Eclipta

Eclipta, False Daisy

Eclipta prostrata L.

Asteraceae (Sunflower Family)

▲ ▼ young plants with leaves and stems

▲ ▼ young plants

▲ mature plant

▲ ▼ flowers and fruit

▲ flowers and fruit

▲ mature plant growing in regularly-mowed lawn

Eclipta prostrata (L.) L., Eclipta: (Bayer Code: ECLAL; US Code ECPR)

A summer annual weed native to south, central and north America that grows 3-36 inches tall, with equal or wider spread
Has opposite, linear to lanceolate, dark-green leaves with wide-spaced teeth on margins, and a much-branched growth habit
Leaves and stems turn black when injured, cut--sap is used in some cultures as a blue dye for tatoos
Can tolerate regular mowing and be found in lawns and sports turf
Flower head inflorescences are about 0.5 inch diameter in leaf axils, and are flat, about 1/2 inch across, with two rows of short white ray flowers and greenish-white or green disk flowers
Prefers moist soils, full sun--found in horticultural crops, gardens, lawns, riparian areas, non-crop areas, disturbed sites
Can spread very easily and rapidly--is found worldwide