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Need help with weed identification. #866810

Asked May 02, 2024, 4:31 PM EDT

Please help us identify this weed.  It wasn't in our yard last year, but this year it has taken over more than 75% of our lawn and is choking out the grass.  How can we get rid of it.  Pre-emergent broad leaf control didn't touch it!

Huron County Michigan

Expert Response

I believe this is corn speedwell (Veronica arvensis), which is a winter annual plant that has been introduced to Michigan. You can read more about it in this article I wrote that explains the biology and timing of weed control operations.

https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/spring-blooming-lawn-and-garden-weeds

At this stage, preemergence herbicides would not be expected to provide any control. Preemergence herbicides are only effective on plants germinating from seed. They do have a role in management of this species, but in the late summer. 

An herbicide with Triclopyr as the active ingredient may help (e.g., Weed B Gone Chickweed, Clover, and Oxalis Killer), but because they are already flowering it likely won't make a big difference compared to how this plant is expected to naturally dies back. 

In the article I mention that the best approach for these weeds is to use a preemergence product in the late-summer to try to control them before they emerge from the soil. Most of the products that target crabgrass are what I mean, the timing is just different than it would be for crabgrass (early spring). 

The other thing to consider is that promoting the health of your lawn will go along way in combating weeds. Without "windows of opportunity" they are less likely to survive/succeed. So, practices to consider are increasing your mowing height to 3.5", watering when conditions are dry, applying fertilizers, and replanting thin areas. You can read about lawn care tips from MSU Extension at the following site: https://www.canr.msu.edu/home_gardening/lawns/

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Erin Hill, PhD Replied May 03, 2024, 9:22 AM EDT
Thank You!  This information is just what we were looking to get on the identification and control of this weed!

We sincerely thank you!

Annette Harbin

On Fri, May 3, 2024 at 9:22 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied May 05, 2024, 4:46 PM EDT

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