Falcaria vulgaris, the sickleweed or longleaf, is the sole species in the genus Falcaria. It is a biennial herb of the spherical shape. Blossoms in June–July. Grows in Europe, Siberia, Middle East, Northern Africa, North and South Americas. Contains alkaloids, carotene, vitamin C, proteins.
Sickleweed, native to Europe, the Mediterranean, and Central Asia, is an invasive species in North America, especially of Great Plains rangelands. However, it is also present in the Appalachian states and has been collected in Massachusetts.
This plant is useful.
How to get rid of:
Hand pulling needs to be done carefully to ensure there is a
minimum of soil disturbance. Many weeds flourish when soil is
disturbed.
Removal of small weeds can be achieved by placing one hand flat
on the ground with the weed between two fingers. As the hand is
pressed toward the ground the second hand can carefully remove
the weed.
If soil is disturbed it should be tamped back in place to minimise
the opportunity for another weed to become established.
