PlantFiles: Common Fanpetals, Common Wireweed
Sida acuta

I believe it is now named Sida ulmifolia. Common Fanpetals is ubiquitous in South Florida, and perhaps Florida generally. One sees it mowed in lawns, but it will grow into a woody bush, if allowed. It can be trimmed to any height and grows to a dense ground cover, with abundant yellow flowers against dark green leaves. The caution would be that it is quite tough and hard to pull up by the roots without first loosening the soil. Because it is otherwise desirable, I let it crowd out the undesirable weeds and fill in disturbed areas in place of mulch. It is a native to many Florida counties.

I just brought a sida acuta home from our Palm Beach County Native Plant Society monthly meeting. Until now I thought this was just a weed that I saw growing in the edges of the alley and in the grassy swale between the sidewalk and street. I guess I know better now. It will be planted in a prominent place in the garden!