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Pest Guides Lawn Care Guides

Virginia Buttonweed Guide

Identify

Inspect

Treat

Prevent

What Does Virginia Buttonweed Look Like?

Virginia Buttonweed is among the most invasive weeds in the southern United States. This low-growing weed is particularly challenging to control due to its tolerance to many pre-emergent and selective post-emergent herbicides.

Before beginning any treatment, use this guide to confirm you are targeting the correct weed.

Identifying Characteristics of Virginia Buttonweed

  • Growth Habit: Grows close to the ground.
  • Leaf Color: Medium to light green leaves that may appear yellow due to a common virus.
  • Stems: May have a hairy texture.
  • Leaf Arrangement: Leaves grow opposite each other along the stems.
  • Leaf Size: Leaves range from ½ to 1 inch wide.
  • Flowers: White, four-petaled, star-shaped flowers that may have pink streaks.

Where Does Virginia Buttonweed Grow?

Virginia Buttonweed is most common in the Southeastern United States but can also be found along the East Coast, reaching as far north as New Jersey and as far west as Missouri. It is also prevalent along the Gulf Coast.

Think you’ve spotted Virginia Buttonweed in your yard? Discover where to find it with our Virginia Buttonweed Inspection Guide. Click the right arrow below to learn more.

How to Identify Virginia Buttonweed in Your Lawn

Where to Find Virginia Buttonweed

Virginia Buttonweed is a low-growing, broadleaf weed that spreads rapidly across lawns and garden beds. Its deep root system makes it challenging to eliminate, so knowing where it’s growing is essential for selecting an effective treatment plan. Read below to learn more about where to locate Virginia Buttonweed.

Where Does Virginia Buttonweed Grow in Your Lawn?

Virginia Buttonweed typically thrives in moist or wet areas of a lawn. If your lawn has irrigation issues, poor drainage, or experiences frequent flooding, you’re likely to find Virginia Buttonweed in those spots.

It also favors areas with weak or thin turf. High-traffic zones, such as pathways, playgrounds, and areas affected by drought or excessive pet activity, are especially susceptible to this invasive weed.

When Does Virginia Buttonweed Grow?

Virginia Buttonweed begins emerging above ground between April and May in most regions and continues to grow throughout the summer. The weed is at its strongest in July and August, making early summer the best time to begin treatment before it becomes more established.

Where is Virginia Buttonweed Found in the USA?

Virginia Buttonweed is most commonly found across the southeastern United States. It also grows in states along the East Coast below New York, westward to Missouri, and throughout the Gulf Coast region.

Dealing with Virginia Buttonweed in your lawn? Discover effective ways to eliminate it in our Virginia Buttonweed Treatment Guide. Click the right arrow below to learn more.

Virginia Buttonweed Treatment Guide

Virginia Buttonweed, a prevalent invasive weed across Southeastern and East Coast lawns, can spread rapidly through seeds, roots, and stems, making it resistant to many standard weed control methods. With proper timing and the right products, however, you can effectively manage and control this persistent weed.

Step1 Apply a Post-Emergent Herbicide

Select a Selective Post-Emergent Herbicide

Selective post-emergent herbicides target Virginia Buttonweed without significantly harming surrounding plants.

  • Timing: Apply in April or May when the weed first appears. Early applications are most effective, as multiple treatments may be needed for mature weeds during mid-summer.
  • Grass Compatibility: Choose an herbicide compatible with your grass type to minimize potential damage.

Products we recommend for Step 1

Pro Tip

Using an herbicide not suited for your turf type may cause discoloration or damage to your lawn.

Step1.1 Select a Non-Selective Post-Emergent Herbicide

Non-selective herbicides offer a stronger solution for eliminating Virginia Buttonweed but can damage any plant they come into contact with, including turf and ornamentals. Use for spot treatments only.

Products we recommend for Step 1.1

Step2 Apply Your Post-Emergent Herbicide

How to Apply:

  1. Follow the product label for proper mixing instructions.
  2. Combine water and herbicide in a pump or backpack sprayer, agitating thoroughly.
  3. Wear protective clothing, including gloves and long sleeves, while mixing and spraying.
  4. Spray the herbicide directly onto the weed, ensuring complete coverage without over-saturating.

Conditions for Application:

  • Apply during calm weather with no rain forecast for at least six hours after application.
  • Avoid applying when temperatures exceed 85°F, as this may reduce effectiveness and harm your turf.

Products we recommend for Step 2

Step3 Reapply as Needed

What to Expect:

  • Results may take 7–10 days to appear, with complete weed death occurring in up to 3 weeks.
  • Multiple applications may be necessary for full control.

Disposal:
Dispose of any leftover herbicide mixture according to product instructions and local regulations. Do not store leftover mixture in the sprayer.

The most effective way to tackle Virginia Buttonweed is by preventing its growth altogether. Click the right arrow below to explore our guide on How to Prevent Virginia Buttonweed from Growing.

How to Prevent Virginia Buttonweed

How to Stop Virginia Buttonweed from Growing

Virginia Buttonweed, a broadleaf weed, can rapidly spread across lawns during summer months. Predominantly found in the Southeastern United States, it can also appear in other areas, and its extensive root system makes it challenging to eliminate once established.

The key to controlling Virginia Buttonweed is to prevent it from germinating in the first place. Follow the steps below to protect your lawn.

Step1 Improve Lawn Conditions

Virginia Buttonweed thrives in moist, wet soil and areas with thin turf. To make your lawn less hospitable to this invasive weed:

  • Address drainage issues to eliminate areas of standing water.
  • Raise your mower height to allow turfgrass to grow thicker, creating more competition against weeds.
  • Water your lawn less frequently to prevent overly moist soil.
  • Overseed thin or patchy areas of the lawn to create a dense, healthy turf.

In addition, aerating, dethatching (if necessary), and applying the right fertilizer will further strengthen your lawn, making it more resistant to weeds like Virginia Buttonweed. Follow Pest Control Superstore's Warm Season Lawn Care Schedule for detailed instructions on maintaining optimal lawn health.

Step2 Use a Pre-Emergent Herbicide for Broad Weed Control

How to Apply Pre-Emergent Herbicide Weed Preventers
Most pre-emergent herbicides are not specifically designed to completely stop Virginia Buttonweed, and results may vary. However, applying a pre-emergent herbicide can still help prevent other weeds from growing, making it easier to manage any Virginia Buttonweed that does appear with post-emergent treatments.

If a pre-emergent labeled for Virginia Buttonweed is unavailable, choose one formulated for broadleaf weed control. This won’t fully prevent Virginia Buttonweed but will reduce other weed growth, simplifying post-emergent herbicide application later.

  • Apply pre-emergents after the final frost of winter but before soil temperatures exceed 55°F.
  • Follow all label instructions for the best results.

Products we recommend for Step 2

Suspect Virginia Buttonweed in your lawn? Discover how to identify it, inspect its growth areas, or effectively eliminate it.

If you're dealing with a different lawn weed, explore our comprehensive weed guides for further help.

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