SafePlants

Calyptocarpus vialis: Straggler Daisy

Calyptocarpus vialis, a member of the Asteraceae (Aster Family), is known by several common names, including Straggler Daisy, Horseherb, Hierba del caballo, Lawnflower, Prostrate Lawnflower, and Creeping Cinderella-weed.

The genus name Calyptocarpus is derived from the Greek words "kalypto" (covered or hidden) and "karpos."

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Calyptocarpus vialis Less.
• Family: Asteraceae (Aster Family) / Compositae
• Synonyms:
  • Synedrella vialis
  • Calyptocarpus blepharolepis B.L. Rob.
  • Blainvillea tampicana (DC.) Benth. & Hook.f.
  • Calyptocarpus tampicanus (DC.) Small

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to eastern Mexico and south and south-central Texas.
• Has been introduced and become adventive (non-native) in other locations, including Brisbane, Australia, where it was first collected in 1946.
• Also reported in Hawaii.
• Found in gardens, pathways, and disturbed areas.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Small, usually procumbent or prostrate (creeping) annual or perennial herb.
• Delicate creeping herb that forms ground cover on lawns and disturbed areas.
• Stems are thin and weak.
• Leaves are typically 0.75 - 1.5 inches long.
• Leaf blades are 1-3(-6) cm long.
• Heads have both disk and ray flowers; some of the smallest within the Asteraceae family.
• Rays are often inconspicuous, with laminae mostly 2-5 mm.
• Cypselae are 2-4 mm long.
• Pappi consist of erect to spreading awns, the longer ones 1-2(-3+) mm.

Ecological Role

• Considered a weed in some areas, such as Australia, where it is known as Creeping Cinderella Weed.
• Can serve as a ground cover.

Genetic Information

• A *Calyptocarpus vialis* glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase-like gene has been partially sequenced (1,206 bp linear DNA).
• Recombinant *Calyptocarpus vialis* NAD(P)H-quinone oxidoreductase subunit I, chloroplastic (ndhI) has been studied.
• A partial PetB sequence has been obtained.

Quirky Facts

• The heads of Calyptocarpus vialis are noted for having some of the smallest disk and ray flowers in the Asteraceae family.

Further Information

• The Atlas of Florida Plants provides information on the distribution and taxonomic information of plants within Florida.
• The Plant List contains a compilation of plant names.
• The Alabama Herbarium Consortium Specimen Database may contain specimens of this genus.
• Information about nomenclature, synonymy, status, and distribution in Hawaii can be found at the Flora of the Hawaiian Islands.