Paspalum

Paspalum is a major weed problem around the world. With over 300 varieties, including one which is used as a lawn (saltene), the main Paspalum as a problem weed for home gardeners, lawn owners and the environment is a variety known by it’s botanical name of Paspalum rotundas.

Paspalum can grow up to 1.5 metres tall if left to grow undisturbed. However, when it establishes itself in a home lawn, it has the ability to adapt and grow laterally along the ground instead of vertically. By doing this, Paspalum can survive the regular lawn mowing process involved with lawn maintenance and continue to overtake a home lawn. Stems produce 3 - 7 seed producing spikelets in Summer, which range in height depending on if it is in a lawn or growing undisturbed.

Eradication Of Paspalum

Killing Paspalum involves digging the plant out of the ground using a sharp knife to dig into the soil and cut off the crown of the weed, simply pulling off the leafy part of the plant will not work.

For Couch and Fescue lawns, the weed can also be controlled with a selective Paspalum Killer herbicide available for sale at Nurseries. The herbicide can usually be used on couch, bent, fescue and ryegrass lawns. But cannot be used on Buffalo, Kikuyu or Saltene lawns.

Always check the instructions for the particular Paspalum Herbicide being used to check for compatibility with your lawn type.

Spot poisoning using Glyphosate can be highly effective where selective herbicides are not an option. It is applied using a small paintbrush to selectively poison the Paspalum without killing the surrounding lawn. It is best applied to the crown of the plant during the warmer growing season.