Botanical name: Gnaphalium spp. (also Gamochaeta spp.)
Common Names
Cudweed, Cottonweed, Everlasting weed
Cudweed is a common annual broadleaf weed found throughout Australia, particularly in lawns, sports turf, roadsides, and disturbed soils. It is especially prevalent in Western Australia during the cooler months, emerging in autumn and persisting through winter and spring.
Cudweed is a low-growing plant that forms flat, dense rosettes, often blending into turf and going unnoticed until it begins to flower. It thrives in compacted, poorly drained, or nutrient-deficient soils and is commonly seen in stressed or thinning lawns.
The leaves are narrow, soft, and covered in fine white hairs, giving the plant a grey-green or silvery appearance. As it matures, cudweed produces upright flowering stems with clusters of small, papery flower heads that range from cream to light brown in colour.
Cudweed reproduces by seed and can spread rapidly under favourable conditions. It is often an indicator of underlying turf health issues such as soil compaction, poor drainage, or low fertility.
Similar Species
Catsear (Hypochaeris radicata), Capeweed (Arctotheca calendula)
SCENARIOS AND SOLUTIONS:
Compacted or stressed lawns and turf areas: Use a selective broadleaf herbicide such as Apparent Bow and Arrow to control cudweed while preserving turf health. Also use pre-emergent such as Spartan Herbicide for prevention
Poorly drained or shaded areas: Apply Apparent Salvo or Apparent Glyphosate to actively growing plants and address drainage or light limitations
Bare or disturbed soils (e.g. pathways, edges, or neglected areas): Use Apparent Salvo or Apparent Glyphosate to prevent establishment and seed spread
