This Mediterranean annual weed is now widely scattered across southeastern states, especially in frequently mowed areas. Its first record from Ky. was provided by Browne & Athey (1978), and the species now appears to be increasing across the state. Sherardia is a monotypic genus that shares several features with Galium; 2n = 22. It may be paraphyletic and could be included in a broader concept of Galium; see W for review. Sheradia differs in its involucrate inflorescence and its more tubular, pink to purple flowers