If you’re like most homeowners, you want to make sure your yard is as beautiful and healthy as possible. That’s why it’s important to know about all the common plants and weeds that can invade your space, including Virginia buttonweed. This pesky weed can be difficult to get rid of, but with the right information, you can have it under control in no time. In this blog post, we’ll provide all the key facts on what you should know about Virginia buttonweed so that you can identify it and take steps to eradicate it from your yard!
What Is Virginia Buttonweed?
Virginia buttonweed (Diodia virginiana) is a perennial weed that blooms from June to October. It’s native to the southeastern United States, but it can now be found in many other parts of the country as well. This plant gets its name from its small, white flowers that resemble buttons. The leaves are opposite each other on the stem and are oval-shaped with serrated edges. Virginia buttonweed can grow up to two feet tall, but it’s typically much smaller—around six inches.
This weed is often found in lawns, gardens, pastures, and roadsides. It prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. Virginia buttonweed is difficult to control it produces a lot of seeds – up to 50,000 per plant! The seeds can stay viable in the soil for several years, which means this weed can come back even after you think you’ve gotten rid of it.
Curious about why grasses like this keep popping up? Read: Reasons Why You Have Weeds in Your Yard.
How to Control Virginia Buttonweed
Central to the list of everything you should know about Virginia buttonweed is how to deal with it. The best way to control Virginia buttonweed is to prevent it from germinating in the first place. This can be done by keeping your lawn healthy and free of bare spots where the weed can take root. If you do have Virginia buttonweed in your yard, hand-pulling is the most effective method of removal. Be sure to pull up the entire plant, roots and all, so that it doesn’t regrow. You can also use a hoe or trowel to dig up the plant.
If hand-pulling and digging aren’t possible or practical, you can use a herbicide. Look for one that’s specifically labeled for Virginia buttonweed and follow the instructions carefully. Be sure to apply the herbicide when the weed is actively growing, usually in late spring or early summer. With some persistence, you can get rid of Virginia buttonweed for good!
Get Help With Virginia Buttonweed
We hope this blog post has given you all the information you need to identify and control Virginia buttonweed in your yard. Remember, the best way to deal with this weed is to prevent it from germinating in the first place. But if you do find yourself dealing with an infestation, don’t despair; with some professional lawn care in Cumming, you can get rid of it!