WEED ID · WINTER ANNUAL BROADLEAF
Bur clover
Also called Burclover, California burclover
A clover look-alike that makes prickly burs. They stick to socks and pet fur, and the seed inside comes back every winter.
How to spot it
- Leaves split into 3 leaflets with toothed edges
- Low stems that sprawl along the ground or lean up
- Prickly, round seed pods called burs, hooked at the tips
- Burs stick to socks, shoes, and pet fur
- Green and growing in fall and winter, and blooms in early winter
Why it shows up
Bur clover grows well in low-fertility soil, so thin, hungry turf is where it takes hold. The seed falls and sprouts in the fall. The burs hitch a ride on people and pets, and they carry seed to new spots.
How we treat it
Fall is the time to act, before the seed sprouts. We time a pre-emergent for early fall. For plants already up, we spot treat on cool, dry days with a product labeled for your grass type. We also fertilize to thicken the turf. Heavy patches can take persistence.
What you can do
- Call in early fall, before the seed sprouts.
- Feed the lawn. Thin, hungry turf invites bur clover.
- Brush burs off socks, shoes, and pets so they do not spread.
WANT IT HANDLED?
Let a licensed applicator take it from here.
Tell us about your lawn. We’ll get back to you with a free quote.
Prefer to talk? 817-382-1722Licensed applicator, Texas Department of Agriculture · License #0984138