How To Get Rid Of Buttonweed
Virginia buttonweed (Diodia Virginiana) is an invasive, perennial weed native to the southeastern United States. You can find it in many lawns, gardens, and landscapes throughout the country. Buttonweed is a problem for homeowners because it is difficult to control and can quickly take over a yard. Creating a weed-free zone around your home is the best defense against this invasive weed.
If it does become a problem in your yard, there are several herbicides that you can use for controlling Virginia buttonweed. However, these herbicides must be applied carefully and according to label directions to be effective in suppressing buttonweed. Our DIY Guide To Buttonweed Control will show you how to identify and control buttonweed in your own yard.
Key Takeaways
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Buttonweed can be tough to control due to its rapid spread of seeds and rhizomes (its underground root system)
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Mowing high can keep your grass healthier and block out buttonweed by preventing it from establishing
Buttonweed Identification And Inspection
Characteristics Of Buttonweed
Virginia buttonweed (Diodia virginiana) is a spreading, herbaceous perennial common in disturbed areas, such as roadsides and lawns. It is native to the southeastern United States but has been introduced to other parts of the country. This plant gets its name from its small, white flowers that resemble buttons. The flowers are born in clusters at the ends of the stems and bloom from June to August.
The leaves are opposite, oval-shaped, and have finely serrated edges. The stems are square in cross-section and often have a reddish tinge. Virginia buttonweed reproduces by seed and also spreads via its root system.
Although it is not considered to be a significant problem in natural areas, it can be challenging to control in gardens and landscapes. However, several herbicides are available for use on this plant.
Buttonweed Inspection
Finding this weed in your lawn should be relatively straightforward, as it stands out against regular grass and vegetation. In a short timeframe, buttonweed can spread across large areas. Perhaps the most surprising aspect of this weed is its resiliency; it can re-plant itself through stem fragments left over after your mow your lawn.
These plants emerge in the spring, and inspection should also begin around this time. Be on the lookout for hairy branch stems and leaves that are light on the bottom and dark green on the top.
Control Buttonweed
How To Get Rid Of Buttonweed
Herbicide applications are the most effective control method, but multiple applications may be necessary to achieve desired results. Buttonweed is also known to be resistant to some herbicides, so it is crucial to select an appropriate product and follow label directions carefully.
Mechanical control methods, such as mowing or hand-pulling, can also effectively manage buttonweed populations.
However, these methods may require regular repeat applications to prevent the weed's regrowth and spread. In many cases, you will need applications four to six weeks apart. With proper management, it is possible to rid of buttonweed infestations.
Products that contain metsulfuron methyl (MSM), triclopyr, clopyrid, 2,4-D, MCCP, dicamba, and Sulfonylurea are the most effective.
View our safe products for your specific variety of grass:
Buttonweed Selective Herbicide Recommendations
SpeedZone Herbicide EW (Red): This fast-acting post-emergence herbicide is perfect for sensitive southern grasses. It works excellently on difficult weeds such as beggarweed and buttonweed, and you can expect some visible results within a matter of hours.
Trimec Classic Herbicide (1gallon): An industry standard for over 40 years, Trimec is one of the top herbicides available for intensively managed turf grasses.
SpeedZone Southern Herbicide: This post-emergence herbicide for sensitive southern turfgrasses is tough on the usual suspects, such as creeping beggarweed, clover, buttonweed, dollarweed, and more. You'll be able to spot results within hours.
Quali-Pro MSM Turf Dry Flowable Herbicide: This highly selective, premium post-emergent herbicide is effective at treating Virginia buttonweed on Bermuda grass, Bluegrass, and St. Augustinegrass.
Non-Selective Herbicide Recommendations
Warning: Non-selective herbicides will kill your turf grass and other vegetation, so only use them on areas with dense weeds and little or no grass.
Agrisel Gly Pho-Sel Pro 41% (Glyphosate Herbicide): This systemic weed killer will get rid of Virginia buttonweed fast, as well as kill a wide variety of other perennial weeds, annual weeds, and woody brush. Because this herbicide will kill virtually all vegetation, you should use it cautiously.
Buttonweed Prevention
Practicing proper maintenance is the best way to prevent buttonweed from becoming a problem in your lawn. This includes regular mowing, fertilizing, overseeding, and removing weeds as soon as they appear. In addition, mulching around trees, shrubs, and other plants can help reduce buttonweed seed germination by blocking the sun's rays.
In addition, herbicides may be used proactively to prevent buttonweed establishment or regrowth after mechanical control measures have been taken. Be sure to select an appropriate product and follow the label directions carefully.
It is also important to avoid over-watering your lawn; buttonweed likes moist environments and will thrive if given too much water.
Do-It-Yourself Pest Control Can Help You Eliminate Buttonweed From Your Lawn!
With proper identification, inspection, and control methods, buttonweed can be eliminated from your lawn. Be sure to select the appropriate product for your turfgrass, follow label directions carefully, and practice proactive maintenance in order to keep buttonweed at bay. For more information about buttonweed prevention or other do-it-yourself pest control tips, please contact us today.
We look forward to helping you take care of your lawn!
If you have any questions about buttonweed or lawn care in general, please feel free to call us at 1-800-476-3368. We are always happy to help with your lawn and pest control needs! Thank you for choosing Do-It-Yourself Pest Control.