Weed group: summer annual
Characteristics: Low growing summer annual which appears in early spring. Unusually, found it growing out of concrete cracks or out in sports fields. The thick branching stems often grow to 2 feet diameter or larger, forming a thick mat. It loves hard compacted soil with little moisture. Survives very hot summers because of is very long taproot.
Control:
- Cultural:
- Natural: DO NOT scalp your lawn in the spring. If seeds cannot contact the ground nor get sun light they will not geminate. Hand pull the weeds from the center, over the tap root when soil is damp. Continue to pull young plants before they produce seeds. I also use 20% horticulture vinegar in a 24 ounce spray bottle to spray weeds that come up in my drive or the cracks in the sidewalk.
- Chemical: Prevent spring weeds by NOT scalping your lawn in the spring. If seeds cannot contact the ground nor get sun light they will not geminate. The best weed control is a healthy managed lawn.