J. Bryan Unruh, Darcy E. P. Telenko, Barry J. Brecke, and Ramon Leon
Erect and prostrate spurges (Chamaesyce spp.) are erect or upright annuals with branched stems. Leaves are opposite and not equal. Stems produce “milky sap.” A large number of spurge species occur in Florida. Reproduction occurs via seed.
Prostrate spurge (C. humistrata) has freely branched prostrate stems that root at the nodes. Stems are smooth or hairy. Leaves are not symmetrical and usually have a reddish spot.
Erect or Hyssop spurge (C. hyssopifolia) is an erect or ascending annual with smooth stems and leaves that branch at upper nodes. Leaves are oblong to linear with toothed margins.
Prostrate spurge
Erect spurge
Erect spurge
Herbicide options for controlling erect and prostrate spurge in Florida turfgrass
(Always refer to the label for specific uses, application rates, and turfgrass tolerance.)
Refer to the publication Pest Control Guide for Turfgrass Managers at http://turf.ufl.edu/pdf/2012_UF_Pest_Control_Guide.pdf for brand names associated with chemical names listed.
Bermudagrass
Preemergence: dithiopyr, dimethenamid-P, isoxaben, simazine
Postemergence: carfentrazone, 2,4-D+dicamba, dicamba, metribuzin, metsulfuron, sulfentrazone, sulfentrazone+prodiamine, sulfentrazone+quinclorac, sulfentrazone+2,4-D+MCPP+dicamba, thiencarbazone+iodosulfuron+dicamba, trifloxysulfuron
St. Augustinegrass
Preemergence: atrazine, dithiopyr, dimethenamid-P, isoxaben, simazine
Postemergence: atrazine, carfentrazone, 2,4-D+dicamba (follow label recommendations to minimize turf injury), metsulfuron, simazine, sulfentrazone, thiencarbazone+iodosulfuron+dicamba
Centipedegrass
Preemergence: atrazine, dithiopyr, dimethenamid-P, isoxaben, simazine
Postemergence: atrazine, carfentrazone, 2,4-D+dicamba, dicamba, metsulfuron, simazine, sulfentrazone, sulfentrazone+prodiamine, sulfentrazone+quinclorac, sulfentrazone+2,4-D+MCCP+dicamba, thiencarbazone+iodosulfuron+dicamba
Bahiagrass
Preemergence: dithiopyr, dimethenamid-P, isoxaben
Postemergence: carfentrazone, 2,4-D+dicamba, dicamba, sulfentrazone, sulfentrazone+prodiamine, sulfentrazone+2,4-D+MCCP+dicamba
Seashore Paspalum
Preemergence: dithiopyr, dimethenamid-P
Postemergence: carfentrazone, sulfentrazone, sulfentrazone+prodiamine, sulfentrazone+quinclorac
Zoysiagrass
Preemergence: atrazine, dithiopyr, dimethenamid-P, isoxaben, simazine
Postemergence: atrazine, carfentrazone, 2,4-D+dicamba, dicamba, metsulfuron, simazine, sulfentrazone, sulfentrazone+prodiamine, sulfentrazone+quinclorac, sulfentrazone+2,4-D+MCCP+dicamba, thiencarbazone+iodosulfuron+dicamba, trifloxysulfuron
Perennial Ryegrass
Preemergence: dimethenamid-P
Postemergence: carfentrazone, 2,4-D+dicamba, dicamba, sulfentrazone, sulfentrazone+prodiamine, sulfentrazone+quinclorac, triclopyr +clopyralid