Life cycle
Perennial
Growth habit
Basal rosette of broad, oval leaves with 5 to 7 prominent, nearly parallel veins; small flowers clustered along tan-green, erect, leafless stalks less than 1-ft. tall; flower spikes have the appearance of a rigid cylindrical stalk with flowers and seeds formed along its length.
Reproduction
Seeds that attach to passing people and animals and hitch-hike to another location.
Conditions that favor growth
Dry, compacted soil; infrequent or improper lawn fertilizer applications
Management in lawns
Lawn care practices
Maintain healthy, dense turf that can compete and prevent weed establishment.
Mechanical management
Hand pulling or using an appropriate weeding tool are the primary means of mechanical weed control in lawns. This is a viable option at the beginning of an infestation and on young weeds. Hand pulling when the soil is moist makes the task easier.
Manage Weeds Without Chemicals
Chemical treatment in lawns
If you choose this option, spot treat weeds with a liquid, selective, postemergent, broadleaf weed killer applied when weeds are actively growing. Look for a product with one or more of the following active ingredients:
2, 4-D, MCPP (mecoprop), Dicamba*, or Triclopyr.
*Do not spray herbicides containing dicamba over the root zone of trees and shrubs. Roots can absorb the product possibly causing plant damage. Refer to the product label for precautions.