Description:
Procumbent pearlwort is a difficult weed to spot as it blends in well with the grass. Pearlwort initially forms a tufted rosette with creeping runners going on to form a thick dense mat when it is established. It has small flowers with white petals, sometimes the petals are not visible, Flowers can be seen from June through to October. Pearlwort prefers all types of soil conditions.
Control:
Hand weeding is quite difficult with Pearlwort. However it is an easy weed to control with a selective weed killer containing a mixture of fluroxypyr & clopyralid, a single application should be enough for complete control. For more information on the application of selective herbicide’s please visit our Lawn Weeds page. Once the weed has been removed or controlled the bare area can be filled with a mixture of suitable soil and grass seed to aid recovery.
1. What is procumbent pearlwort weed and where does it grow?
Procumbent pearlwort (Pellitory-of-the-wall in the UK) is a low growing, mat-forming weed. It is found on waste ground, walls, railways and disturbed sites. The stem leaves are opposite, oblong to oval in shape and pointed at the tips. The edges of the leaves are finely toothed. The flowers are small, white and borne in loose clusters at the leaf axils. Each flower has 5 petals. Flowering occurs from May to September.
2. What problems does procumbent pearlwort weed cause?
Procumbent pearlwort is a problem in gardens, on amenity turf and in agriculture. It competes with native plants for light, space and nutrients. It can form dense mats that prevent the growth of other plants.
3. What control methods are available for procumbent pearlwort weed?
There are a number of control methods available for procumbent pearlwort weed. These include mechanical removal (e.g. pulling or digging), chemical treatment (e.g. herbicides) and biological control (e.g. using a weed killer made from naturally occurring bacteria).
4. What is the best way to control procumbent pearlwort weed?
The best way to control procumbent pearlwort weed is by using a combination of methods. This could include mechanical removal, chemical treatment and biological control. Each situation will be different and the best control method(s) will need to be chosen based on the specific circumstances.
5. What should I do if I have procumbent pearlwort weed in my garden?
If you have procumbent pearlwort weed in your garden, you should take action to control it. This could include mechanical removal, chemical treatment and biological control. Each situation will be different and the best control method(s) will need to be chosen based on the specific circumstances.
6. Is procumbent pearlwort weed harmful to humans or animals?
No, procumbent pearlwort weed is not harmful to humans or animals. However, it can be a nuisance if it is growing in garden areas or on amenity turf.
7. What should I do if I find procumbent pearlwort weed on my property?
If you find procumbent pearlwort weed on your property, you should take action to control it. This could include mechanical removal, chemical treatment and biological control. Each situation will be different and the best control method(s) will need to be chosen based on the specific circumstances.