Another week, another weed. This time it’s spurweed
Q.
A. Your thorny little devil is Soliva sessilis, also known as sticky weed, spurweed or lawn burweed. It is a cool-season annual in the Aster family. The seeds of burweed germinate in early fall, and then typically remain small and inconspicuous during the winter months. As temperatures begin to rise in late winter/early spring, the seedlings grow rapidly, with opposite, sparselyhaired leaves that are divided into two lobes. Eventually, the plants form those pointy burrs in the leaf axils that you reference. Within these hookedburs are the seeds.
Post-emergent control is the most effective. Do this in winter — December, January and February — while the weed is small and has not developed the spur-tipped burs. While control is still possible in March, April and May, the burs have begun to form and are left when the weed dies. Like other winter annuals, the weed will begin to die later in spring as air temperatures begin to hit the 80s.
A three-way, post-emergent broadleaf product that contains 2,4-D; Dicamba; MCCP, or MCPA is safe to use at label rates on your turfgrass. Products with a higher percentage of Dicamba and MCCP are more effective on this weed. Repeat applications may be necessary — follow label recommendations.
Next fall, in late August, September and October, consider pre-emergent herbicide treatments. Beware, some herbicides may interfere with your fall seeding program. Products that contain Isoxaben, a broadleaf weedkiller, are effective and compatible with fall seeding. Be sure to consult the label to ensure it can be used safely.
A one-two approach — treating with both pre- and post-emergent herbicides — is your best bet until you have this “little devil” under control.
But this weed, as well as most others, can be best controlled by maintaining a healthy stand of grass that effectively defends its
“turf ” against foreign invaders such as these. Weeds are opportunists that are lying-in-wait for their chance to gain a foothold when your turf grass becomes weak or spotty.
By maintaining a dense, healthy turf, weeds will have a much harder time competing and getting that foothold in your turf. Mowing, fertilizing and watering should be conducted at a time and in a manner that favors your turf, putting the weeds at a disadvantage. So think about these practices in this context, not as just random items on your weekly or monthly yard care checklist. Scout your turf periodically to identify weed problems early before they become an issue. And learn the life cycle of your weed, so you will know when it is most vulnerable to your eradication efforts.
And one more thing or two
Some readers were surprised to find the column missing two weeks ago. A note ran in the March 7 Home + Living saying a special edition of the column would be published in the March 11 Flavor section. The column was about the tropical fruits I encountered while visiting Nicaragua for the month. Just in case you missed it, try your luck at the tropical fruits plate ID quiz. You can check out Flavor at bit.ly/spencer fruitquiz and find the answers.
Remember that columns have all been archived at Pilotonline.com.
Anyway you count it, spring is here. The meteorological start of the season, created by meteorologists to make record-keeping a little easier, began three weeks ago on March 1. But the astrological start of the season, or the spring equinox, occurred Thursday at 11:50 p.m. EST. If that slipped by you, as it almost did me, it is most likely because this year, the spring equinox comes the earliest it has been in 124 years. Spring is officially here.
Send questions to wkspen@gmail.com or to Home + Living c/o The Virginian-Pilot, 150 W. Brambleton Ave., Norfolk, VA 23510.