Caesarweed Urena lobata (L.) Malvaceae. Biology Native to central/south AmericaNative to central/south America Accidentally introduced (unknown)Accidentally.

Presentation on theme: "Caesarweed Urena lobata (L.) Malvaceae. Biology Native to central/south AmericaNative to central/south America Accidentally introduced (unknown)Accidentally."— Presentation transcript:

1 Caesarweed Urena lobata (L.) Malvaceae

2 Biology Native to central/south AmericaNative to central/south America Accidentally introduced (unknown)Accidentally introduced (unknown) Tolerant to salinity and droughtTolerant to salinity and drought Mallow plant family – similar to cotton, sida, and hibiscusMallow plant family – similar to cotton, sida, and hibiscus Annual species in central Florida, short-lived perennial in southAnnual species in central Florida, short-lived perennial in south

3 Distribution & Impacts Found in central and south FloridaFound in central and south Florida Associated with disturbed sites, pastures, roadsides and perennial crop plantationsAssociated with disturbed sites, pastures, roadsides and perennial crop plantations Competes with forage species and desirable native plantsCompetes with forage species and desirable native plants

4 Caesarweed Distribution in Florida

5 Identification

6 Mature Plant Erect herbaceous shrub, 7-10 feet tallErect herbaceous shrub, 7-10 feet tall Freely branching, bushy appearanceFreely branching, bushy appearance

7 Leaves Leaves are arranged alternatelyLeaves are arranged alternately 2 to 4 inches long2 to 4 inches long Palmately lobedPalmately lobed Pubescent with stellate hairsPubescent with stellate hairs

8 Flowers and Fruit Flowers borne in axillary clustersFlowers borne in axillary clusters Pinkish-violetPinkish-violet Fruit are pubescent with hooked bristles or barbsFruit are pubescent with hooked bristles or barbs Cling to clothing and furCling to clothing and fur

9 Management PreventativeCulturalMechanicalBiologicalChemical

10 Preventative 1.Remove existing plants before seeds are produced 2.Rouge plants from fencerows, ditchbanks – prevent seed spread into clean areas 3.Avoid treatments or cattle grazing during fruit set – spread seed

11 Cultural 1.Shade will deter growth and limit seedling establishment 2.Mulches or a good ground cover will prevent seed germination and seedling development

12 Biological 1.There are no known biological control agents available for caesarweed management in Florida or the southeastern U.S.

13 Mechanical 1.Hand pull plants, small infestations 2.Mowing or cutting is effective, but larger plants may resprout 3.Cultivation or other tillage is very effective, but not a viable option in many areas

14 Chemical 1.Limited research in this area 2.Over-the-top applications of triclopyr or other pasture herbicides at 1 to 2% solution plus 0.25% surfactant 3.Apply in spring, prior to flowering and fruit development

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16 Useful Links Floridata Homepage: http://www.floridata.com/main_fr.cfm?state =Welcome&viewsrc=welcome.htm http://www.floridata.com/main_fr.cfm?state =Welcome&viewsrc=welcome.htm University of Florida Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants: http://aquat1.ifas.ufl.edu/welcome.html http://aquat1.ifas.ufl.edu/welcome.html The Plant Conservation Alliance's Alien Plant Working Group. Weeds Gone Wild: Alien Plant Invaders of Natural Areas: http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/index.htm http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/index.htm

17 Useful Links Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk (PIER). Plant Threats to Pacific Ecosystems: http://www.hear.org/pier/threats.htm http://www.hear.org/pier/threats.htm USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Plants Database: http://plants.usda.gov http://plants.usda.gov

18 Literature Cited Langeland, K.A. and K. Craddock Burks. 1998. Identification and Biology of Non- Native Plants in Florida's Natural Areas. IFAS Publication SP 257. University of Florida, Gainesville. 165 pp