How to Kill Yellow Woodsorrel (Oxalis) in Zoysiagrass Without Hurting Your Lawn
Direct Agronomic Answer
To selectively kill Yellow Woodsorrel (Oxalis) in Zoysiagrass without damaging your turf, apply SpeedZone Lawn Weed Killer (2,4-D 28.57%, Mecoprop-p 5.88%, Dicamba 1.71%, Carfentrazone-ethyl 0.62%), TZone SE (Triclopyr 7.72%, 2,4-D 29.36%, Dicamba 2.22%, Sulfentrazone 0.66%) when air temperatures are between 50°F and 85°F.
Standard 2,4-D fails on Oxalis. Systemic Triclopyr or Mesotrione provides excellent foliar and crown kill.
1. Labeled Safe Herbicides That Kill Yellow Woodsorrel (Oxalis) in Zoysiagrass
| Recommended Product | Active Ingredient & Group | Application Temp (°F) | Surfactant & Mixing Protocol | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SpeedZone Lawn Weed Killer EPA Reg. 2217-833 |
2,4-D 28.57%, Mecoprop-p 5.88%, Dicamba 1.71%, Carfentrazone-ethyl 0.62% Group 4 + Group 14 (Synthetic Auxins + PPO Inhibitor) |
50°F – 85°F Rainfast: 3h |
Do NOT add surfactant. Adding NIS or MSO increases ester volatility and causes severe contact burn on desirable cool-season turf. | Check Price at DoMyOwn View on Amazon |
| TZone SE EPA Reg. 2217-920 |
Triclopyr 7.72%, 2,4-D 29.36%, Dicamba 2.22%, Sulfentrazone 0.66% Group 4 + Group 14 (Pyridine Auxin + Phenoxy + PPO Inhibitor) |
50°F – 80°F Rainfast: 3h |
Do NOT mix with surfactant when temperatures exceed 75°F. In cool spring or fall conditions (55°F–70°F), 0.5 tsp NIS per gallon improves waxy leaf penetration on Wild Violet. | Check Price at DoMyOwn View on Amazon |
| Celsius WG EPA Reg. 432-1507 |
Thiencarbazone-methyl 8.7%, Iodosulfuron-methyl-sodium 1.9%, Dicamba 57.4% Group 2 + Group 4 (ALS Inhibitors + Benzoic Acid Auxin) |
65°F – 95°F Rainfast: 4h |
Apply with Non-Ionic Surfactant (NIS) at 1 tsp per gallon of water. Specifically engineered not to stunt warm-season turf during summer heat up to 95°F. | Check Price at DoMyOwn View on Amazon |
| Hi-Yield Atrazine Weed Killer EPA Reg. 34911-15-7401 |
Atrazine 40.8% Group 5 (Photosystem II Inhibitor / Triazine) |
50°F – 85°F Rainfast: 6h |
Do NOT add surfactant when spraying actively growing St. Augustine or Centipede above 80°F to avoid foliar yellowing. Irrigate lightly within 48 hours for root uptake. | Check Price at DoMyOwn View on Amazon |
2. What NOT to Spray on Zoysiagrass When Treating Yellow Woodsorrel (Oxalis)
Warning: Common Yellow Woodsorrel (Oxalis) Killers That Damage Zoysiagrass
Many retail herbicides advertised for Yellow Woodsorrel (Oxalis) are formulated for different turf zones and will severely injure Zoysiagrass:
- AVOID Tenacity (Mesotrione 40%): Rated 'damage_risk' on Zoysiagrass — high risk of turf phytotoxicity or stunting.
3. Optimal Seasonal Timing & Temperature Thresholds
Spray in spring or early summer before the explosive cylindrical seed pods mature.
Once seed pods form, slightest contact shoots seeds up to 10 feet into surrounding turf.
4. Diagnostic Checklist: Confirm It Is Yellow Woodsorrel (Oxalis) Before Spraying
- Pale green trifoliate leaves with distinct heart-shaped, deeply notched leaflets
- Leaves fold downward along the center crease at night or in intense heat
- Bright yellow 5-petaled flowers followed by upright, okra-like explosive seed capsules
Not 100% sure? Use our AI Photo Weed Scanner or review the full Yellow Woodsorrel (Oxalis) Botanical Profile.