Knawel – Scleranthus annuus
Print
EmailScleranthus annuus L.
Caryophyllaceae (Pink family)
MI Status
Non-native
Life cycle
Prostrate, mat-forming summer or winter annual.
Leaves
Opposite, very narrow and linear, grayish green leaves with sharp points resemble pine needles or grass leaves. Leaves are joined at the nodes by a translucent membrane.
Stems
Grayish green, prostrate and spreading stems with numerous branches can form dense mats.
Flowers and fruit
Spiny, green or rarely whitish flowers are formed in clusters in the leaf axils. Flowers are generally not distinguishable. Egg-shaped, capsulelike fruit contain one seed.
Reproduction
Seeds.
Similar weeds
Birdseye pearlwort
(Sagina procumbens L.)
Differs by having a perennial nature with spreading stolons; bright green foliage; more distinguishable, small white flowers; and fruit that are persistent capsules with many seeds.
Other Documents in this Series
You Might Also Be Interested In
-
Key Wildlife Pests of Fruit and How to Promote and Protect Pollinators in Fruit Systems
Published on March 24, 2022
-
Suspect herbicide resistance? Submit weed seeds for screening
Published on October 1, 2025
-
Spotted lanternfly: A colorful cause for concern
Published on November 12, 2020
-
Bulletins Live! Two Tracker Report available now
Published on November 30, 2025
-
Help shape the future of weed management in Michigan specialty crops
Published on September 16, 2025
Accessibility Questions:
For questions about accessibility and/or if you need additional accommodations for a specific document, please send an email to ANR Communications & Marketing at anrcommunications@anr.msu.edu.