Doveweed Control for Turf

Doveweed is a summer annual broadleaf weed that resembles a grass seedling and thrives in saturated warm-season turf. Succulent stems root at nodes and can survive fragmentation.

How to Identify Doveweed

Glossy narrow leaves have parallel veins and wrap around fleshy creeping stems. Small purple flowers appear in the leaf axils; leaves are thicker and more succulent than turfgrass blades.

Why It Appears in Turf

Over-irrigation, poor drainage, wet summers, and thin turf favor late-spring and summer emergence. Mowing can move viable stem pieces.

Make the Site Less Favorable

• Maintain the recommended mowing height and avoid scalping.
• Correct irrigation, drainage, compaction, fertility, or shade problems that thin desirable turf.
• Repair bare areas and use adapted turf cultivars to close openings where seedlings establish.

What University Research and Extension Guidance Says

The 2026 UF/IFAS publication stresses prevention of germination, improved drainage, and early postemergence treatment. Mature doveweed becomes much harder to control, and repeat applications are commonly needed where labels permit.

Choosing a Turf Herbicide

Perennial weeds often regrow from stolons, rhizomes, tubers, bulbs, or deep roots. Select a product labeled for the desirable turf and target weed, treat actively growing plants, and plan the complete sequence of repeat applications or renovation steps allowed by the label.

Research and label note: University research may discuss treatments or timings that are not permitted on every turf species or use site. Research evidence does not expand a product label. Confirm the desirable turf species, use site, target weed, application timing, rate, adjuvant directions, and reseeding restrictions on the current label before use.

University sources: UF/IFAS Extension: Biology and Management of Doveweed.