What's this in our lawn?

[Brown Thumbs]

I've tried spraying with a 2,4-D mixture for killing weeds in southern lawns, but it keeps coming back. It grows in different areas and returns each year. It gets thick in some places and will choke the grass.

[Lindsaylew82]

I think it's either Japanese Clover (pink or purple flowers) or Black Medic ( yellow flowers).

A few things...
Both thrive in low nitrogen lawns with compacted soil.

Both are annuals that reproduce by seed only. Preemergents, like corn gluten, work on lawns to prevent the seeds from germinating. It has to be timed right, and usually takes 2 applications in the spring. Corn gluten also feeds your lawn, so it's dual use!

They are both pulled out by hand very easily.

[purpleinopp]

Would you be able to sever a stem and take a pic of it alone, like on a table? Have you see flowers?

[Brown Thumbs]

Yes, here is a picture of the stem. It's really small so I don't know if you can see what you're looking for or not. I've never seen it flower before.

[Lindsaylew82]

I'm 95% sure it's Japanese clover.

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image.jpg (48.31 KiB) Viewed 564 times

[Lindsaylew82]

[Brown Thumbs]

I think you're 95% correct! That sure looks like what we have. Thanks!