Capeweed
Scientific Name:
Arctotheca calendula
What is Capeweed?
Capeweed is an autumn or winter annual dicot weed with a rosette forming growth habit. Capeweed leaves are deeply lobed and often possess a silvery white downy underside. The inflorescence is many small flowers on a black, pitted receptacle with radiating yellow florets similar in appearance to a daisy. Capeweed flowers form in late winter and spring producing woolly seeds that stick to clothing and effectively spread the weed through traffic and wind. The deep tap root can make this weed difficult to control through both hand weeding and chemical application.