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tannatonk23_fl_z9a

Weed ID in Florida

tannatonk23_fl_z9a
10 years ago

Can anyone tell me what this is called? And more importantly, how to get rid of it. I've tried all the weed killers available at the big box stores and I just can't get a handle on it.. I do pull trash cans full of it monthly and we try not to mow it. The underside of each leaf is full of seed :(. Thanks for any advice.

I just realized there was a weed forum here. This is cross posted from the Florida Gardening forum in hopes that someone can help me control it. Seems to be the worst in the north facing areas of my yard.

Comments (3)

  • lisanti07028
    10 years ago

    There are a couple of mimosa-like pests in the Southeast, but the worst, and the one you may have, is chamberbitters (Phyllanthus urinaria). That's the one with the seeds underneath the sets of leaves. It's a real nasty, and if that's what it is, you're going to need all the luck I can wish you. Take a look at the attached page from Clemson, and then google it for more information. There apparently is a herbicide that works on it, but it's not Round-up, so you may have to look for it. Good luck.

    Here is a link that might be useful: Clemson page on chamberbitters

  • Tiffany, purpleinopp Z8b Opp, AL
    10 years ago

    Agreed. The good news is that they come up easily. Breaking the cycle is not difficult on this one, but does require eliminating as soon as you see it because you'll never see any flowers. You may be able to get control of it with a weed-wacker. Stepping on it might break the stems, if you need more time to get to it all.

  • tannatonk23_fl_z9a
    Original Author
    10 years ago

    Yes I have found out it is the dreaded chamber bitters. The good news is that it pulls out easy and is a summer annual. And deep mulch helps since the seed needs light to germinate. My plan is to keep pulling and to lay down thick layers of newspaper and then re-mulch heavily. Just had a new St. Augustine lawn put down so will pay close attention to pulling any new weed I see.
    Thanks for the info.

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