Virginia Buttonweed (Diodia virginiana): Identification & Selective Herbicide Matrix
Quick Agronomic Summary
Celsius WG (Thiencarbazone + Dicamba) in warm-season lawns or TZone SE in cool-season lawns controls Buttonweed.
- Diagnostic Marker 1: Opposite, thick, dark green leaves often mottled with a bright yellow viral ring-spot pattern
- Diagnostic Marker 2: Prostrate, hairy, four-angled stems that root vigorously at nodes
- Diagnostic Marker 3: Small, four-lobed star-shaped white flowers followed by green button-like ridged fruit
What is the best herbicide for Virginia Buttonweed?
Celsius WG (Thiencarbazone + Dicamba) in warm-season lawns or TZone SE in cool-season lawns controls Buttonweed.
Virginia buttonweed is among the most difficult southern lawn weeds. Repeated applications of Celsius WG prevent button fruit from producing viable seeds.
When to treat Virginia Buttonweed?
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.
EPA-Registered Herbicides Labeled for Virginia Buttonweed
The table below compares all selective herbicides in our database that control Virginia Buttonweed, including active ingredient groups, application temperature limits (°F), and surfactant requirements.
| Brand Name & EPA Reg. | Active Ingredient & WSSA Group | Temp Window (°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 |
Turfgrass Compatibility Matrix for Virginia Buttonweed Herbicides
Always verify that your chosen herbicide is safe for your specific lawn grass before broadcast spraying:
How to Distinguish Virginia Buttonweed from Lookalike Weeds
| Lookalike Species | Key Botanical & Diagnostic Difference |
|---|---|
| Dollarweed | Buttonweed has lance-shaped opposite leaves and star flowers; Dollarweed has circular round leaves with scalloped edges. |