Thank you for choosing Ask an Expert for help with your weed problem. This is shiny geranium or Geranium lucidum. This invasive weed has taken hold in western Oregon and Washington and become quite troublesome in spring.

Getting control of a large infestation will take several seasons. You may need to use different control methods in different areas of the garden.

Now that you know them to be a wily invader, try to get them out before they flower and spread seeds.

In areas where you need to dig out individual plants, get as much of the stems and root out, to prevent them from returning. Weaken the plants, if they do return, by increasing the shade in the infested area.

For control in the lawn, look for a weed control product containing the active ingredients 2,4-D and triclopyr, or mix these two products together. Use at the lawn rate to prevent damage to grass.

Products containing glyphosate can be use in bark dust areas. Use it carefully – it will damage any and all leaves and stems it contacts. And for areas that you will not be planting ornamentals of any kind, such as driveways, walkways, patios, etc., look for the active ingredients glyphosate and imazapyr.

When using any weed control product, remember to read and follow all directions and cautions.

Regards,