how does it spread ? :
The species spreads readily by seeds AND clippings. The seeds, which are numerous (up to 200-300 per plant at any one time) and viable (for up to 20-30yrs) are easily dispersed by human, animal and bird movement, as well as by cuttings, which have been known to spread by commercial soil transfer and machinery such as lawn mowing and landscaping equipment. (Morton, 1989).
(information resource: http://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/79262)
It is believed that CI is more often seen in horse pastures than in cow pastures because of how they GRAZE and how they DIGEST. Cows wrap their tongues around the grass and tear it away leaving much of it behind where as horses eat right down to the dirt again allowing CI to take over more quickly and thrive where the grass is LOW. Also a factor: Horses digestive track being less efficient than cows can help SPREAD the seeds while cattle's digestive systems break the seeds down so it is less likely to be in the manure.
CI is a "legume" weed which means it can convert nitrogen FROM THE AIR into fertilizer for itself. Water can move more freely through sandier soils (like we have in Florida) and it also flows most efficiently over/down driveways, sidewalks and roadways. As water moves through- it makes nitrogen which legumes in turn uses for fertilizer so, it does LOVE the sandier soils and roadsides for best survival. (but, it can and will grow anywhere)
Since one of the ways CI is spread is by human traffic- trailer and vehicle tires as well as landscaping equipment. This is another reason it may find it's way to your public roadways, state parks and other miscellaneous properties that may be commercially managed.
(information resource: http://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/79262)
It is believed that CI is more often seen in horse pastures than in cow pastures because of how they GRAZE and how they DIGEST. Cows wrap their tongues around the grass and tear it away leaving much of it behind where as horses eat right down to the dirt again allowing CI to take over more quickly and thrive where the grass is LOW. Also a factor: Horses digestive track being less efficient than cows can help SPREAD the seeds while cattle's digestive systems break the seeds down so it is less likely to be in the manure.
CI is a "legume" weed which means it can convert nitrogen FROM THE AIR into fertilizer for itself. Water can move more freely through sandier soils (like we have in Florida) and it also flows most efficiently over/down driveways, sidewalks and roadways. As water moves through- it makes nitrogen which legumes in turn uses for fertilizer so, it does LOVE the sandier soils and roadsides for best survival. (but, it can and will grow anywhere)
Since one of the ways CI is spread is by human traffic- trailer and vehicle tires as well as landscaping equipment. This is another reason it may find it's way to your public roadways, state parks and other miscellaneous properties that may be commercially managed.