Weed identification and control help requested

uber_franz

Howdy from Colorado!

I'm trying to identify and control the weed pictured below. I'd prefer organic control tips. I recently reseeded some bare patches in my lawn and this little bugger is competing mightily with my grass seedlings.

Looks kinda like creeping charlie, but doesn't really 'creep' and there is no 'minty smell.'

TIA!

Kisal · Mod Joined: 24 Jun 2008 Posts: 4257 Location: Oregon

I'm not at all certain, but it looks a lot like little mallow (Malva parviflora).

I found it at this link:

http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/weeds_multi.html#BROAD

uber_franz · Posted: Sun Jun 07, 2009 8:53 pm Post subject:

Thanks Kisal,

I think you hit the nail on the head... Good info on that website about control. Basically mechanical is the only way to really control. I guess I've got some weedin' to do! I have about a 20 sq-ft patch that is chock full of the little buggers...

Cheers,

Jeremy, aka uber_franz

cynthia_h · Posted: Sun Jun 07, 2009 9:42 pm Post subject:

I have mallow here, too, but for me it's a lower-priority weed.

It doesn't develop into burrs, spikes, stickers, thorns, or other devices harmful to animals' feet and people's hands, so if I have any energy left after pulling the nasties, I go after the mallow.

It has a taproot, so loosening the ground with a weeding fork /asparagus knife before pulling the weed out will help you get rid of the whole plant, not just the above-ground part.

Cynthia H.
Sunset Zone 17, USDA Zone 9
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Gerrie · Posted: Sun Jun 28, 2009 3:55 am Post subject:

Yep, I've got it too and been told it's in the mallow family. I've been pulling them for nine years and they are finally more or less under control in my yard (don't ask about outside the yard). I find if you check daily and pull them when they first sprout the job is much easier. Be sure to not let them go to flower or seed as they seem to have about a thousand seeds per plant.
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