How to Kill Virginia Buttonweed in Centipedegrass Without Hurting Your Lawn
Direct Agronomic Answer
To selectively kill Virginia Buttonweed in Centipedegrass without damaging your turf, apply Celsius WG (Thiencarbazone-methyl 8.7%, Iodosulfuron-methyl-sodium 1.9%, Dicamba 57.4%) when air temperatures are between 65°F and 95°F.
Virginia buttonweed is among the most difficult southern lawn weeds. Repeated applications of Celsius WG prevent button fruit from producing viable seeds.
1. Labeled Safe Herbicides That Kill Virginia Buttonweed in Centipedegrass
| Recommended Product | Active Ingredient & Group | Application Temp (°F) | Surfactant & Mixing Protocol | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
2. What NOT to Spray on Centipedegrass When Treating Virginia Buttonweed
Warning: Common Virginia Buttonweed Killers That Damage Centipedegrass
Many retail herbicides advertised for Virginia Buttonweed are formulated for different turf zones and will severely injure Centipedegrass:
- AVOID SpeedZone Lawn Weed Killer (2,4-D 28.57%, Mecoprop-p 5.88%, Dicamba 1.71%, Carfentrazone-ethyl 0.62%): Rated 'avoid' on Centipedegrass — high risk of turf phytotoxicity or stunting.
- AVOID TZone SE (Triclopyr 7.72%, 2,4-D 29.36%, Dicamba 2.22%, Sulfentrazone 0.66%): Rated 'avoid' on Centipedegrass — high risk of turf phytotoxicity or stunting.
3. Optimal Seasonal Timing & Temperature Thresholds
Begin spraying in spring when seedlings emerge from roots, with follow-up treatments in mid-summer.
Mowing spreads stem fragments that root into new plants; bag clippings in heavily infested areas.
4. Diagnostic Checklist: Confirm It Is Virginia Buttonweed Before Spraying
- Opposite, thick, dark green leaves often mottled with a bright yellow viral ring-spot pattern
- Prostrate, hairy, four-angled stems that root vigorously at nodes
- Small, four-lobed star-shaped white flowers followed by green button-like ridged fruit
Not 100% sure? Use our AI Photo Weed Scanner or review the full Virginia Buttonweed Botanical Profile.