Eclipta

Eclipta prostrata

Eclipta is a warm-season annual broadleaf weed that is also sometimes referred to as False Daisy or Yerba-de-tago. Its scientific name is Eclipta prostrata.

Identify

Opposite

Creeping

Lanceolate

Eclipta has laterally growing stems rooting at the lower nodes of this broadleaf weed. The stems are reddish-purple in color and are sparsely covered in upright, white hairs. Its leaves are narrow, rough and hairy, and its stems are thick and succulent. Blooming from mid-summer through early fall, Eclipta produces white flowers with many small rays in long-stalked heads. Reproduction occurs by seeds.

Life Cycle

This broadleaf weed prefers moist, black soils and commonly grows in poorly drained fields, lawns, ditches, gardens and along the banks of ponds and rivers. Eclipta can be found throughout much of the continental United States, except for the upper northeast and northwest states.

Control

Eclipta prostrata is difficult to control with simple cultural weed control methods alone. Although it prefers wetlands, it can also spread into dry, developed soils, including lawns and gardens. Professionally applied broadleaf weed killers are the best bet for total removal.