Description

Carpetweed (Mollugo verticillata L.), also known as Indian chickweed, is a summer annual, broadleaf weed found throughout Louisiana. Carpetweed spreads vigorously and has a prostrate growth habit (Image 1). Carpetweed is often one of the first plants to inhabit bare soil and can be a problem during turfgrass establishment.

Image 1. Prostrate, mat-forming growth habit of carpetweed. Photo by Eric DeBoer

Identification

Carpetweed has glabrous stems and spoon-shaped leaves (Image 2). Leaves are smooth, hairless, lack a petiole and are whorled in clusters of three to eight leaves at each node (Image 3).

Image 2. Carpetweed has smooth, spoon-shaped leaves and small, white flowers with five petals. Photo by Eric DeBoer

Stems extend from a center taproot and form prostrate mats on the soil surface (Image 3). Flowers are white with five petals and are found in leaf axils (Image 2). For more information on carpetweed identification and characterization, visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture PLANTS Database.

Image 3. Carpetweed has five to six whorled leaves at each node. Stems extend from a center taproot. Photo by Eric DeBoer

Cultural control practices

The best way to prevent or reduce weed encroachment is to maintain a healthy lawn through proper fertilization, soil pH management and regular mowing. Properly maintaining a lawn through these cultural practices promotes dense and vigorous turfgrass, allowing it to better compete with weeds. Below are the recommended mowing heights and nitrogen fertility rates recommended for each turfgrass species. In addition to these lawn care practices, manual removal of weeds may also be necessary.

Turfgrass mowing height and fertilization rates

Chemical control practices

In addition to cultural practices, herbicide applications may be required to achieve effective weed control.

When applying any type of herbicide, you must follow the manufacturer’s labeled directions. For more information regarding pesticides for turfgrass, please reference the Louisiana Suggested Chemical Weed Control Guide.

Preemergence herbicides

Postemergence herbicides

*Yes = Safe to apply at labeled rates; No = Turf injury will occur; Dormant = Apply to dormant turf only.

**2,4-D is a common herbicide used to control broadleaf weeds. However, centipedegrass and St. Augustinegrass are sensitive to 2,4-D, and its use can potentially damage or even kill these grasses. It is generally not recommended to use 2,4-D on centipedegrass or St. Augustinegrass unless the product label specifically states it is safe for use on this type of grass and the product is applied according to the label instructions.

For information regarding weed identification and control options, please contact your local LSU AgCenter Extension office.

Sources

Murphy, T.R., and Colvin, D.L. (1992). Weeds of Southern turfgrasses: Golf courses, lawns, roadsides, recreational areas, commercial sod. University of Florida, Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.

Patton, A.J., and Elmore, M. (2023). Turfgrass Weed Control for Professionals. Purdue University Extension.

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