We have been having frequent inquiries about a low growing weed in lawns: it has 1 inch round hairy leaves that appear purplish in cold weather and have a silver-grey sheen to them right now. If this sounds familiar, then you have mouse eared hawkweed.
The proliferation of this plant is incredible: not only does it spread underground, but the tiny yellow flower will also self-seed quite easily. It thrives in full sun and is completely indifferent to poor soil or even drought. It colonizes into large patches that will completely overtake the turf and encourage other weeds to grow.
Last year I used Weed-B-Gone and got excellent control with it. The active ingredient is an organic compound called chelated iron. This product effectively controls broadleaf weeds in the lawn without harming the grass.
Right now is an excellent time to use this product on your lawn. The cool weather and moisture are causing softer tender growth in the hawkweed and leaves it particularly susceptible.
Weed-B-Gone is best sprayed when the grass is dry and 2 or 3 days of warm weather follows. The active growth of the weed increases the absorption rate. Within a week the hawkweed will show signs of distress, turning black and finally disappearing. As larger infestations will cause patchy turf, now is also a good time to overseed with grass seed to thicken the turf.
Full directions for use are found on the container.
Garth Davey, May 2025
Questions? Email Garth at [email protected]