How to identify Carrot Weed
Scientific name: Cotula australis
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- Key Identifying Features?
- Characteristics?
- Differences Between Carrot Weed and Bindii
- Where Does it Grow?
- How Does it Spread?
- How Do I Remove Carrot Weed?
Carrot Weed, also known as Annual Button Weed and Common Cotula, is a low-growing annual winter weed, which is very similar in appearance to Bindii. In this blog, we take a look at what Carrot Weed is, its key identifying features, plus the best way to remove it.
What Are Carrot Weeds’ Identifying Features:
- Low-growing weed
- Fine, fern-like leaves
- Tap root
- Small, white, and pale yellow flowers
Main Characteristics
Carrot Weed is a perennial herb that establishes quickly, flowering in late winter to spring and germinating in spring and autumn. This weed can be identified by its carrot-like leaves and its small yellow flowers.
What Are the Differences Between Carrot Weed and Bindii?
Both weeds are very similar in appearance due to their fine, fern-like and carrot-like leaves. However, there are a few key differences.
Carrot Weed Features:
- Flowers in early winter
- Doesn’t produce any burrs when it flowers
- Has a taproot
Bindii Features:
- Flowers late winter and spring
- Produces sharp and painful burrs when it flowers
- Has fibrous roots
Where Does it Grow?
You will mostly find this weed growing in moist, damp soils. If you do have this weed growing in your lawn, ensure you are not overwatering your lawn. We also recommend addressing any drainage issues that may be causing your lawn to remain damp for an extended period.
This weed is mostly found across SE QLD, NSW, Victoria and some regions of SA and WA.
How Does it Spread?
This weed spreads only by its seeds. One flower from this plant can produce up to 50-90 seeds, with a mature plant producing 205 to 1,275 seeds.
How Do I Remove Carrot Weed?
If there is only a small amount of the weed growing in your lawn, the best and easiest way to remove it will be to simply pull it out by hand. Find the centre of the plant where the taproot is located and carefully pull it out.
If there is a bit too much growing there to remove by hand, we recommend treating it with a broadleaf herbicide. Something like Estate Herbicide, Ferris WG Herbicide or a Dicamba based herbicide (Dicamba products are not safe for use on buffalo lawns).
For more lawn care tips and advice, make sure you check out our other lawn care blogs here.
