Soldier's Button

Garden Problems , Lawn Problems

Soldier's Button is a common weed in lawns. It is often mistaken for Onehunga prickle weed but it does not have prickly seeds.

Identify the problem
Soldier's Button forms low-growing mats or rosettes of feathery leaves. The flowerheads are button like, pale, yellowish and 3-5 mm across. Soldier's Button is often mistaken for Onehunga prickle weed but the seeds are not prickly.
How to solve the problem
In Lawns
- Apply LawnPro Turfclean Ultra or LawnPro Prickle and Hydrocotyle. It effectively kills soldier's button weed but leaves your lawn grasses unaffected. Allow 2-3 weeks for weeds to die.
- Optimum control is achieved in Spring, Summer and Autumn when weed and lawn growth is vigorous.
- For situations where soldier's button, prickle weed or hydrocotyle predominate, undertake soil management at the same time – both prickle weeds and hydrocotyle prefer sour acidic (i.e. low soil pH) and poorly draining soil. Apply 100 g/m2 of lime two weeks prior to spraying. Also consider improving drainage, removing shade or aerating the soil to make the area less suitable for these weeds.
- Note: LawnPro Turfclean or LawnPro All-in-One will also effectively control soldier's button.
- For Dichondra lawns and other non-grass lawns you can spot treat with Weed Weapon Invade Gel.
In Flower Beds and Waste Places
- Apply Weed Weapon Rapid Action or Weed Weapon Invade Gel.
Did you know?
- Soldier's button is Cotula australis