Blue field-madder - Sherardia arvensis (Taxonomy, Characteristics, Distribution, Images)

Blue field-madder

Blue field-madder is a common weed found in fields, meadows, disturbed areas, and forest edges. It has tiny lavender or pink flowers. The fleshy roots of this plant can be used to make a red dye, however, it is not as potent as traditional madder.

Scientific classification

Species

Blue field-madder (Sherardia arvensis)

Gentians, dogbanes, madders, and allies

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Weeds

Weed or not

Annual, Biennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Spring

Bloom Time

Fall

Harvest Time

40 cm

Plant Height

10 cm to 30 cm

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

3 mm

Flower Size

Deciduous

Leaf type

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Blue field-madder

Distribution of Blue field-madder

Distribution Map

Blue field-madder is native to Europe, Africa, and the Middle East but has spread to the Americas, China and Australia. It has been reported as invasive in parts of the United States. Its native habitat includes oak woodlands, grasslands, and riparian areas. It can make good low cover in pots with other houseplants.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Bare and cultivated ground, arable fields, waste places

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Weed Control

Blue field-madder is an annual plant native to Europe, Northern Africa, and parts of central and southwest Asia. It has become naturalized across much of the world, and as such, it can be found growing in the United States, but it is not considered to be an invasive species here. While that may be true, blue field-madder is widely considered an unwanted weed in disturbed areas, grassland, pasture, and fields, where it thrives. Luckily, the weed does not crowd out local plant life, but it is difficult to eradicate once the flowers have gone to seed. Regular hoeing before the plant flowers will keep the weed under control in the garden.

How to Control It

The best season for the removal of blue field-madder is Spring, and it is essential to remove the plant before it starts flowering and seeding. Below are some methods you can use:

Mulching: This is an organic way to suppress blue field-madder. Lay down a layer of organic mulch around your plants, at least 2-3 inches thick. The mulch will block sunlight and prevent blue field-madder seeds from germinating.
Hand Pulling: This is a simple and effective method, though it can be time-consuming. To do this, simply grasp blue field-madder at its base and slowly pull upwards. Make sure to remove the entire root to prevent it from growing back.
Solarization: This method involves using the sun's heat to kill blue field-madder. First, water your garden generously. Then, cover it with a clear plastic tarp and leave it for four to six weeks. The heat produced under the tarp will bake the plant and its seeds.
Vinegar Spray: This is an organic option for controlling blue field-madder. Fill a spray bottle with household vinegar and coat blue field-madder thoroughly. The vinegar's acidity will kill the plant without harming your garden.
Biological Control: Encourage natural enemies of blue field-madder like insects or grazing animals. For instance, keeping chickens in your garden can be a good idea as they love to nibble on blue field-madder and other weeds.

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Care Guide for Blue field-madder

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Blue field-madder thrives in grasslands, preferring moderate, consistent moisture without waterlogging. It tolerates brief dry spells but benefits from weekly watering. Adapted to seasonal rainfall, blue field-madder ensures adequate hydration for optimal growth.

Propagation: Blue field-madder is primarily propagated by sowing seeds in Spring. This straightforward process results in successful propagation when seedlings emerge. No special tips are necessary for propagating this plant.

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Images of Blue field-madder

Distribution of Blue field-madder

Weed Control

Care Guide for Blue field-madder

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