Richardia brasiliensis
Key Identifying Features:
- Small white flowers
- Thick tap root
- Oval-shaped leaves
- Short and rough hairs coating leaves
Richardia, also known as Mexican Clover, is a common broadleaf weed that you may have noticed growing in your lawn. It is primarily found in New South Wales, Queensland, and Western Australian coastal regions. In this blog, we look further into what Richardia is and the best way to remove it from your lawn.
Richardia Characteristics
Richardia is a prostrate weed that can grow from 10cm to 50cm tall. This weed will commonly grow in high-traffic areas, including lawns, gardens, footpaths or disturbed soil sites. This weed has oval-shaped leaves that grow around 8mm to 50mm long. The leaves have pointed tips and are coated with short and rough hairs. At the tip of the branch, the weed will produce a small white flower.
When and Where Will Richardia Grow?
Richardia will flower from spring to autumn. This weed will generally grow in sparse lawns that have become weak, either from poor soil or lawns weakened by stress, including damage from improper fertiliser applications or scalping. So, following proper cultural practices will help keep this weed at bay.
How Does Richardia Spread?
Richardia will spread when the plant produces its flower. These seeds are commonly spread underfoot, by roaming birds, wind, or machinery that is not properly washed when mowing multiple lawns.
How Do I Remove Richardia?
If you do happen to find Richardia growing in your lawn, it is best to treat it as soon as possible before the plant has a chance to mature and grow its large tap root.
If only a small amount of Richardia is growing, you should be able to remove this by hand. Simply find the centre of the plant, as this is where the tap root will be located. Depending on the size of the plant, you may need to use a narrow trowel or a long knife to help loosen up the soil around the plant’s taproot. Then, gently pull out the plant, ensuring you are removing the tap root.
If there is too much Richardia growing that can be removed by hand, an herbicide will be required. For Richardia, a Dicamba-based herbicide will work best. Something like Amgrow Multiweed or Amgrow Kleen Lawn is ideal. However, it is important to note that these herbicides are not safe for use on Buffalo lawns.
If you do happen to have a Buffalo lawn, either remove it by hand, or you can try repeated applications of a Buffalo-safe broadleaf herbicide like Estate Herbicide or All Purpose Weed Control. However, results may be limited.
For more lawn care tips and advice, make sure you check out our other lawn care blogs here.
