Now is the time to control Florida betony. This weed is found throughout the southeast and has the paired leaves and square stem characteristic of the mint family. Florida betony is also known as wild artichoke or rattlesnake weed. Both of these names refer to the distinguishing structure of Florida betony – the swollen white tubers that are produced underground. These tubers resemble the segments of a rattlesnake’s tail or a white grub. These structures are responsible for the persistent nature of Florida betony. The tubers are also edible.
Florida betony is a cool season perennial weed. It goes dormant during the heat of summer but grows enthustiastically in the cooler temperatures of spring and fall. Control of Florida betony depends on the location – treatment in lawns is easier than landscape beds.
Controlling Florida betony in lawns requires a multipronged approach. In lawns, the first step to weed control is to optimize turf growth. A dense stand of regularly mowed grass will compete better against Florida betony and other weeds. Follow the correct cultural practices for your lawn to make it as thick and healthy as possible. This includes mowing at the correct height and frequency, as well as fertilizing at the right time and rate for your grass type. Cultural requirements vary depending on the type of grass you have in your lawn. For more information, request a lawn maintenance calendar for your turf type from your local Cooperative Extension Office.
There are selective herbicides that can be used for control in lawns but the herbicide option will depend on the type of grass you have. Herbicides that contain 2,4-D as the active ingredient work well on zoysia and bermuda lawns. Centipede and St. Augustine are sensitive to 2,4-D. For this reason, atrazine is frequently used to control Florida betony in these turfs. That said, combination products that contain 2,4-D, MCPP and dicamba (Weed-B-Gone, Spectracide 33 Plus) can be used on St. Augustine and centipede lawns as long as the lower label rates indicated for the turf type are used. When using any product, it is important that your sprayer be properly calibrated to apply herbicide at an accurate rate. As with any chemical, make sure you read and follow all label directions. Stay out of the border of shrub beds or the drip line of individual trees or shrubs in the landscape when using these products.
Regardless of the herbicide you use, you will need to make more than one application to achieve control. It often takes two years to completely control Florida betony. The best time to spray for control is in the fall as the weed is starting to grow for the season (October-November) and again in the spring (February-March).
Controlling Florida betony in perennial beds is more of a challenge. Pulling is not very effective since it leaves tubers behind in the soil. If you are going to remove Florida betony by hand, dig carefully to remove the tubers. This technique is effective in small areas. Make sure that tuber-infested soil is disposed of carefully so the Florida betony doesn’t spread to a new area. Do not compost the tubers. Applying a thick mulch, 3-4 inches deep, can help slow the spread of Florida betony but will not control it completely.
Glyphosate (RoundUp and other brands) can be used to control larger infestations in flowerbeds. Glyphosate is a non-selective herbicide so it will damage or kill any plant it comes in contact with. However, careful targeted spraying can provide control. Spray only when there is little to no wind and air temperatures are less than 85 degrees. Some spray nozzles come with a cone that be used to prevent drift. Certain product formulations marketed to homeowners now come with a “foam” setting that helps reduce drift and allow you to track application better. Glyphosate application is particularly effective when the Florida betony is in flower – typically in mid to late spring.
The key to effective Florida betony control is good management, appropriate herbicide selection, accurate timing of application and persistence.
Brand names are included as examples only and are not intended as an endorsement. Active ingredients may be marketed under many different formulation and brand names.
