Plant
Shaggy Soldier
Galinsoga quadriradiataAlso known as Peruvian Daisy, Hairy Galinsoga, Fringed Quickweed
Shaggy soldier spreads rapidly across cultivated fields and urban gardens, producing tiny composite flowers with distinct three-toothed white ray petals. Densely hairy stems and coarse opposite leaves help it thrive in sunny, disturbed soils worldwide. Capable of setting thousands of seeds per plant within weeks of germination, it quickly forms dense stands that outcompete slower-growing vegetation.
AnnualWildflowerWeed
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preySunlight, Soil Nitrogen, Water
Predators
- Aphids
- Slugs
- Herbivorous beetles
ThreatsHerbicides, manual weeding, dense crop canopy shading
HabitatsDisturbed soil, gardens, cropland, sidewalks, waste ground
Life spanAnnual (1 season)
Classification
- OrderAsterales
- FamilyAsteraceae
- GenusGalinsoga
- SpeciesGalinsoga quadriradiata
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Check the Stems: Examine the upper stems to spot the dense, spreading white hairs characteristic of this species.
- Inspect the Petals: Note the tiny white ray florets, each typically ending in three sharp teeth.
Frequent Companion Walther Otto Müller / Public domain · cc0
Close Relative (c) Sol Quipildor, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Sol Quipildor · cc-by-sa
Family Member Dr Photographer / PUBLIC DOMAIN · public domain
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