Knawel – Scleranthus annuus
Print
EmailScleranthus annuus L.
Caryophyllaceae (Pink family)
MI Status
Non-native
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.
Other Documents in this Series
You Might Also Be Interested In
-
MSU named Top 10 agriculture and forestry college in new report
Published on March 23, 2021
-
MSU to study precision livestock farming adoption trends in U.S. swine industry
Published on March 15, 2021
-
MSU animal science professor exploring environmental benefits of regenerative agriculture
Published on February 15, 2021
-
MSU researchers analyzing novel technique to improve Michigan wine production
Published on June 16, 2021
-
MSU researcher awarded five-year, $2.5 million grant to develop risk assessment training program
Published on October 13, 2020
-
MSU Product Center helps Michigan food entrepreneurs survive and thrive throughout pandemic
Published on August 31, 2021
Accessibility Questions:
For questions about accessibility and/or if you need additional accommodations for a specific document, please send an email to ANR Communications & Marketing at anrcommunications@anr.msu.edu.