Problem: Purslane (Lawns)
Problem Info
A low-growing weed with thick, red-brown stems is found in thin areas or newly seeded lawns. The leaves are thick, fleshy, and wedge-shaped. Small yellow flowers sometimes bloom in the leaf and stem joints. Purslane, a summer annual weed that thrives in hot, dry weather, is seldom found in the spring when the lawn is being treated for other weeds. It grows vigorously, forming a thick mat in bare spots or thin lawns that have not been watered properly. Purslane stores water in its thick, fleshy stems and leaves and therefore survives longer than grass during dry weather.
Analysis
Portulaca oleracea Purslane, a summer annual weed that thrives in hot, dry weather, is seldom found in the spring when the lawn is being treated for other weeds. Purslane grows vigorously, forming a thick mat. The small yellow flowers open only in the full sunlight. Purslane primarily invades bare spots in lawns or thin lawns that have not been watered properly. Purslane stores water in its thick, fleshy stems and leaves and therefore survives longer than grass during dry weather.
Solution Advice
Spray the lawn when the weed is actively growing.
