Virginia Buttonweed
Scientific Name: Diodia virginiana
Weed Family: Rubiaceae

Description

Virginia buttonweed is a prostrate-growing perennial with branching hairy stems. The leaves are elongated, lance-shaped and grow opposite one another on the stems and are joined by a membrane. Virginia buttonweed prefers moist, wet conditions. The tubular flowers of Virginia buttonweed are white to purplish, and grow in the leaf axis along the stem. Flowers resemble four-pointed stars. Virginia buttonweed spreads by seed and plant segments. Virginia buttonweed is found throughout the Southeastern United States, and as far west as Texas. 

Weed Photos: Courtesy of Dr. Lambert McCarty. Clemson University. Clemson, SC.

Herbicide Use

Because of the plant's ability to reproduce from stem and root fragments, an herbicide application may be required to eliminate Virginia buttonweed from your turf site. Select a post-emergence broadleaf herbicide. For optimum control, applications should be made when Virginia buttonweed is in the 2-leaf to flower stage of growth.

Distribution

Germination Dates

Zone-7: MayZone-8: MayZone-9: April

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