Silverweed also known as goosewort and silvery cinquefoil is a perennial weed. It spreads rapidly via stolons (overground runners) and thrives in most conditions, especially moist soils.
It is common on grassy areas, borders, roadside verges and in turf, especially where it has been neglected.
Leaves
The pinnate (leaves arranged on opposite sides of the stems) leaves are similar to creeping cinquefoil. However, silverweed leaves are covered with a silky, white down of soft hairs, more so on the underside. Each leaf produces between 7 and 14 leaflets, each with toothed or notched edges.
Flowers
The bright yellow flowers produce five petals (sometimes upto seven in rare cases), which can be seen between May and September.
Habitat
Silver weed will grow on most types of soil, often in damp grassy or bare areas on coastal sites.
Cultural control
- Remove by hand if the infestation is not too severe.
- Maintain good turf health with good lawn care practices, such as feeding, raking and aeration.
- Raking silverweed into an upright position prior to mowing will help weaken it.
Chemical control
Silver weed can be a stubborn weed to control with a selective herbicide. In most situations more than one treatment will be needed for satisfactory control.
Silverweed images
Recommended herbicides for the control of silverweed
Professional products (All operators must be trained and certificated in using and applying any Ministry Approved professional product)
- ICL Enforcer (2,4-D, Dicamba, Mecoprop-p, MCPA)
- ICL Praxys (Fluroxypyr, Clopyralid, Florasulam)
- ICL Esteron (2,4-D, Furosulam)
- Barclay Holster (Fluroxypyr, 2,4-D, Dicamaba)
- Hysward-P (Mecoprop-p, Dicamba, MCPA)
- Bayer Longbow (MCPA, Dicamba, Mecoprop-p)
- Mascot Junction Turf (Flurosulam, 2,4-D)
- Mascot Greenor (Fluroxpyr, Clopyralid, MCPA)
- Mascot Crossbar (Fluroxpyr, 2,4-D, Dicamaba)
Products available for non-professional use (These products are available from garden centres and DIY stores and do not require any training or certification for use and application.)
- Weedol Concentrate (Fluroxypyr, Clopyralid, MCPA)
- Vitax lawn Clear (Clopyralid, 2,4-D, MCPA)
Tips for successful weed control using selective herbicides
- Treat weeds when growth is strong, this is usually in May and June.
- Don’t mow the lawn 3 days prior and 3 days after the treatment, to allow for maximum uptake of the chemical.
- Spray when the leaf/foliage is dry, as this reduces runoff and allows the chemical to stick to the weed.