Singapore Daisy: Weed Prevention and Control

Insects are not the only organisms classified as pests. You also have weeds, like the Singapore Daisy that would infest your garden and inhibit the healthy growth of your herbs and shrubs. Learn how you could help prevent its spread and look forward to a healthy garden all year long.

Common Names for Singapore Daisy

Singapore Daisy is also called  different names like Bay Biscayne, creeping ox eye, rabbit’s paw, Bay Biscayne creeping oxeye, wedelia, and yellow dots.

Origin of the Singapore Daisy

This is native to Central America but eventually spread to the Caribbean, tropical South America, and now in Australia.

Impact of Singapore Daisy 

This weed has been classified as one of the top 100 worst invasive species in the world. It quickly spreads to environmental areas; thus resulting in smothering ferns, shrubs, and seedlings. This weed must be prevented and controlled to allow the healthy growth of your plants.

It commonly grows in the coastal parts of Queensland and north eastern New South Wales. It climbs up trees and reaches vegetation as it easily reproduces itself due to the abundant seeds it produces.

Characteristics of the Singapore Daisy

The leaves of this weed exhibits lush and glossy green color. It also has 3-lobed in pairs in its stem. During its flower bearing age, it produces yellow to orange-yellow flowers that are 2 cm wide, which typically appears above its short stalks. It has been declared as a Class 3 species by the Land Protection Act 2002 in Queensland; thus the sale and supply of this weed is strictly prohibited. In Western Australia, this has been declared as prohibited because of the weed risk assessment. Nevertheless, in the warmer regions of Australia, this specie is often cultivated as part of ornamental ground cover. 

Control and Prevention of the Singapore Daisy

Since this is a weed, it is truly very hard to control the growth. The best way is to hand-pull it from the ground. It has to be disposed carefully, it must not be left on the ground because it has the capacity to grow back very easily. 

To dispose of this weed that has been pulled from the ground, place it in black plastic bag or containers and allow it to dry in the sun for several days. This will dry the roots and make it impossible for the Singapore Daisy to go back and grow once it touches the earth.

For those who wish to get rid of weeds organically, you can use sheet mulches of paper or straw and smother the weeds with it. This will increase the decomposition process of the soil and eventually kill these weeds, too. Some may even use a hoe to loosen the roots for it to be exposed under the sun; however, bear in mind that you have to place these weed away from the ground because as long as it touches the earth; it will still have a high chance of survival because of the roots.