Georgia Lawn Weed Control Fact Sheet

Pennywort (Hydrocotyle spp.)

Introduction: Pennywort (dollarweed) is a perennial weed that is common in turfgrass as well as ornamentals. It is found in moist to wet sites or anywhere where there is excess moisture. Pennywort reproduces by seeds, rhizomes, and tubers. In the United States it is found from Maine to Florida and several inland states.

Description: Pennywort has erect, long stalked leaves with scalloped margins. They look like miniature lily-pads. The petiole of pennywort is in the center of the leaf. Flowers are formed on elongated spikes at the top of the stalk.

Preemergence Control: There is not an effective preemergence control for established pennywort.

Postemergence Control: In centipedegrass and St. Augustinegrass use atrazine for postemergence control. Apply after full spring green-up and repeat at as needed (approximately 4 to 6 weeks intervals) for continued control. Image (imazaquin) can be used on the turfgrasses listed above, zoysiagrass and bermudagrass. Do not apply Image to turfgrass during spring greenup or to newly planted grass. Repeat applications (approximately 2 to 4 week intervals) of 2,4-D + MCPP + dicamba (Weed-B-Gon Lawn Weed Killer2, Ace Lawn Weed Killer, others) can be used on the above turfgrasses and tall fescue but use half rates and spot treatments to minimize damage to centipedegrass and St. Augustinegrass. Be sure to follow the label recommendations for all herbicides.

Produced 11/99-Revised 5/2001 by: Jake Price of the Camden County Extension Service in association with Jeff Michel, Glynn County Extension, and Bob Boland, Brantley County Extension.