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Urena lobata L.
Caesarweed
Not native to Florida
This plant is an invasive exotic that is altering native plant communities by displacing native species, changing community structures or ecological functions, or hybridizing with natives.
This species should never be planted (many with this designation are prohibited by law), and generally should be removed whenever possible.
This perennial can be found throughout peninsular Florida and Escambia County. The range also includes Louisiana, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. It is native to eastern India.
The semi-woody stem is hairy and grows up to 3 meters tall. The 5-petaled pink flowers are united at the base. Leaves are alternate, seven veined, ovate, shallowly lobed and finely toothed. The fruit is a small dark hairy sphere that easily sticks to fur, hair and clothing.
Urena lobata is a member of the Malvaceae - Mallow family.
Atlas of Florida Vascular Plants (Institute for Systemic Botany) profile for this species
iNaturalist profile for this species
USDA Plant Profile for this species
Date record last modified: Feb 24, 2026
