Fall Weed Alert: Large Leaf Pennywort, Dollarweed

A healthy lawn on a long-term organic maintenance program will eventually snuff out most weeds by out-competing them. However, there are conditions that allow assertive weeds to come back and even overtake your existing lawn. Weather, especially in fall and winter, can influence aggressive weed growth. Cool temperatures and extra rainfall create the perfect conditions for cool season weeds to thrive and become invasive in your existing lawn.

One cool season weed we're seeing pop up all over town right now is Large Leaf Pennywort; also called dollarweed (Hydrocotyle umbellata). This is a perennial weed that re-emerges in fall. The plant sports flat round leaves that measure 2″ to 4″ in diameter, grows in mounds about 6″ tall and produces tiny white flowers. It can be an especially frustrating weed in St. Augustine lawns, but will also be found in Bermuda grass lawns. 

Pennywort often shows up in lawns that have been over-watered; especially if they are shady. Over-watering is common this time of year. Temperatures have cooled and we're getting extra rainfall, but it's common for homeowners not to change their automated sprinkler schedule. It's best to cut back on your sprinkler watering this time of year and allow nature to provide much of your landscape watering. We always promote proper watering to maintain a healthy environment for plants in order to fight off pests, diseases, and weeds. If you find weeds popping up in your turf, we can help get you on a plan to keep them at bay. Proper lawn care now will keep you weed-free in spring!

Review our handy watering guide.

pennywort, dollarweed, dollar weed, weeds, lawn care, fall, Soils Alive, Dallas, Texas