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Whitehead broom (Spermacoce verticillata; Figure 1), also known as shrubby false buttonweed or southern larraflower, is becoming problematic in south Florida pastures, hayfields, and rights-of-way. With the first recorded herbarium specimen dating back to 1956, this plant was likely introduced to Florida during the late 1940s or early 1950s. Since this time, it has increased in range throughout central and south Florida and has become a serious problem. To date, there are few options to control this species. This 3-page fact sheet is a minor revision written by Brent Sellers, Lauren Butler, and James McWhorter, and published by the Agronomy Department, December 2019. SS-AGR-406/AG409: Biology and Management of Whitehead Broom in Pastures (ufl.edu)

Whitehead broom (Spermacoce verticillata; Figure 1), also known as shrubby false buttonweed or southern larraflower, is becoming problematic in south Florida pastures, hayfields, and rights-of-way.  With the first recorded herbarium specimen dates back to 1956, this plant was likely introduced into Florida during the late 1940s or early 1950s.  Since this time, it has increased in cover throughout central and south Florida and has become a serious problem in pastures and hayfields.  To date, there are few options for control of this species.