Old world diamond flower

Identify









Opposite





Entire





Lanceolate





This broadleaf weed can be identified as a smooth, spreading plant with branched stems and a weak, shallow taproot. Old World Diamond Flower has lanceolate leaves that grow opposite along the stems, which can grow close to the ground. Old World Diamond Flower produces small white flowers, usually forming in groups of two or more on long stalks from the tip of a long common stalk. Old World Diamond Flower blooms from mid-summer until frost, and reproduction occurs by seeds.





Life Cycle


This broadleaf weed occurs in all moist turf and in most disturbed areas and is a common pest on golf courses. Old World Diamond Flower can be found throughout much of the American Southeast.






Control


Proper cultural practices, such as proper mowing and watering, can help to prevent Hedyotis corymbosa by creating dense grass, which inhibits this broadleaf weed's ability to grow. Physical removal (i.e., pulling weeds) can be effective, though you run the risk of spreading the seeds to additional areas of your lawn and landscaping.






Old World Diamond-flower


Scientific Name -
Hedyotis corymbosa
(L.) Lam.
[
Oldenlandia corymbosa
L.]
Family -
Rubiaceae




Smooth, spreading summer annual with branched stems. Leaves opposite, narrow. Flowers white, usually two or more on long stalks from the tip of a common long stalk. Reproduces by seed. Found in all moist turf and in moist disturbed areas. Occurs from South Carolina south throughout Florida and along the Gulf Coast into Texas. Widespread in the tropics throughout the world.









Understanding the Old World Diamond Flower in Mira Bay: What Residents Need to Know


Mira Bay in Apollo Beach is known for its picturesque waterfront views, meticulously maintained landscapes, and the welcoming community spirit that makes living there so special. However, even the most well-kept Florida neighborhoods can occasionally face unexpected garden invaders. One such nuisance for local homeowners and property managers is the Old World Diamond Flower weed. Today, we’re exploring what this weed is, why it thrives in Mira Bay’s environment, and how Consolidated Pest Control can help you keep your lawn and garden looking its best.

What Is Old World Diamond Flower?

Old World Diamond Flower (scientific name
Oldenlandia corymbosa
or
Hedyotis corymbosa
) is a low-growing, broadleaf weed that produces small, delicate white flowers. Originally native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Old World (Asia and Africa), it has found a comfortable home in Florida’s warm climate. You’ll often see it in areas with moist, well-draining soil—conditions that are not hard to come by in coastal neighborhoods like Mira Bay.

Physical Characteristics



Height and Growth Habit:
Typic





Oldenlandia corymbosa
L.


hierba del corral, oldenlandia, flat top mille graines, old world diamond flower




Domain
Eukaryota

Kingdom
Plantae

Phylum
Magnoliophyta

Class
Magnoliopsida (= Dicotyledoneae)

Order
Gentianales

Family
Rubiaceae

Genus
Oldenlandia

Species
corymbosa


Taxon category: Accepted

Origin: Introduced - established



Year of first record: 1974

Mode of introduction: Accidental

Introduction Pathway: Contaminant

Subpathway: Contaminant on plants (inc. seeds and plant associated material)

Invasive status: No data



Map of specimen collection localities or observation records for this species in our collections database.




Van der Werff, H.H. (1977) Vascular plants from the Galápagos Islands: new records and taxonomic notes.
Bot. Notiser 130(1): 89-100.


Porter, D.M. (1983) Vascular Plants of the Galapagos: Origins and Dispersal. In: Bowman, R.I., Berson, M. & Leviton, A.E. (eds.): Patterns of evolution in Galápagos organisms.
Pacific Division, AAAS, San Francisco, California, p. 33-96.


Jørgensen, P.M. León-Yánez, S. (eds.) (1999) Catalogue of the Vascular Plants of Ecuador.
Monographs in Systematic Botany fro