WEED ID · ANNUAL OR WEAK PERENNIAL BROADLEAF
Yellow woodsorrel
Also called Oxalis, sourgrass
A clover look-alike with heart-shaped leaflets and small yellow flowers. It pops up in lawns and beds and throws its seed when the pods burst.
How to spot it
- Leaves split into 3 heart-shaped leaflets, light green and sometimes reddish
- Small yellow flowers with 5 petals
- Narrow, finger-shaped seed pods, like a tiny okra
- Stems stand up or creep along the ground
- Shows up in lawns, along sidewalks, and in flower beds
Why it shows up
Ripe seed pods split open and shoot seed out several feet. It can also spread from underground stems. It grows in sun or shade, wet or dry soil, and does best where the lawn is thin.
How we treat it
In lawns, we spot treat with a product labeled for your grass type. A pre-emergent in late winter can help stop new seed from sprouting. We also fertilize to keep your turf thick. In flower beds, hand pulling and mulch work well.
What you can do
- Pull small plants before the pods form. Get the roots, too.
- Mulch your beds. The seed needs light to sprout.
- Mow at the right height for your grass and keep the lawn thick.
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