Description

• Priva lappulacea, commonly known as burweed or bur verbena, is an annual or short-lived perennial herb in the verbena family (Verbenaceae).

• It has branching, often somewhat rough or hairy stems and opposite, ovate to lance-shaped leaves with toothed margins and pointed tips.

• Small, pale lilac to bluish or whitish flowers grow in slender, elongated spikes.

• The fruits are small, dry and covered with hooked or barbed projections that readily attach to clothing, animal fur, and other surfaces, aiding seed dispersal.

• The plant often has a somewhat sprawling growth habit and can become noticeable when its mature fruits cling to passing people or animals.

Range

• Native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, including Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and South America.

• It is native to Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, and the surrounding area.

Habitat

• Grows in disturbed ground, roadsides, pastures, woodland edges, tropical scrub, and open areas.

• Commonly occurs in warm, seasonally dry environments and can grow in both sunny and partially shaded locations.

• Often establishes in areas with disturbed soil, where its hooked fruits help it spread readily.