Cupid’s Shaving Brush

Emilia fosbergii

Cupid’s Shaving Brush is a warm-season annual broadleaf weed that is also known as Tassel Flower, Florida Tassel Flower and Emilia fosbergii.

Identify

Upright

Dentate

Cordate

Cupid’s Shaving Brush forms from a taproot with branched, vertically growing stems, making this broadleaf weed easy to identify. The stems are smooth near the top of the weed and hairy at the base. Cupid’s Shaving Brush mainly produces basal leaves with toothed margins. The leaves at the base feature broad tips and winged petioles, while leaves at the top lack petioles and clasp the stem. Cupid’s Shaving Brush blooms crimson or bright-scarlet flowers, which forms in heads on long, urn-shaped stalks. Reproduction occurs by seeds.

Life Cycle

This broadleaf weed prefers moist, disturbed areas receiving full sun. It thrives in open, weedy areas and areas where grass is thin. Cupid’s Shaving Brush can be found in the southern parts of California, Florida, Louisiana and Texas.

Control

Cultural weed control methods—such as proper watering and mowing routines—can help prevent Emilia fosbergii from spreading in your lawn; however, these measures must be taken while the weed is young—before seed heads form. Professionally applied broadleaf weed killers are the best method for complete removal.