Goosegrass (Eleusine indica), a member of the Poaceae family, can be a persistent weed in lawns and gardens worldwide. Its ability to mimic desirable turf grasses makes it a formidable foe, often leading to misidentification and delayed control strategies. This article serves as a comprehensive guide, equipping you with the knowledge to detect and manage goosegrass in your green space effectively.
Identifying Goosegrass
Goosegrass originates from Africa but has become globally distributed, thriving in warm and humid climates. It can also adapt to cooler regions, creating a potential problem in various landscapes. This pesky weed can make a big problem in your lawn, spreading aggressively and competing with desired plants for essential resources and nutrients. Goosegrass is also difficult to mow with its flat stems and is a known trigger for those with allergies. Learning how to identify this menace is the first step to getting rid of this problematic weed.
Stems: Flat, green, pale green, or occasionally silverish in color, wider than most turfgrass stems.
Leaves: Long, narrow, and arranged in a radiating pattern, resembling a wagon wheel.
Flowers: Tiny, light green flowers appear in summer, offering a distinctive clue.
Growth Habit: Forms clump-like patches with stolons and rhizomes, spreading vegetatively and through seeds.
Life Cycle Of Goosegrass
Goosegrass is an annual weed that completes its life cycle within a year. Familiarizing yourself with its life stages will allow you to better understand and spot any potential invaders.
Germination: Seeds germinate in the spring when the soil temperature reaches 55 degrees Fahrenheit. The seeds need sunlight, so they rarely germinate in shady areas.
Growth: Goosegrass grows quickly and can reach a height of 12 inches. They have thin, wiry stems and long, narrow leaves. Goosegrass plants are green in color, but they can turn red in the fall.
Flowers & Seeds: Theyproduce small, white flowers in the summer. The flowers are followed by seeds that are about 1/8 inch long. The seeds are easily identified by their dark brown color and pointed tip.
Reproduction: The seeds can remain dormant in the soil for several years before germinating, making it difficult to eradicate from your garden completely.
Control Methods For Goosegrass
Preventive Control
Prevention methods are the key to keeping your lawn healthy and free of pesky weeds. Below are methods that can be implemented to keep an infestation from forming.
Maintain a healthy lawn: Regular watering, fertilization, and mowing practices promote vigorous turf growth, naturally discouraging weeds.
Pre-emergent herbicides: Apply in spring before seeds germinate to prevent establishment.
Hand-pulling: For small infestations, manually remove young plants before they mature.
Cultural Control
Cultural control of goosegrass and other pesky weeds can be extremely effective in keeping invasive weeds from taking root in your lawn. Below are the tried and true methods to use.
Aeration: Improve soil drainage and oxygen levels, creating a less hospitable environment for goosegrass.
Mowing: Maintain proper mowing height for your turfgrass species to promote healthy growth and shade out weeds.
Chemical Control
When an infestation of these pesky weeds makes their way into your lawn, the battle to get them out will be long and difficult. Thankfully, chemical control methods give you an edge into getting rid of goosegrass for good.
Post-emergent herbicides: Utilize selective herbicides specifically formulated for goosegrass control. Seek professional guidance to choose appropriate products and ensure safe application.
Glyphosate: Non-selective herbicide capable of controlling goosegrass, but use with extreme caution due to potential damage to surrounding plants and the environment.
Additional Management Tips
By understanding goosegrass's characteristics, life cycle, and management strategies, you can effectively control this persistent weed and maintain a healthy, vibrant lawn or garden. Remember, prevention is key, and a proactive approach coupled with responsible practices will ensure your green space thrives without unwanted invaders. We hope the information in this blog post helps you combat goosegrass on your Florida property this season. We will leave you with some final tips for success:
Early detection and intervention are crucial. Address goosegrass infestations promptly before they spread and become more challenging to control.
Combine multiple control methods for a more effective and sustainable approach.
Always prioritize safe and responsible practices to protect your lawn, surrounding plants, and the environment.
Consult a professional lawn care specialist like those at CPM Lawn Care for personalized advice and assistance if needed.
