Shaggy soldier

Appearance

Galinsoga quadriradiata is an annual herb which varies in appearance. The main stem reaches anywhere from 10 to 60 centimeters (4-24 inches) in height and may branch or not. The petioled leaves are ovate and serrated are opposite branching, and covered coarse, hispid hairs. The roots form a fibrous root system.

The small flower heads are up to a centimeter wide (0.4 inches) but typically 2-3mm in diameter and have rounded center filled with many disc florets usually in a shade of bright yellow. There are typically five white ray florets widely spaced around the center, each an oval shape typically with three crenate teeth at the tip. Both the disk and ray florets are fertile producing a achene with a large pappus.

As an agricultural weed, it can reduce crop yields by up to 50%.

G. quadriradiata and its cousin G. parfivolia are both edible and can be used as a pot herb or in salads although outside of their native range, they have not been widely adopted as a culinary item other than in China. G. parfivolia is preferred as a salad green due to its non-hairy leaves. Care must be taken to not confuse them with the unrelated, but visually similar Tridax procumbens which is poisonous.

Naming

Galinsoga quadriradiata Ruiz & Pavón
Galinsoga aristulata Bickn.
Galinsoga bicolorata St. John & White
Galinsoga ciliata (Raf.) Blake
Galinsoga caracasana (DC.) Schultz-Bip.

Galinsoga derives its name from the 18th-century Spanish physician and botanist Ignacio Mariano Martinez de Galinsoga.

Distribution

Peruvian Daisy is native to both Central and South America; it has spread to North America, Eurasia, Africa, and some Pacific Islands (including Hawaii)

Status

Hairy galinsoga is considered a weed throughout its native and introduced range.

Habitat

The preference is full or partial sun, moist to mesic conditions, and fertile soil consisting of loam or clay-loam with high levels of nitrogen. This weedy wildflower develops very quickly during warm weather and can reseed itself aggressively. Habitats include abandoned fields, roadsides, gardens, edges of yards, vacant lots, areas along buildings, and waste areas (especially urban). Disturbed areas that are left unmowed or are sparingly mowed provide ideal habitat.

Reproduction

The florets can be cross-pollinated by insects, otherwise they are self-fertile.

Uses

The leaves are eaten in soups and stews in Columbia and China.