Procumbent Pearlwort (Sagina procumbens)

Leaf: As we have previously mentioned Procumbent Pearlwort has very fine and narrow moss type leaves. This makes it a difficult weed to spot until it becomes a widespread problem.

Flower: Procumbent Pearlwort has very small white flowers bourn on a thin stalk flowering from April to September. The white flowers are not always visible.

Preferred habitat: Procumbent Pearlwort can be found in all types of conditions especially moist, wet lawns and turf where frequent close, mowing is the norm.

Control: Hand weeding may be practical for a few plants. Carrying out good lawn care practices to encourage a dense sward, prevent weak and bare areas will help stop the spread of this weed. Check out our weed prevention page for more info.

For a serious problem use a selective weed killer containing at least two ingredients such as a 2,4-D mixture or fluroxypyr & clopyralid, a repeat application will most likely be needed for this weed as it may prove troublesome to eradicate. Check out our weed control page for more information on chemical weed killer application.

Recommended selective weed killers for Procumbent Pearlwort.

• Verdone Extra (fluroxypyr, clopyralid & MCPA).
• Westland lawn weed killer (2,4-D, mecoprop-p & dichlorprop-p).
• Westland lawn feed, weed & moss killer (2,4-D & mecoprop-p) includes a fertiliser.
• Vitax green up lawn weed & feed (2,4-D & dicamba) includes a fertiliser.
• Vitax green up lawn weed & feed + moss killer (2,4-D & mecoprop-p) includes a fertiliser.  
• Doff lawn spot weeder (2,4-D, mecoprop-p& dichlorprop-p).

To obtain good results with selective weed killers apply them when the weeds are actively growing, this is usually between April and October.

It is very important that you follow the manufacturers recommendations when applying chemical weed killers.

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