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Integrated Crop Management
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Prickly sida

Prickly sida - Sida spinosa L.

Family: Malvaceae (mallow family)
Life cycle: annual
Habitat: crop fields, gardens, waste areas

General description: Branched, erect plant reaching heights of 1.5 ft. Leaves are ovate to oval, alternate, up to 2” long with serrate margins. Petioles have linear stipules at the base. Pale yellow flowers are found in the axils of leaves. Small spurs (spines) are produced at the base of the petioles on the nodes. These spurs are the source of the common and the botanical name.

Key ID traits: Serrated, lanceolate leaves with two spines on nodes of the stem.

Similar species: The cotyledons and first leaves resemble those of velvetleaf, but lack the soft hairs.

Fun facts: Prickly sida historically was considered a southern weed, but is becoming more common in Iowa, especially in the southeast part of the state. Also called teaweed since its leaves are similar to those of tea.

Weed ID Factsheet Index

Cotyledons are round to heart-shaped with long petioles
Cotyledons are round to heart-shaped with long petioles.
seedling with ovate leaves with dentate margins
Seedling with ovate leaves with dentate margins
The ovate leaves with finely dentate margin are a key ID trait for a prickly side
The ovate leaves with a finely dentate margin are a key ID trait for prickly side.

 

spur at base of leaf petiole (leaf cut off in photo)
Spur at base of leaf petiole (leaf cut off in photo)

 

 

Authored by:
Bob Hartzler
Bob Hartzler
  • Retired Weed Scientist and Professor of Agronomy
Dr. Bob Hartzler is a former professor of agronomy and a former extension weed specialist with a Ph.D. in Crop Physiology from Iowa State University. He conducted research on weed biology and how it impacts the efficacy of weed management programs in corn and soybean. Dr. Hartzler also taught undergraduate classes in weed science and weed identification.
Meaghan Anderson
Meaghan Anderson
  • Field Agronomist in Central Iowa
Meaghan Anderson is a field agronomist serving nine counties in central Iowa and an extension specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Areas of expertise include weed management, weed biology, cover crops, corn and soybean management, and integrated pest management.

Meaghan holds a bachelor's degree in agronomy and a master's degree in crop production and physiology (focus: weed science) from Iowa State University.
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