New and Unread Tree-Mails
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Name: Sue Bexar County, South Texas           Never_Ending_Quest Sep 13, 2021 1:28 PM CST |
| I know many people sing the praises of horse herb, and our local garden nurseries even sell it. But, it is driving me crazy taking over flower beds and even my well established lawn! I immediately get rid of flowers that it develops but I think it spreads underground...and therein is the problem. Does anyone know how to get rid of it in a St. Augustine lawn without killing the lawn? It's to bad that it is so invasive, otherwise I'd leave it in flowerbeds because it does attract pollinators. On a Never Ending Quest: First to learn...then to teach. |
Name: stone near Macon Georgia (USA) (Zone 8a)     stone Sep 14, 2021 6:21 AM CST |
| What a neat looking plant! Looks similar to melampodium... Send me some... |
California (Zone 9b)  CalPolygardener Sep 14, 2021 7:36 AM CST |
| Look for a product with Atrazine. It works as both a pre-emergent and selective post-emergent control. For an organic solution, you're stuck with fingers or a lot of vinegar. |
Name: Sue Bexar County, South Texas Never_Ending_Quest Sep 18, 2021 12:35 AM CST |
@CalPolygardener  Thank you for the suggestion. I just ordered some Atrazine. I'll report back about how it works! On a Never Ending Quest: First to learn...then to teach. |
Name: Sue Bexar County, South Texas Never_Ending_Quest Sep 22, 2021 6:17 PM CST |
| @CalPolygardener The Alatrazine arrive yesterday. The label does not mention horse herb as one of the controlled weeds. Have you used this on horse herb before? On a Never Ending Quest: First to learn...then to teach. |
Name: Porkpal Richmond, TX            porkpal Sep 22, 2021 6:25 PM CST |
| Any broadleaf herbicide should work. I think 2,4-D would be safer. Follow the directions on the label and your lawn should be unharmed. Horse herb (also called prostrate ground flower) is often suggested as a grass substitute where saving water is important. It also grows in areas too shady for most grass. BUT it is quite aggressive. Porkpal |
Name: Sue Bexar County, South Texas Never_Ending_Quest Sep 22, 2021 6:37 PM CST |
| Thank you @porkpal! I am trying to get rid of the horse herb that is moving into my St. Augustine lawn. I've used Natria herbicide on areas that I am not concerned about protecting (no lawn, no flower or shrub areas). As mentioned, I've had a bit of success with Weed B Gone, but the horse herb spreads underground, so I really need to get it under control. Lot's of people do love it as a lawn substitute, and if it was not so invasive, I would leave it in a couple of areas that don't have lawn. Thanks again! On a Never Ending Quest: First to learn...then to teach. |
California (Zone 9b) CalPolygardener Sep 23, 2021 10:14 AM CST |
| What brand of Atrazine do you have? I haven't used it myself, but it's the answer I get when looking for a control. The label may say something like "broadleaf weeds in St Augustine grass" without listing it specifically. The other reason its recommended for is weed prevention in St Augustine. |
Name: Porkpal Richmond, TX porkpal Sep 23, 2021 11:02 AM CST |
| I've heard it can kill your shrubs too... I've never used it. Porkpal |
Name: Sue Bexar County, South Texas Never_Ending_Quest Sep 23, 2021 12:48 PM CST |
I bought the actual brand name Altrazine manufactured by Southern Ag. Yes, it will kill shrubs and flowers too.  I would only use it on the lawn, and try to control the flower beds some other way. I just called the manufacturer and they do not know if it will kill horse herb or not.  My primary concern is keeping it from taking over my St. Augustine lawn, which is otherwise very thick and lush. Horse herb spreads underground so it makes it difficult to fight.  Very frustrating! When I moved in, I was bombarded with Thistle. Eliminated that, even though my next door neighbor still lets it grow everywhere.  The following year Oxalis invaded. Got rid of that too! Last year when I saw the first horse herb plants emerging, I thought it was Oxalis returning. But it wasn't and the horse herb is worse and exacerbated by so many people growing it as ground cover.  On a Never Ending Quest: First to learn...then to teach. |
California (Zone 9b) CalPolygardener Sep 23, 2021 3:25 PM CST |
| It has the "many other broadleaf weeds" statement to cover their butts. It is the recommended product for control from multiple sources. |
Name: Sue Bexar County, South Texas Never_Ending_Quest Oct 4, 2021 5:10 PM CST |
It's finally getting cool enough to use the Altrazine.  I'll update when I have results to share!On a Never Ending Quest: First to learn...then to teach. |
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