Diodia virginiana
broadleaf weedUSDA zones 7–10Active: spring, summer, fallAggressive perennial weed in warm, moist southern lawns. Spreads by seeds, stems, and root fragments. One of the most difficult weeds to control in southern turf.
Opposite lance-shaped leaves; small white 4-lobed star-shaped flowers; spreading, prostrate stems; swollen nodes.
Buttonweed thrives in wet, warm conditions. Reduce excess moisture.
When: Address drainage year-round
Very difficult to pull completely as stem fragments re-root. Bag all material carefully.
When: Pull when soil is moist; bag everything
One of the few effective options for buttonweed. Multiple applications needed.
When: Apply when actively growing in summer; repeat in 4-6 weeks
Active ingredient: Metsulfuron-methyl — e.g. Manor, Blade
Effective in St. Augustine and centipede lawns. DO NOT use on cool-season turf.
When: Apply in spring or fall when buttonweed is actively growing
Active ingredient: Atrazine — e.g. Southern Ag Atrazine
Grass safety: always match herbicides to your grass species — products safe on Kentucky bluegrass can kill St. Augustine or centipede. Lawn Guardian checks this automatically against your lawn profile.
Lawn Guardian turns this guidance into a schedule timed to your USDA zone and this week's actual weather — and adapts every time you log what you've done.
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