Cudweed
Gamochaeta spp.
Asteraceae
Consumed by some herbivores. Some species species are reported to have medicinal uses. Fibre.
Due to similarities in species, refer to links for identification. Generally, cudweed is a common weed of gardens, lawns, roadsides, pastures, orchards, disturbed sites and waste areas. Cudweed is a short-lived (annual or biennial) herbaceous plant that initially forms a basal rosette of leaves, and later produces upright flowering stems. Cudweed reproduces by seed, with seeds spread by wind, water, vehicles, animals, and in clothing and contaminated agricultural produce.
Given that cudweed is so widely distributed, there is little information on pest and beneficial associations. Recorded hosts include, Empoasca fabae - Potato leaf hooper (G. purpurea), Aphis gossypii (Cotton aphid) is reported for G. coarctata and G. pensylvanica, while Aulacorthum solani (Foxglove aphid) is reported for G. pensylanica Aphids on the World's Herbaceous Plants and Shrubs</a>). The larvae Vanessa kershawi (Australian Painted Lady butterfly) feed on a variety of Asteraceae species, such as this Cudweed (Gamochaeta coarctata). Cudweed is also reported to be a host for Vanessa virginiensis (American Lady Butterfly). Other types of cudweed are reported to attract a range of insects, including various bee types, wasps and butterflies.