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How to Control Virginia Buttonweed

virginia buttonweed close up

Diodia virginiana

More Info & Photos of Virginia Buttonweed

Non-Herbicide Management Options

1. Physical Management Options

Virginia buttonweed can be cut or pulled, but physical control is difficult because it can re-establish from remaining stem and root fragments.

2. Biological ManagementĀ Options

At this time, there areĀ no available biological controls for Virginia buttonweed.

Herbicide Control Options

Always read the product label for directions and precautions, as the label is the law. Click on the name of the product to see the label. Read the label for specific water use restrictions.

The active ingredients that have been successful in treating this plant include:

  • Triclopyr
  • 2, 4-D

1) Triclopyr

Liquid triclopyr formulation is a selective broadleaf, systemic herbicide. Systemic herbicides are absorbed and move within the plant to the site of action. Systemic herbicides tend to act more slowly than contact herbicides. An aquatically registered surfactant (see the label) will improve the effectiveness of triclopyr.

Common trade or product names include but are not limited to:

  • Renovate
  • Navitrol
  • Ecotrilopyr

2) 2,4-D

2,4-D compounds are systemic herbicides. Systemic herbicides are absorbed and move within the plant to the site of action. Systemic herbicides tend to act more slowly than contact herbicides.

Common trade or product names include but are not limited to:

  • Navigate
  • Weedar 64
  • Restore

Precautions

One danger with any chemical control method is the chance of an oxygen depletion after the treatment caused by the decomposition of the dead plant material. Oxygen depletion can kill fish in the pond. If the pond is heavily infested with weeds, it may be possible (depending on the herbicide chosen) to treat the pond in sections and let each section decompose for about two weeks before treating another section. Aeration, particularly at night, for several days after treatment may help control the oxygen depletion.

One common problem in using aquatic herbicides is determining area and/or volume of the pond or area to be treated. To assist you with these determinations see SRAC #103 Calculating Area and Volume of Ponds and Tanks.

Many aquatically registered herbicides have water use restrictions (See General Water Use Restrictions).

To see the labels for these products click on the name. Always read and follow all label directions. Check label for specific water use restrictions.

Cultivation Options

Virginia buttonweed can be grown by scattering seeds over loose soil.

Questions?

If you need assistance, contact the Ag & Natural Resources agent in your county or hire a professional.

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Photo Credits: The majority of the aquatic plant line drawings are the copyright of the University of Florida Center for Aquatic Plants (Gainsville). They are used with permission.

Aquatic plant photographs were provided by David Bayne, Jim Davis, Kelly Duffie, Billy Higginbotham, Michael Masser, John Clayton, Chetta Owens, Diane Smith, Joe Snow, Don Steinbach, Bridget Robinson Lassiter and Peter Woods.

You may use these photos, so long as you give credit to AquaPlant.

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