Common Spiny Sida
Sida spinosa · Warm-season, Annual, C3/C4 broadleaf weed often found in turf
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Grass Category
Invasive/Weed Grass
Hardiness Zones
Thrives across USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 10.
Grass Family
Malvaceae
Variety / Cultivar
Wild type
About This Grass
An upright herbaceous annual weed featuring branched stems, alternate lanceolate leaves with serrated margins, and small pale yellow flowers in leaf axils developing into spiny capsule fruits.
Blade Characteristics
Broadleaf plant with alternate, petiolate leaves, ovate to lanceolate shape, blunt-toothed margins, and distinct pinnate venation; not a true grass.
Root System
Deep, tough taproot system allowing it to survive dry soil conditions and making mature plants difficult to pull by hand.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, commonly found throughout North America
Growth Habit
Erect, branching taprooted annual weed forming upright clumps
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun, highly drought tolerant once established, adapts to a wide range of soil types and poor fertility.
Mowing & Maintenance
Resists low mowing by branching out closer to the ground; requires manual removal or selective broadleaf herbicides for control.
Special Characteristics
High tolerance to dry, compacted soils; invasive weed tendencies in neglected turf and pastures; produces spiny bur-like seed capsules.
Ecological Information
Acts as an agricultural and turf weed; provides minimal forage value but can serve as cover for small insects; aggressive seed production leads to rapid spread if unmanaged.