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Field Burweed

Soliva sessilis

Last reviewed: August 2026

Field Burweed (Soliva sessilis)
Photo: Andrés González / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)

Toxicity unknown

Field Burweed (Soliva sessilis) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

2"–6" H × 2"–6" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May

Native alternatives to Field Burweed

Field Burweed is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.

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Field burweed is a low-growing annual that forms small mats close to the ground. It produces tiny greenish flowers in spring and develops spiny burs that can be problematic for bare feet and pets.

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In an HOA neighborhood

Field Burweed takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Produces painful spiny burrs
  • Considered a weed by most homeowners
  • Can spread aggressively in turf areas

Wildlife value

This plant has minimal wildlife value as it produces wind-pollinated flowers rather than attracting beneficial insects.

Common questions

How much sun does Field Burweed need?
Field Burweed grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Field Burweed bloom?
Field Burweed blooms in March, April, and May.
Is Field Burweed HOA-friendly?
Field Burweed takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Field Burweed? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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