![](https://images.ctfassets.net/l2hapltrg3cz/6AZ3SQlJuYK9cSsk2vfCuD/8f6d79bfa95b2b5ae19c3d9c83aee2c9/spurrey_01.jpg?fm=webp&w=1080&q=85)
Spurrey
Spergula arvensis
Importance
Common in spring crops on sandy, well watered arable land. Dense mass of growth often causes problems. Indicates acid soil.
![](https://images.ctfassets.net/l2hapltrg3cz/1qR1zhLlC6C7p37G0Pje3Z/ca625c98822ae88267e210c9c92b6b3f/spurrey_01.jpg?fm=webp&w=1920&q=85)
1. The cotyledons are very long and thin (about 25 times as long as they are wide), as are the first true leaves. Both are round and not flat in cross-section.
![](https://images.ctfassets.net/l2hapltrg3cz/4yjYqzbfb3aHf56x5cvmYv/6cd4b789cadf98c18ae1c2007b777da7/spurrey_02.jpg?fm=webp&w=1920&q=85)
2. The leaves are very narrow, long and fleshy, arising as clusters along the stem.
![](https://images.ctfassets.net/l2hapltrg3cz/4imTWV5LNEvX8aOLDitZPr/e077712460bf19b801cb68c23d020623/spurrey_03.jpg?fm=webp&w=1920&q=85)
3. An annual of straggling upright growth with small white flowers.
![](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)