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Field Madder, blue fieldmadder, Spurwort - Sherardia arvensis


Family: Rubiaceae - Madder family Genus Common Name: Sherardia Native Status: Introduced
Sherardia arvensis - Field Madder, blue fieldmadder, Spurwort. This is the only species in the Sherardia genus found in the United States. While the USDA Plants database does not list it as an invasive species, that is probably because of relatively low economic impact; it is clearly spreading.

The plant grows 4 to 16 inches tall, but will sprawl and form mats with the flowers only a few inches above the ground.

Found in: AL, AR, AZ, CA, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, MS, NC, NJ, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV
Sherardia arvensis

Distribution of Sherardia arvensis in the United States and Canada:
USDA Map temporarily unavailable.
Blue=Native; Grey=Introduced

Map from USDA Plants Database:
USDA, NRCS. 2017. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 16 Jan 2025). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC 27401-4901 USA.

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Site: Walker County, GA Date: 2011-April-21Photographer: Gerald C. Williamson
Nikon D7000
Tamron SP 90MM f/2.8 AF Macro
Field Madder has clusters of tiny flowers atop branches of a square stem. The branches form at the nodes of whorls of 4 to 6 lanceolate, sharply pointed leaves. The plant has a similar appearance to some Bedstraws.
Sherardia arvensis
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Sherardia arvensis initially published on USWildflowers.com 2011-05-19; Updated 2015-06-24

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