Largeflower Mexican clover, largeflower pusley, Florida snow, fairy bells, and fairy cups are all common names given to the plant Richardia grandiflora, an invasive plant that has spread widely and swiftly in south and central Florida. For a weed that hasn’t been in the U.S. for much more than two decades, this plant has colonized a substantial amount of real estate.
Is it a clover? No, it is a member of the madder family, Rubicaceae, as is wild coffee (Psychotria sp.) and gardenia (Gardenia sp.)
Is it from Mexico? No, it is from South America.
Are the flowers large? No, not when compared to, say, gardenias, but they are the largest flower in the genus Richardia. The star-shaped flowers are about the size of a dime.
Where will you find it growing? Along roadsides, in lawns, and even invading natural areas. The plant has been a Category #2 invasive plant since 2013.
Is it at the Oslo Riverfront Conservation Area (ORCA)? Yes, along both sides of Oslo Road, and it is pictured below in 2008 when it first “arrived” at ORCA …
This perennial weed often forms a dense mat and is difficult to eradicate due to its deep central taproot, extensive rhizomes, and its ability to root from stem fragments and seeds. It is quite tolerant of tough conditions, as you can see from the photo below taken at the entry to Bruno’s Chocolate Factory …
The color of its star shaped six-petaled lowers can be quite variable: whitish, pinkish, lavender-ish …
Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators visit the copious flowers that last only one day and likely are capable of self-pollination prior to opening …
Whatever you call it, this weed is here to stay. Eradicating it from turfgrass requires the use of atrazine, a pesticide that contaminates our water supply. So, if you can, squint your eyes, call it Florida snow, and live with it.
Enjoy the Oslo Riverfront Conservation Area 