Brazil Pusley
Richardia brasiliensis · Warm-season, annual or short-lived perennial, C3/C4 broadleaf weed often found in turf
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Grass Category
Invasive/Weed Grass (Broadleaf weed in turf)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 8-11, intolerant of hard freezes
Grass Family
Rubiaceae
Variety / Cultivar
Wild type
About This Grass
A low-growing broadleaf weed with hairy, opposite leaves and terminal clusters of small, pale purple to pink or white tubular flowers. Often mistaken for a grass or ground cover in poorly managed turf.
Blade Characteristics
Not a true grass; leaves are elliptical to lanceolate, roughly textured, opposite, with entire margins and prominent veins, covered in fine hairs.
Root System
Taproot system with branching lateral roots, highly resilient, allows survival in dry and compacted soils
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to South America (Brazil, Argentina), naturalized globally in warm climates
Growth Habit
Prostrate to ascending, spreading via branching stems and seeds, forming loose mats
Sunlight & Water Needs
Thrives in full sun to partial shade, adaptable to moist or dry sandy soils, highly drought-tolerant once established
Mowing & Maintenance
Survives low mowing by growing flat against the ground; controlled via broadleaf herbicides or manual removal
Special Characteristics
High tolerance for poor, sandy, and acidic soils; withstands frequent low mowing; difficult to eradicate without selective herbicides
Ecological Information
Introduced weed species in many regions; provides minor nectar sources for pollinators but generally considered a nuisance in lawns and pastures