What Virginia Buttonweed looks like
A low, sprawling mat of shiny dark-green lance-shaped leaves that sit directly opposite each other with no leaf stalk, topped by small white four-petal flowers shaped like a star; the leaves often show a blotchy yellow mottling and it takes over the wettest, soggiest parts of the lawn.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
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Best approach: Herbicide spray
Spraying is the only route — never dig or till Virginia buttonweed, because it regrows from root and stem fragments, so cultivation spreads it. Plan on at least two applications a season, possibly for two seasons.
Best products for Virginia Buttonweed
Formulated to kill virginia buttonweed without wiping out your grass — see the timing and chemistry below.
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Blindside Herbicide WDG (8 oz)
✓ Kills virginia buttonweedProfessional-grade dual-action herbicide. Kills both broadleaf weeds AND sedges in a single application. Extremely concentrated — lasts years for residential use.
Celsius WG Herbicide Easy Mix Packet (0.226 oz)
✓ Kills virginia buttonweedCelsius is the professional standard for warm-season weed control. This single-dose packet is the affordable homeowner option.
BioAdvanced All-In-One Weed & Feed (22-0-4)
✓ Kills virginia buttonweedBeginner friendlyHow much do you need?
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When to treat Virginia Buttonweed
Spray in spring or fall when temperatures are 60–80°F and the weed is actively growing. Avoid summer heat — stressed grass takes collateral damage.
Chemical treatment
Warm-season lawns only: metsulfuron-methyl, or thiencarbazone + iodosulfuron + dicamba (Celsius WG), sprayed with a non-ionic surfactant in warm summer weather while the weed is actively growing — repeat every 4-6 weeks with a final pass in early fall, because one application will not kill it. Both are safe on bermuda and zoysia; use the reduced labeled rate on centipede and St. Augustine (expect temporary yellowing) and never apply metsulfuron to bahia — it kills it. Do NOT use either product on a cool-season lawn: metsulfuron and Celsius severely injure or kill tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, ryegrass, fine fescue and bentgrass. On cool-season lawns your only option is repeat applications of a 2,4-D + dicamba + fluroxypyr (or triclopyr) mix — expect suppression, not eradication. Both warm-season products are professional turf products rather than big-box shelf brands.
Non-chemical management
Fix the wet spot first: core aerate to improve drainage, water deeply but less often, and mow high so the turf thickens and crowds it out. Do not hand-pull, because broken stem and root fragments each start a brand new plant.
How to stop Virginia Buttonweed coming back
Correct soggy, poorly drained areas and keep turf thick and well fed, since buttonweed establishes in wet, thin lawns.
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What does Virginia Buttonweed look like?
A low, sprawling mat of shiny dark-green lance-shaped leaves that sit directly opposite each other with no leaf stalk, topped by small white four-petal flowers shaped like a star; the leaves often show a blotchy yellow mottling and it takes over the wettest, soggiest parts of the lawn.
What's the best way to kill Virginia Buttonweed?
Herbicide spray. Spraying is the only route — never dig or till Virginia buttonweed, because it regrows from root and stem fragments, so cultivation spreads it. Plan on at least two applications a season, possibly for two seasons.
Is Virginia Buttonweed hard to get rid of?
Virginia Buttonweed is rated hard to control. It usually requires multiple applications and a consistent plan.
How do I stop Virginia Buttonweed coming back?
Correct soggy, poorly drained areas and keep turf thick and well fed, since buttonweed establishes in wet, thin lawns.
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