Scientific name: Desmodium uncinatum
Ever walked through the yard only to find tiny, sticky seed clinging to your socks, shoes or pet’s fur? You may have brushed up against Velcro Weed. Its name comes from the seed pods which hook on to almost anything they brush past. While it can be difficult to treat, repeated applications of a non-selective herbicide can help remove it from your lawn.
What Is Velcro Weed?
Velcro Weed, also known as Silverleaf Desmodium, is a creeping broadleaf weed that can quickly overrun large sections of your lawn due to its vigorous growth. It is commonly found alongside pavers, garden beds, disturbed soil, and lawn edges where it creeps into your turf.
The weed has two easily identifiable features.
The first are its leaves, which grow in groups of three leaflets. These leaflets grow in a teardrop shape and have a pale, silvery centre which is distinct from most other broadleaf weeds. Small, pink or white flowers can also sprout from these leaflets.
The second identifying feature is its seed pods which grow in a small sprout that looks like a green bean. These pods are covered in small, hooked hairs, which allow them to stick to clothing, shoes, and pets, breaking apart into segments upon contact, making them particularly easy to spread around a lawn.
How Can I Treat Velcro Weed?
The best way to treat the weed is to act quickly before it can set seed. Once the seeds set, they spread easily across the lawn so the earlier you can remove the weed, the better. Regular mowing will also assist with keeping stopping velcro weed as a healthy, thick, lawn will help to block out any weeds and keep the lawn looking great.
Younger plants can often be removed by hand, but it is important to remove the tap root in one piece. Watering the soil to soften it, along with using a trowel or spade can help with removal. However, if the plant is more mature, a herbicide can be a better method of treatment. There are no selective herbicides registered for the removal of Velcro Weed from lawns, meaning that you will need to use a non-selective herbicide like Roundup or Zero. These products will harm your lawn if not carefully applied so take your time when applying the product. We recommend using a weed wand or small paint brush to help get an accurate application to the leaf of the weed.
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