Lawn weed identification - Ask Extension
This weed has become prolific across the county this year. Several homeowners have noticed it encroaching quickly into their lawns. What is it, an...
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Lawn weed identification #186476
Asked May 29, 2014, 3:06 PM EDT
This weed has become prolific across the county this year. Several homeowners have noticed it encroaching quickly into their lawns. What is it, and how can it be controlled?
Bennett County South Dakota
Expert Response
It seems that this is Ceratocephala testicular or "bur head buttercup", formerly Ranunculus testiculatus. A small annual weed from Europe becoming widespread in w SD mainly in urban environments (street boulevards, parking lots, picnic/campgrounds, etc.).
The weed is described art the following SD State Website:
http://www.sdstate.edu/ps/extension/weed-mgmt/weed_description.cfm?weed=Bur%20Buttercup
A publication from Utah State Extension Service describes this weed and is available at http://extension.usu.edu/rangeplants/htm/bur-buttercup
Typical lawn type broad leaf herbicides that contain dicamba and 2,4-D may be effective. FOLLOW ALL HERBICIDE LABEL DIRECTIONS. Of course good lawn management can help improve turf density and reduce weed invasion. Treatment should be prior to it setting flowers and seeds if possible.
The weed is described art the following SD State Website:
http://www.sdstate.edu/ps/extension/weed-mgmt/weed_description.cfm?weed=Bur%20Buttercup
A publication from Utah State Extension Service describes this weed and is available at http://extension.usu.edu/rangeplants/htm/bur-buttercup
Typical lawn type broad leaf herbicides that contain dicamba and 2,4-D may be effective. FOLLOW ALL HERBICIDE LABEL DIRECTIONS. Of course good lawn management can help improve turf density and reduce weed invasion. Treatment should be prior to it setting flowers and seeds if possible.
