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Weed Identification in Nurseries and Landscapes

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Knawel - Scleranthus annuus L.
Weed Identification in Nurseries and Landscapes > Knawel
Knawel plant
Knawel plant.
Pearlwort flowers Pearlwort plants
Birdseye pearlwort flowers. Birdseye pearlwort plants.
Life cycle: Prostrate, mat-forming summer or winter annual.

Leaves: Opposite, very narrow and linear, grayish green leaves with sharp points resemble pine needles or grass leaves. Leaves are joined at the nodes by a translucent membrane.

Stems: Grayish green, prostrate and spreading stems with numerous branches can form dense mats.

Flowers and fruit: Spiny, green or rarely whitish flowers are formed in clusters in the leaf axils. Flowers are generally not distinguishable. Egg-shaped, capsulelike fruit contain one seed.

Reproduction: Seeds.

Similar weeds: Birdseye pearlwort (Sagina procumbens L.) Differs by having a perennial nature with spreading stolons; bright green foliage; more distinguishable, small white flowers; and fruit that are persistent capsules with many seeds.

The MSU IPM Program maintains this site as an access point to pest management information at MSU. The IPM Program is administered within the Department of Entomology, fueled by research from the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station, delivered to citizens through MSU Extension, and proud to be a part of Project GREEEN.
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Updated: 10/18/07