Spurweed: What It Is and How to Control It
If you've ever walked barefoot across your lawn in the spring and suddenly felt a sharp, painful prick underfoot, chances are you've encountered spurweed. Also known as stickers or burweed, this pesky weed can turn your yard into an unpleasant minefield. The good news? Spurweed is easy to control—if you take action at the right time.
What is Spurweed?
Spurweed is a winter annual weed that thrives in thin or patchy turf areas. It has small, parsley-like leaves and grows low to the ground, often going unnoticed until it's too late.
This weed germinates in the fall and grows quietly throughout the winter months. By late winter, it produces tiny white flowers. As temperatures rise in the spring, these flowers develop fruiting structures that mature into sharp, spiny burrs—leading to the painful “sticker” effect that makes spurweed so notorious.
How to Prevent and Control Spurweed
The best defense against spurweed is a strong, healthy lawn. A thick turf naturally outcompetes weeds by limiting their access to sunlight, water, and nutrients. Here are some key lawn care practices to help keep spurweed at bay:
- Mowing: If you have warm-season grasses like bermudagrass or zoysiagrass, raise your mowing height for the last cut of the season in the fall. This provides a dense turf canopy that helps prevent winter weeds from taking hold.
- Fertilization & Irrigation: Proper feeding and watering strengthen your grass, making it less vulnerable to weed invasions.
- Early Detection & Treatment: If spurweed has already established itself, early intervention is crucial. The best time to control spurweed is during the winter months—December through February—before it has a chance to develop its spiny burrs.
Herbicide Options for Spurweed Control
Spurweed can be controlled using either preemergence or postemergence herbicides, depending on the timing of application.
Preemergence Herbicides
Applying a preemergent in the fall can prevent spurweed seeds from germinating. Effective options include:
- Atrazine (AAtrex) – Restricted Use Herbicide
- Simazine (Princep, others)
- Isoxaben (Gallery) – Best applied before germination in the fall
- Metribuzin (Sencor Turf)
Note: These herbicides should not be used on bermudagrass overseeded with cool-season grasses or on tall fescue, as they can cause damage.
Postemergence Herbicides
For homeowners, the most effective way to control existing spurweed is with postemergence herbicides containing a mix of 2,4-D, dicamba, and MCPP. Popular options include:
- Trimec (a common trade name for these three-way mixes)
- Other combination herbicides labeled for broadleaf weed control in turf
These products are safe for use on tall fescue, non-overseeded bermudagrass, and bermudagrass that has been overseeded with cool-season grasses that have been mowed at least four or five times.
How to Apply Herbicides Effectively
- Choose a warm, sunny day with temperatures above 55°F for best results.
- Apply herbicides evenly over affected areas.
- After two to three weeks, check for effectiveness. If spurweed persists, a second application may be needed.
- Always read and follow label instructions to ensure safe and effective application.
Take Action Before It’s Too Late
The key to keeping your lawn spurweed-free is timing. Treating spurweed early—before those painful burrs develop—will save you and your family from the discomfort of stepping on stickers. By maintaining a healthy lawn and applying the right herbicides at the right time, you can keep your yard lush, green, and free of unwanted prickly surprises!
The reference to brand names in this article is not an endorsement of these products, as the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Research & Extension does not endorse specific pesticide brands.
The University of Arkansas System, Division of Agriculture is an equal opportunity institution. For more information you can contact your local county extension service, you can also follow Sherri Sanders on Facebook @UAEX.WhiteCountyAgriculture .
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By Sherri Sanders
White County Extension Agent - Agriculture
The Cooperative Extension Service
U of A System Division of Agriculture
White County Cooperative Extension Service
2400 Old Searcy Landing Road Searcy AR 72143
(501) 268-5394
ssanders@uada.edu
The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service is an equal opportunity institution. If
you require a reasonable accommodation to participate or need materials in another
format, please contact your County Extension office (or other appropriate office)
as soon as possible. Dial 711 for Arkansas Relay.
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