Procumbent Pearlwort

Common name: Procumbent Pearlwort

Botanical name: Sagina procumbens

Family: Caryophyllaceae

Life cycle: Perennial

Habitat: Procumbent pearlwort will grow in most types of soil. It is particularly troublesome on turf that has suffered through being mown too short, as it tolerates very close mowing. This weeds forms as a low growing mat.

Leaf: The leaves are fine and narrow and they form a tightly knitted mat, often giving a moss like appearance.

Flower: Tiny white flowers bourn on short stalks can be seen between may and September.

Removal & control: If the plants are few in number then hand weeding can prove successful. Mow the lawn at a sensible height, as pearlwort will take advantage of thin or bare areas caused by very close mowing.

If a selective weed killer is going to be used for control then more than one application may be needed, as pearlwort can be a stubborn weed to remove.