Virginia Buttonweed

Biological Name:

Diodia virginiana (Virginia-Buttonweed)

Natural Habitat:

The Virginia-Buttonweed is native to the southeastern United States, particularly in and around the state of Virginia.

Description:

Virginia-Buttonweed also known as Diodia is a plant that is native to grassland and prairie regions of North America. It is an annual herb that can grow up to two feet tall and it has small oval-shaped leaves and small white or pink flowers that bloom in the summer. The plant is known for its ability to produce toxins that can be harmful to grazing animals and it is often considered a weed in agricultural fields.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What will kill Virginia Buttonweed?
A: The 2,4-D, dicamba, mecoprop, and carfentrazone combination herbicides will suppress new Virginia buttonweed growth in the spring and kill the seedlings.
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Q: Will roundup for lawns kill Virginia buttonweed?
A: Persistent and regular spot treating with glyphosate over time is another way to deal with this weed. Glyphosate (Roundup, Killzall and other brands) does a good job of killing this weed, but it kills the grass as well.
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Q: Will Q4 kill Virginia Buttonweed?
A: Q4 Plus Turf Herbicide should be mixed at at 2.5 oz. per gallon of water per 1000 sq. ft. to treat Virginia buttonweed. 4 of 4 people found this answer helpful.
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Q: Is Virginia Buttonweed hard to kill?
A: Virginia buttonweed is not readily controlled by most lawn weed killers. It is one of the most difficult to control broadleaf weeds in lawns. Multiple herbicide applications over 2 summers are generally needed for heavy infestations.
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Q: Does baking soda kill Virginia Buttonweed?
A: Agralawn is a desiccate made of cinnamon, baking soda, cumin and flour and Wow does it work quick. You’ll quickly see dead weeds in 12 hours. Excellent for killing Virginia Buttonweed in turf.
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Q: What kills buttonweed in St. Augustinegrass?
A: Once temperatures exceed 85 degrees, herbicides containing 2,4-D cause too much injury to St. Augustinegrass and centipedegrass. In the hot summertime, metsulfuron (MSM, Mansion) or Celsius herbicides should be applied. Always repeat metsulfuron or Celsius applications four to six weeks after the initial application.
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Q: Where is buttonweed native to?
A: Facts. Virginia buttonweed is native to the eastern U.S., reaching the northern edge of its range just south of New England. It is a spreading, prostrate perennial that can show up as a weed in lawns and other disturbed areas of the south. However, it is listed as rare farther north in New Jersey and Indiana.
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Q: How do you control Virginia Stickseed?
A: Chemical: Careful spot-applications of glyphosate (Roundup®, etc.) or triclo pyr (Garlon®, etc.) are the easiest and most effec- tive means of control. Triclopyr is a broadleaf-specific herbicide and won’t harm grasses or sedges.
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Q: What are the hardest weeds to get rid of?
A: Field Bindweed. Field bindweed is a twining vine that can cover gardens and shrubs in no time. … Burdock. Great burdock flowers look much like thistle blooms. … Ground Ivy. … Canada Thistle. … Johnsongrass. … Mugwort. … Nutsedge. … Poison Ivy.
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Q: Should you pull Virginia Buttonweed?
A: Be sure to pull up the entire plant, roots and all, so that it doesn’t regrow. You can also use a hoe or trowel to dig up the plant. If hand-pulling and digging aren’t possible or practical, you can use a herbicide. Look for one that’s specifically labeled for Virginia buttonweed and follow the instructions carefully.
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Q: How does Virginia Buttonweed spread?
A: Not only does virginia buttonweed produces seeds but it also spreads through underground root systems called rhizomes. The weed is a vigorous grower and can easily tolerate very close mowing.
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Q: Is Virginia Buttonweed invasive?
A: Virginia buttonweed is widely considered the most invasive weed infesting turfgrass in the South.
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Q: Can you eat buttonweed?
A: The unripe seeds are edible raw. Where the plant is native its seeds are a common outdoor snack of children. Ripe seeds, however, must be leached until not bitter. Then dried they are ground into flour.
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Q: Is Virginia Buttonweed native?
A: Facts. Virginia buttonweed is native to the eastern U.S., reaching the northern edge of its range just south of New England. It is a spreading, prostrate perennial that can show up as a weed in lawns and other disturbed areas of the south. However, it is listed as rare farther north in New Jersey and Indiana.
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Q: Is Virginia Buttonweed a good ground cover?
A: This plant spreads easily and covers bare spots and is attractive. It does not seem to bother any other plants and stays very low. Good ground cover.
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Q: How often can you spray MSM?
A: Repeat application may be required in 4 to 6 weeks. The required amount of MSM Turf Herbicide should be added when the spray tank is half full of water and, with agitator running, add the proper amount of product.
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Q: How do you get rid of Virginia Buttonweed grass?
A: The addition of synthetic auxin herbicides, such as dicamba, with sulfonylurea herbicides may improve activity for Virginia buttonweed control. Dicamba is a benzoic acid herbicide commonly found in prepackaged mixtures with 2,4-D and other broadleaf herbicides.
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Q: How do I get rid of old world diamond flower?
A: Herbicide Use Postemergence control with repeat applications of mixtures of 2,4-D, carfentrazone, dicamba, MCPP, MCPA and/or sulfentrazone. Other postemergence options include triclopyr alone or combined with 2,4-D. Check the herbicide label for specific application rates and turfgrass tolerance before use.
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About the author

Samuel is a gardening professional and enthusiast who has spent over 20 years advising homeowners and farm owners on weed identification, prevention and removal. He has an undergraduate degree in plant and soil science from Michigan State University.