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Caesarweed

Caesarweed (Urena lobata) is an invasive mallow plant native to central and south America. It is tolerant to salinity and drought and competes with forage species and native plants. This article provides information on its distribution, impacts, identification, and management strategies, including preventative, cultural, mechanical, and chemical methods.

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Caesarweed

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  1. Caesarweed Urena lobata (L.) Malvaceae

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

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

  4. Caesarweed Distribution in Florida

  5. Identification

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

  7. Leaves • Leaves are arranged alternately • 2 to 4 inches long • Palmately lobed • Pubescent with stellate hairs

  8. Flowers and Fruit • Flowers borne in axillary clusters • Pinkish-violet • Fruit are pubescent with hooked bristles or barbs • Cling to clothing and fur

  9. Management Preventative Cultural Mechanical Biological Chemical

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

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

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

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

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

  15. Useful Links • Floridata Homepage: 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 • 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

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

  17. 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

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