![](https://images.ctfassets.net/l2hapltrg3cz/7BpVJadnWDdy8hyVu5Y1Lp/054478b4f0180bfb8a1cf657837a1c06/shaggy-soldier-young.jpg?fm=webp&w=1080&q=85)
Shaggy Soldier
Galinsoga ciliata
Importance
Shaggy Soldier is localised in England and rare in Wales and Scotland – favouring warmer climates with heavy, clay soil which can be found in its native environment of South America. Member of the Compositae.
![](https://images.ctfassets.net/l2hapltrg3cz/7frsYWVitrYyXuemI291bp/07b4f05963b018c1b8ffb900e84b905b/shaggy-soldier-young.jpg?fm=webp&w=750&q=85)
1. The cotyledons are broader (5-7 mm) than they are long (5 mm), blunt-ended and 'quadrangular' in shape, with a slightly indented tip (apex).
![](https://images.ctfassets.net/l2hapltrg3cz/79AK9gSgd5davgDY7baM87/302548d6c8410af71308e2625094aec2/shaggy-soldier-young-2.jpg?fm=webp&w=750&q=85)
2. The first true leaves are rounded/triangular in shape, widest at the stem with upper leaves being toothed, veined and hairy. The leaves are a pale green not to be confused with Gallant soldier (Galinsoga parviflora) which are a darker shade of green.
![](https://images.ctfassets.net/l2hapltrg3cz/1Hk7QEHwxD3SoMLjWJkKIQ/87c2ed50ba3399304c4e4754361c6be2/shaggy-soldier-mature-2.jpg?fm=webp&w=750&q=85)
3. Stem is usually erect, with thick ‘shaggy’ hairs especially prevalent towards the top. Upright growth which can reach a height of up to 60 cm.
![](https://images.ctfassets.net/l2hapltrg3cz/3e8EZ4GIr9PReXKzk6FXEN/2d5e74ed09a2188b3b93cc9803c0ac51/shaggy-soldier-mature.jpg?fm=webp&w=750&q=85)
4. The flowers consist of small composite yellow flower heads, up to 1cm across, with five separate 3-toothed white ray florets.
![](https://images.ctfassets.net/l2hapltrg3cz/1h0qvud54Zy9GzLekPOd5R/677728ff5c36c4492f44e69e75b97e83/FieldMate_Promo_Mobile.jpg?fm=webp&w=3840&q=85)
![](https://images.ctfassets.net/l2hapltrg3cz/3CvKagUshwoSyxEDqRj52c/bd6e3be09e808d22cf4c4c324b6d4ac7/FieldMate_Promo_Desktop.jpg?fm=webp&w=3840&q=85)
![](https://images.ctfassets.net/l2hapltrg3cz/3CvKagUshwoSyxEDqRj52c/bd6e3be09e808d22cf4c4c324b6d4ac7/FieldMate_Promo_Desktop.jpg?fm=webp&w=3840&q=85)