Importance

The most commonly occuring annual broad-leaved weed.

Troublesome and widespread, choking plants as it spreads over them. It likes water, therefore is found more in the west rather than the east.

1. The seedling is light green and tall, being borne on a long stem, with pointed lance shaped leaves.

2. The older plant has small oval leaves.

3. The adult plant has a prostrate, matted habit of growth © Alamy Ltd