Weed Identification - Ask Extension
I have this showing up in sparse patches throughout my lawn but I have a giant section that is taking over everything. This area is more shaded and th...
Knowledgebase
Weed Identification #867844
Asked May 10, 2024, 8:49 AM EDT
I have this showing up in sparse patches throughout my lawn but I have a giant section that is taking over everything. This area is more shaded and the grass is thinner here which is probably why it’s taking over but I can’t figure out what it is in order to get rid of it. I’m in Macomb County. Any ideas? Thanks!
Macomb County Michigan
Expert Response
This plant appears to be corn speedwell.
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/spring-blooming-lawn-and-garden-weeds
Corn speedwell is a small summer or winter annual with ascending, branched stems radiating from the base of the plant. It often forms dense mats in lawns and other areas. Lower leaves are opposite in arrangement on short petioles while upper leaves tend to be alternately arranged and sessile. Leaves are sparsely hairy and egg-shaped, and leaf margins have rounded teeth. The flowers are small and pale blue to white.
This is one of many speedwells found in lawns; all are similar in appearance. Corn speedwell should be effectively controlled with one of the “3-way” broadleaf herbicides for turf, such as Weed-B-Gone Lawn Weed Killer, Trimec, or Bayer Advanced Lawn Weed Killer for Lawns. These products contain a “3-way” mixture of dicamba, 2, 4-D, and MCPP/MCPA and can be found in most lawn and garden centers (Lowe’s, Home Depot, Wal-Mart, TSC, etc.).
A spring application should be applied as soon as possible to control corn speedwell before seeds are produced. An application will be effective if applied during days with a temperature of more than 50 degrees. A fall application may be warranted to control those plants that emerge this fall. The reason for the invading corn speedwell is probably a result of poor quality, thin turf due to poor drainage, shade, improper grass species, pH imbalance, fertility problem, soil structure problem, drought, etc.
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/spring-blooming-lawn-and-garden-weeds
Corn speedwell is a small summer or winter annual with ascending, branched stems radiating from the base of the plant. It often forms dense mats in lawns and other areas. Lower leaves are opposite in arrangement on short petioles while upper leaves tend to be alternately arranged and sessile. Leaves are sparsely hairy and egg-shaped, and leaf margins have rounded teeth. The flowers are small and pale blue to white.
This is one of many speedwells found in lawns; all are similar in appearance. Corn speedwell should be effectively controlled with one of the “3-way” broadleaf herbicides for turf, such as Weed-B-Gone Lawn Weed Killer, Trimec, or Bayer Advanced Lawn Weed Killer for Lawns. These products contain a “3-way” mixture of dicamba, 2, 4-D, and MCPP/MCPA and can be found in most lawn and garden centers (Lowe’s, Home Depot, Wal-Mart, TSC, etc.).
A spring application should be applied as soon as possible to control corn speedwell before seeds are produced. An application will be effective if applied during days with a temperature of more than 50 degrees. A fall application may be warranted to control those plants that emerge this fall. The reason for the invading corn speedwell is probably a result of poor quality, thin turf due to poor drainage, shade, improper grass species, pH imbalance, fertility problem, soil structure problem, drought, etc.
