white weed like plant - Ask Extension
This white weed like plant is overtaking my lawn. Is this Chinese cress or some other nuisance? Please what should I use to get rid of it without ki...
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white weed like plant #622837
Asked April 10, 2020, 8:32 AM EDT
This white weed like plant is overtaking my lawn. Is this Chinese cress or some other nuisance? Please what should I use to get rid of it without killing my lawn.
Oakland County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello and thank you for your question.
Although it is difficult to see in the picture, I believe the weed is hairy bittercress . It is a short-lived, spring growing weed with a shallow root system. Because of its shallow roots, it is easy to pull. You could also mow the flower heads before they set seeds and bag and destroy the debris to prevent the spread of the seeds.
You could also spot treat with a broadleaf postemergent herbicide in the spring when the weeds are growing. Look for a herbicide that lists hairy bittercress on its label and follow the label directions on its use.
You can read more about hairy bittercress at: https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/topics/hairy-bittercress and https://extension.wvu.edu/lawn-gardening-pests/news/2018/05/16/taming-the-ubiquitous-hairy-bittercre...
Although it is difficult to see in the picture, I believe the weed is hairy bittercress . It is a short-lived, spring growing weed with a shallow root system. Because of its shallow roots, it is easy to pull. You could also mow the flower heads before they set seeds and bag and destroy the debris to prevent the spread of the seeds.
You could also spot treat with a broadleaf postemergent herbicide in the spring when the weeds are growing. Look for a herbicide that lists hairy bittercress on its label and follow the label directions on its use.
You can read more about hairy bittercress at: https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/topics/hairy-bittercress and https://extension.wvu.edu/lawn-gardening-pests/news/2018/05/16/taming-the-ubiquitous-hairy-bittercre...
