Beggarweed, primarily species of the Desmodium genus, is a broadleaf weed notorious for its persistence in lawns and gardens. This pervasive plant is a nuisance because it produces sticky, segmented seed pods that easily attach to clothing, animal fur, and equipment. Eliminating an infestation requires a targeted strategy combining accurate identification, immediate removal techniques, and proactive turf management. This guide outlines the steps necessary to eradicate beggarweed and create a lawn environment where it cannot thrive.
Understanding Beggarweed Identification
Accurate identification is the first step toward effective control, as beggarweed possesses several distinct characteristics. The leaves of the plant are trifoliate, meaning they are arranged in groups of three leaflets on a single stem, a common feature among legumes. These leaflets are typically oval or elliptic in shape, and both the leaves and stems are covered with fine, soft hairs.
Depending on the species, beggarweed can grow prostrate along the ground or take on an upright, shrub-like habit. The plant develops an extensive, deep taproot, which makes manual removal particularly difficult once it is established. Its most recognizable feature is the fruit, a segmented seed pod called a loment, which separates into several small sections when mature. These segments are covered in microscopic, hooked hairs, allowing them to cling tightly to anything that brushes past, facilitating wide dispersal.
Non-Chemical Removal Methods
For small infestations or if avoiding synthetic chemicals, physical removal is an option, though it requires diligence. Hand-pulling is effective for young plants, but you must ensure the entire taproot is extracted. If even a small piece of the root remains, the perennial plant is likely to regenerate, making the task frustrating.
Mechanical methods like hoeing or tilling can disrupt the plant, but they risk spreading the seed pods. Mow frequently to prevent the beggarweed from flowering and producing seeds. Always clean mower blades and equipment immediately after use in an infested area to avoid transporting seeds to clean sections of the lawn.
Strategic Use of Herbicides
Chemical control is the most reliable method for larger, established beggarweed populations. This strategy relies on post-emergent herbicides formulated to target actively growing weeds without harming the surrounding turfgrass. Effective products typically contain broadleaf active ingredients such as 2,4-D, dicamba, triclopyr, or metsulfuron-methyl.
Application should be timed when the plants are young and actively growing, usually during the warm summer months, as they are most susceptible. For maximum effectiveness, many herbicides benefit from adding a surfactant, which helps the chemical adhere to and penetrate the weed’s hairy leaves. A second application, four to six weeks after the first, is often necessary to achieve complete control, especially for mature plants with extensive taproots.
Long-Term Landscape Management
The most robust defense against beggarweed reinfestation is cultivating a dense, healthy turf that naturally outcompetes weeds. This begins with maintaining a proper mowing height, which encourages the grass to grow thicker and casts shade on the soil surface, blocking the light required for seeds to germinate. A dense canopy reduces the open space weeds colonize, which is relevant since beggarweed thrives in disturbed or bare areas.
Optimizing soil health through regular soil testing and appropriate fertilization is a major factor in turf density. Employ a deep and infrequent watering schedule, providing the lawn with about one inch of water per week, applied all at once in the morning. This encourages the grass to develop deep, strong roots while avoiding overly wet surface conditions that favor weed growth. Utilizing mulch in garden beds and quickly overseeding bare patches will remove the easy access points beggarweed uses to gain a foothold.