What’s Blooming?What s Blooming?

November ‐ December

Largeflower PusleyRichardia grandiflora

Stephen H. Brown

L C t E t iLee County Extension 

Southwest Florida

Richardia grandiflora, also known as largeflower pusley org f , g p y

largeflower Mexican clover, is native to South America. It is a

creeping herbacious (non‐woody) perennial, rooting at the

nodes. It reproduces by seeds and stem fragments.

fl l l l °Largeflower pusley tolerates temperatures as low as 10°F

Phenology:Phenology:

Heaviest flowering is from September into January

While largeflower pusley does not appear on any of the Florida Exotic Pest Plant CouncilWhile largeflower pusley does not appear on any of the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council (FLEPPC) lists of invasive plant species, in recent years it has definitely become a big problem in many south Florida lawns. 

November, second year January, first year

Late November

Hairy branching stems 

Leaves: Simple, opposite, narrowly elliptical, tapering sharply to points a both ends, i h i lwith a petiole 

Flowers remain unopened in low light 

Flowers: White, blue, pink or violet about 0.8 inch (2cm) long, clustered at tips of stems

The News-Press, Fort Myers, Florida

Question: My neighbor has weeds all over his yard that are a mass of blue flowers. I have seen these 

November 26, 2011

y g yweeds in many yards and lots. They have long runners. They are starting to invade my lawn and I would like to get rid of them. I have St Augustinegrass. What commercial product can I use?‐ B.K., email

Answer: The weed is large flower pusley Richardia grandiflora This is a prodigious weed with countlessAnswer: The weed is large‐flower pusley, Richardia grandiflora. This is a prodigious weed with countless numbers of white, blue, pink or violet flowers. Large‐flower pusley is native to South America and has adapted well to its new south Florida habitat, primarily St. Augstinegrass lawns. The herbicide used to control it is Atrazine or Image plus Atrazine. Atrazine can be found in liquid or granular forms. The liquid formulation gives much better control of large‐flower pusley and other weeds than the granular form. The former should have a 4.0% concentration. The latter, the granular form, is usually blended with fertilizer and sold as Weed & Feed. As a granular, the Atrazine concentration is usually less than 1%, not sufficiently concentrated to manage large‐flower pusley. Several applications, several weeks apart will be necessary for noticeable control.  Do not use Atrazine when temperature rises above 88°F.

The News-Press, Fort Myers, FloridaDecember 4, 2010

Question: For some years now it seems that the ground becomes covered with pink “snow” in the form offlowers this time of year. Whatever it is seems to favor lawns and is moving so fast that I’m afraid it may soonreach my Floratam lawn What is it and how do we slow it down or get rid of it?reach my Floratam lawn. What is it, and how do we slow it down or get rid of it?Richard Messmer, Fort Myers

Answer: There will be no getting rid of this weed that is now firmly established in south Florida. Richardiagrandiflora, also known as largeflower pusley and largeflower Mexican clover, is native to South America. It isa creeping perennial with white, blue, pink or violet flowers. A lawn or field can have thousand of theseflowers capable of dispersing tens of thousands of seeds. Controlling the spread of such a prodigious seedproducer can be difficult. In a 2007 report, a University of Florida researcher found that none of theherbicides tested had a strong or lasting effect on largeflower pusley. Locally, however, repeated applicationsof Atrazine are said to provide good control. The effect of Atrazine will not be seen for at least a couple ofof Atrazine are said to provide good control. The effect of Atrazine will not be seen for at least a couple ofweeks after application. This time of year, homeowners are largely confined to the use of Atrazine on their St.Augustine lawns. Another herbicide, Mansion, is sold at a few locations and is recommended for amongother things, largeflower pusley control. The main problem with using Mansion is the small amount requiredper application. It should be measured precisely and applied uniformly or it can cause damage to lawns.Wh th t it ill ff ti l t l l fl l i thi I t iti l fi tilWhether or not it will effectively control largeflower pusley is something I cannot positively confirm untilherbicide trials are done using this product. It is recommended that Mansion be applied by a commerciallandscaper. Read and follow label directions for all herbicides used.

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