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Dollarweed Guide

Identify

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Treat

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Dollarweed Identification Guide

Recognize Dollarweed (Pennywort) on Your Property

Dollarweed, also called pennywort, earns its name from its distinctive silver dollar-shaped leaves. This warm-season perennial thrives in moist, waterlogged areas and typically grows low to the ground. Early identification of dollarweed allows you to take swift action to control it. Use this guide to determine if dollarweed is present in your yard.

Key Characteristics of Dollarweed

  • Leaf Shape: Dollarweed leaves are round with scalloped edges. The stem grows directly from the center of the leaf, resembling an umbrella handle. From above, the leaves look like small lily pads.
  • Flowers: During the spring and summer, dollarweed produces small clusters of white flowers that resemble clover blooms.
  • Growth Pattern: Dollarweed spreads horizontally using rhizomes, tubers, and seeds. It can grow upright on thin, rigid stems or float in water, making it adaptable to both terrestrial and aquatic environments.

Where and When Does Dollarweed Grow?

  • Timing: Dollarweed germinates in the spring in warmer climates and in early summer in northern regions. It produces flowers throughout the summer and into early fall.
  • Habitat: Dollarweed thrives in moist, coastal environments. It is commonly found across much of the United States, from Maine to Oregon.

Identifying dollarweed early is essential for effective treatment. Continue reading to learn how to control and eliminate dollarweed from your lawn.

Discover where to locate Dollarweed in your yard in the next section of our Dollarweed Guide. Click the right arrow below to continue reading.

How to Locate Dollarweed (Pennywort)

Where Does Dollarweed Grow?

Dollarweed, with its single round leaf atop each upright stalk, becomes much easier to identify once you know what to look for. Recognizing its appearance will help you spot this invasive perennial weed on your property and take steps to control it.

Common Habitats for Dollarweed

Dollarweed, also known as pennywort, thrives in coastal and southwestern areas of the United States. It typically grows in damp, swampy environments and areas with poor drainage. Look for it:

  • Along roadside ditches
  • Near shallow ponds, lakes, or other bodies of water
  • In lawns or landscaped areas with thin or sparse turf
  • In consistently moist or poorly drained soil

Dollarweed is uniquely adaptable and can grow both underwater and on land. When rooted in shallow water, it often spreads outward, forming clusters of floating leaves on the water’s surface that resemble miniature lily pads.

When Does Dollarweed Grow?

Dollarweed thrives in areas with warm, humid conditions and does not disappear on its own if water is consistently available.

  • Seed Germination:
  • Blooming Period: Small white flowers emerge during the summer months (June–August) and may persist into early fall.

While pennywort thrives in warmth and moisture, it typically dies off after the first significant frost in autumn.

Ready to remove Dollarweed from your property? Read our guide on How to Get Rid of Dollarweed for effective solutions. Click the right arrow below to continue.

If you've spotted Dollarweed in your lawn, take action with our How to Kill Dollarweed guide. Click the right arrow below to discover effective removal methods.

How to Control Dollarweed

How to Remove Dollarweed
Dollarweed, also known as pennywort, is a creeping weed characterized by its flat, silver dollar-shaped leaves that thrives in areas with overly damp soil. This invasive weed can quickly overtake lawns, crowding out turfgrass and other plants. If you notice Dollarweed in your yard, it’s important to act quickly. Follow this guide to effectively get rid of Dollarweed.

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Step1 Improve Lawn Conditions

Dollarweed thrives in overly moist environments. A key step in controlling Dollarweed is reducing excess moisture in your lawn.

  • Evaluate Lawn Drainage: After a storm, check for areas where water pools. Persistent water buildup may require landscaping adjustments or drainage solutions to improve runoff and prevent standing water.
  • Avoid Overwatering: Be mindful when using sprinklers. Water your lawn in the morning to allow time for evaporation throughout the day. This not only helps prevent Dollarweed but also reduces the risk of lawn diseases like fungus, which also thrive in damp conditions.

For more tips on maintaining a healthy lawn year-round, refer to our detailed lawn care schedules.

Step2 Use a Post-Emergent Herbicide

How to Apply Post-Emergent Herbicide Weed Killers

Once you’ve addressed the moisture issues in your lawn, apply a post-emergent herbicide to target any existing dollarweed plants.

Selective Post-Emergent Herbicides
Choose a post-emergent herbicide specifically labeled for dollarweed or pennywort control. Products containing active ingredients like 2,4-D and Dicamba are highly effective against dollarweed. These herbicides are designed to target weeds without harming your lawn.

  • Multiple applications may be necessary for complete control.
  • Ensure the herbicide you select is safe for your specific turf type to avoid damaging your lawn.

    Application Instructions
  1. Select an herbicide compatible with your turf type and target weed.
  2. Mix the herbicide with water in a handheld pump sprayer according to the product label instructions.
  3. Wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE) while mixing and applying, including chemical-resistant gloves, long sleeves, pants, socks, and closed-toe shoes.
  4. Shake the sprayer tank thoroughly to ensure the mixture is well blended.

Products we recommend for Step 2

Pro Tip

Herbicides with 2,4-D and Dicamba are safe for use on bermudagrass, centipedegrass, tall fescue, St. Augustinegrass, and zoysiagrass.

Dollarweed can thrive in bodies of water. If you need to treat weeds growing in or near water, use an herbicide specifically labeled for aquatic use, such as Reward Landscape and Aquatic Herbicide.

After controlling the Dollarweed plants in your lawn, you can take proactive measures to prevent new ones from growing. Discover how in our Dollarweed Prevention Guide.

Prevent Dollarweed from Invading Your Lawn

Maintain a Healthy Lawn to Prevent Dollarweed

Ensuring your lawn remains healthy and robust is the best way to prevent invasive weeds like dollarweed. A strong turf leaves no room for unwanted growth. Use our recommended lawn maintenance schedules to keep your lawn in top shape and apply these key practices:

1. Mow Correctly

  • Maintain a consistent height across your turf.
  • Avoid cutting the grass too low. Aim to remove only the top third of the grass blades per mowing.
  • This approach promotes stronger grass growth, helping your lawn outcompete weeds like dollarweed.

2. Irrigate Wisely

  • Follow a proper irrigation schedule based on your turf's water requirements.
  • Consult your local extension office for guidance on the ideal watering practices in your region.
  • Overwatering can encourage dollarweed growth.

3. Fertilize Appropriately

  • Conduct regular soil tests to determine if your lawn requires amendments.
  • Use fertilizers suited for your specific warm-season or cool-season turf and follow all label instructions.
  • Avoid over-fertilization, as it can weaken grass and create opportunities for weeds to thrive.

4. Aerate Annually

  • Dollarweed thrives in compacted, water-saturated soil.
  • Proper aeration improves drainage and reduces excess moisture, making your lawn less inviting to dollarweed and other water-loving weeds.

By following these steps, you can maintain a healthier lawn and minimize the risk of dollarweed infestations.

Products we recommend for Step

Steps to Apply Pre-Emergent for Dollarweed Prevention

  1. Choose the Right Product
  2. Prepare for Application
  3. Apply the Herbicide
  4. Timing is Key
  5. Reapply as Needed

By timing your applications correctly and using a product labeled for dollarweed prevention, you can effectively stop this invasive weed before it takes hold in your lawn.

Products we recommend for Step

If you suspect Dollarweed in your lawn, discover how to eliminate it, identify what it looks like, or learn where it typically grows.

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