Creeping oxalis (Oxalis) which is also called creeping woodsorrel or sourgrass is a perennial weed that finds its way into lawns or beds and borders. It has heart-shaped leaves which vary from green to purplish in color and hairy stems. Oxalis is one of those plants that sends out stolons that have the ability to send roots down to form new plants. The yellow flowers have five petals.

 

As with most lawn weeds, the best control is to grow a healthy, vigorous turfgrass. A good layer of mulch such as shredded bark or wood chips will help manage weeds in the bed or border.

If cultural options do not provide enough control, several herbicides are also labeled for this weed, however, this one falls under the "difficult to control" lawn weeds and may be tough to eliminate.

 

Note: We have provided some general information and observations on this topic aimed at the home gardener. Before you take any serious action in your landscape, check with your state's land grant university's Cooperative Extension Service for the most current, appropriate, localized recommendations.

 
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