Weeds in Mississippi
Can I control Virginia buttonweed?
Virginia buttonweed (Diodia virginiana L.) has been called the number one broadleaf weed in turfgrass in Mississippi. This weed starts to grow during early summer and continues until frost. The small, hairy, white flowers make identification a snap. This perennial plant can spread by producing new roots and shoots from broken stems or fleshy roots, or by seed produced above or below the soil surface. Seeds are buoyant and water helps spread the weed. Often plants are first found in low areas in the yard. If these are not removed Virginia buttonweed will spread.
The easiest method of control for scattered, individual plants is hand removal. Care must be taken, however, to remove as much root as possible to maximize control. Check these areas frequently the entire summer and remove any new plants that emerge. This must be repeated again next summer for complete eradication. An alternative to hand removal is to spray with Roundup, which will damage the turf and may create a dead spot in the turf for other weeds to emerge, or use a selective broadleaf spray that contains 2,4-D, dicamba, and MCPA or MCPP. Care must be taken to ensure the one selected can safely be used on the type turf in the lawn. Repeated applications will be necessary for complete control.