Doveweed

Overview

Doveweed (Murdannia nudiflora) is a summer annual broadleaf weed that has become increasingly problematic in warm-season lawns across zones 7-10, particularly in the Southeast. It thrives in warm, wet conditions and is often mistaken for grass in its early stages.

Identification

Low-growing stems with lance-shaped, glossy leaves that superficially resemble grass blades. This resemblance causes many homeowners to miss doveweed until it is well-established. Small blue-purple flowers appear in late summer. The plant has a succulent, fleshy texture that feels different from grass when touched.

Damage to Your Lawn

Doveweed forms dense mats in moist areas of warm-season lawns, competing with bermuda, zoysia, and St. Augustine for space and light. It is particularly aggressive in over-irrigated lawns or areas with poor drainage. By the time most homeowners identify it, colonies are already established.

Control Strategy

Reduce irrigation as a first step. Doveweed thrives in persistently moist conditions — cutting back watering frequency removes its competitive advantage.

For chemical control, atrazine combined with triclopyr provides the best results in tolerant grasses (centipede, St. Augustine). Celsius WG is effective in bermuda and zoysia lawns. Multiple applications are typically needed as new plants emerge from the seed bank.

Hand-pulling works well when caught early — doveweed has a shallow root system. Remove plants before they set seed in late summer to reduce next year’s population.