fine red stripes, covered in stiff hairs, up to 0.12 inches (3 mm) thick.

Identify plants with a snap

Instantly identify plants with AI: Snap a photo, and get accurate results within seconds.

Download the App for Free

Care Guide for Straggler daisy

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Straggler daisy flourishes in high humidity and consistent moisture, thriving in conditions resembling its tropical habitat. Watering should occur weekly to prevent waterlogging. As an evergreen, straggler daisy requires diligent care, especially during the growing season, making indoor cultivation advantageous.

Propagation: The best time to propagate straggler daisy is in Spring and Summer, using cuttings, which is moderately difficult. New root growth indicates success, and maintaining optimal moisture levels is essential for healthy growth.

Get tips and tricks for your plants.

Keep your plants happy and healthy with our guide to watering, lighting, feeding and more.

Download the App for Free

Images of Straggler daisy

Distribution of Straggler daisy

Culture

Weed Control

Quickly Identify Straggler daisy

Care Guide for Straggler daisy

PEOPLE ALSO ASK