coat buttons
(Tridax procumbens)
This species is Introduced in the United States
Appearance
Tridax procumbens is a perennial herb that has a creeping stem which can reach from to 8-30 inches (20-75 cm) long.
Foliage
The leaves of Tridax procumbens are opposite, pinnate, oblong to ovate, and 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) long with cuneate bases, coarsely serrate margins, and acute apexes.
Flowers
Tridax procumbens flowers have white rays and yellow disk flowers. They are about 0.4-0.6 inches (1-1.5 cm) wide, and held on a 4-12 inches (10-30 cm) long stalk. Flowering occurs in spring.
Fruit
Fruits are achenes that are dark brown to black in color, oblong, and 0.08 inches (2 mm) long, each with a head of pappus bristles that vary from 0.12-0.24 inches (3-6 mm) long.
Ecological Threat
Tridax procumbens is listed as a Federal Noxious Weed. It prefers coarse-textured soils in more tropical locations. It invades roadsides, crops, waste land, and fallow land. It is native to Mexico and South America, but has become an invasive problem around the world.
Selected Images
Maps
EDDMapS Distribution - This map is incomplete and is based only on current site and county level reports made by experts, herbaria, and literature. For more information, visit www.eddmaps.org
State Lists - This map identifies those states that have this species on their invasive species list or law.
Invasive Listing Sources
Taxonomic Rank
| Domain: Eukarya |
| Kingdom: Plantae |
| Phylum: Magnoliophyta |
| Class: Magnoliopsida |
| Superorder: Asteranae |
| Order: Asterales |
| Family: Asteraceae |
| Subfamily: Asteroideae |
| Tribe: Millerieae |
| Genus: Tridax |
| Tridax procumbens |
Other System Links
Plants: TRPR5
Bayer: TRQPR
GRIN: 40146
ITIS: 38575
NPDN Pest: PBFEOBA
NPDN Host: 37140
References
Common Name Reference: Weed Science Society of America Common Names List
Scientific Name Reference: USDA, NRCS. 2010. The PLANTS Database. National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.