Groundsel is a versatile flowering annual weed that can easily spread across a large area if not controlled. While the familiar yellow flowers may please the eye, care should be taken if groundsel weeds are spotted anywhere near livestock. Animals can become ill from grazing on grasses with groundsel mixed in.
Read more to learn about what to look for on your property as you inspect it for groundsel weeds.
When Am I Likely to Find Groundsel?
Groundsel seeds will often overwinter in the soil, with germination occurring during those colder months leading up to spring. The weeds will appear above the soil and begin growing to their full height in the spring and into the early summer.
The groundsel weed's yellow flowers will appear around six weeks after the seedlings break ground. These tall weeds may continue to produce flowers and seeds for several months, and there can be two or three generations of seeds produced per year.
Where Does Groundsel Grow?
Varieties of groundsel can be found across the United States, with common groundsel often being found in the midwestern states and surrounding areas.
Groundsel weeds favor moist, rich soils, but can survive in sandier ones. Groundsel requires sunlight to sprout, and does not typically grow in shady areas. These prolific weeds can grow in lawns, gardens, pastures, along roadsides, and in nurseries.
These weeds do prefer a nutrient rich environment to grow, and will usually die out in non-irrigated areas during dry weather.