Friday, December 6, 2013

Khaki Weed - Problem in Yards


Khaki weed (Alternanthera pungens) also known as creeping chaffweed or matt chafflower, is probably one of the worst yard weeds we can have.  As you can see in the picture it is very low growing so that the mower never touches it.  Khaki weed will grow all season and you barely notice it and then in the fall it becomes exposed and flowers.  The flowers you see are spiny, very spiny, and those spiny flowers will stick in your shoes or even worse in your feet.  
Control must take place early in the season or like most weeds it gets mature and almost impossible to control.  For homeowners the Fertilome Product called Weed Free Zone will do the job but it must be used early before Khaki weed develops a large root system.