How do I control sharp-point toadflax (Kickxia elatine) in a home lawn in Frederick County Virginia?
Recommendation: Selective chemical controls for Kickxia in the home lawn are not known. Patches can be treated with glyphosate (Roundup) and the lawn reestablished with seed or sod after the existing turf and Kickxia dies. Multiple treatments may be needed if Kickxia recovers. Selective broadleaf chemicals that do not harm turfgrass include products that contain at least two of the following active ingredients: triclopyr, clopyralid, 2,4-D, MCPP, MCPA, and dicamba. These chemicals will kill broadleaf weeds and desirable broadleaf ornamental plants but will not harm turfgrass. These products have not been tested on Kickxia. Repeated “low” mowing will help deplete carbohydrate reserves of Kickxia if chemical controls are not used. Persistent hand pulling can supplement a mowing program.
