Florida Pusley (Richardia scabra) is a persistent, low-growing, mat-forming broadleaf weed common in warm-weather turfgrass and garden areas across the southeastern United States. It quickly colonizes thin or disturbed soil, outcompeting desirable plants for water and nutrients. Its aggressive spread and ability to produce vast quantities of seed make it a difficult adversary once established. Eradication requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both existing plants and the future seed bank in the soil.
Knowing Your Target: Identification and Growth Habits
Proper identification is the first step toward effective control, as misapplication of treatments can be ineffective or harmful to surrounding turf. Florida Pusley is easily recognized by its prostrate, spreading growth habit and hairy stems that branch low to the ground. The leaves are typically oval to lance-shaped, arranged oppositely, and covered in fine hairs.
The most noticeable feature is the cluster of tiny, white, star-shaped flowers, often with six lobes, that appear at the stem tips. Although primarily a summer annual, it can function as a short-lived perennial in warmer climates. Its resilience comes from a fibrous root system anchored by a taproot, which aids moisture competition, and its prolific seed production.
Non-Chemical and Cultural Eradication Methods
Non-chemical methods can effectively manage small infestations or support long-term control before chemical applications are needed. Manually pulling the weeds is viable for limited patches, but the entire taproot must be extracted to prevent regrowth. This removal must occur before the plants flower and set seed, as a single plant can quickly replenish the soil seed bank.
Cultural practices focus on promoting a dense, healthy lawn to make the environment unfavorable for the weed. Mowing turfgrass at the highest recommended height encourages grass blades to shade the soil surface. This shading inhibits the germination of Florida Pusley seeds, which require sunlight to sprout. Watering deeply but infrequently encourages deep turfgrass roots, making the lawn more resilient and better able to crowd out this shallow-rooted weed.
Eliminating Seeds: Pre-Emergent Herbicide Strategies
Pre-emergent herbicides are a foundational tool for long-term management, creating a chemical barrier in the top layer of the soil. When Florida Pusley seeds germinate and their young roots or shoots encounter this barrier, they absorb the chemical and fail to emerge. These products are strictly preventative and have no effect on plants that have already grown past the seedling stage.
Precise timing is necessary for successful application against this summer annual weed. The herbicide should be applied in late winter or early spring, just before soil temperatures consistently reach 65°F, which signals the optimal window for germination. Effective active ingredients include Prodiamine (often sold as Barricade) or Atrazine, a common choice for St. Augustinegrass lawns. Note that Atrazine should not be used on Bermudagrass or Bahiagrass, making turf identification crucial for product selection.
Targeting Established Weeds: Post-Emergent Chemical Control
For existing, actively growing Florida Pusley plants, a selective post-emergent herbicide is required. Since this is a broadleaf weed, herbicides targeting broadleaf plants will kill the pusley without harming warm-season turfgrasses when used according to label directions. Control is most effective when the plants are young and actively growing, before they develop extensive root systems.
The most effective approach involves combination products, frequently termed “3-way” herbicides, which contain multiple active ingredients to overcome the weed’s resilience. These formulations often include 2,4-D, Dicamba, and MCPP (Mecoprop). These ingredients work by mimicking plant growth hormones, causing uncontrolled growth that leads to plant death. Triclopyr is another highly effective active ingredient often included in these combination treatments.
Application technique significantly impacts results. Spot treatment is recommended for isolated patches, ensuring the leaves are fully coated without causing runoff. Adding a non-ionic surfactant to the spray solution can increase effectiveness by helping the chemical penetrate the waxy leaf surface. Avoid applying these chemicals when temperatures are consistently above 85°F, as high heat increases the risk of damage to the turfgrass.