Florida Pusley

Richardia scabra

Florida Pusley is a summer annual broadleaf weed that grows most often in warm-season grasses. It is also known as Rough Mexican-clover and Richardia scabra.

Identify

Opposite

Upright

Elliptical

The leaves on the Florida Pusley weed are typically hairy and grow upright and opposite on stems, which can also be hairy. This broadleaf weed grows along the ground in thick patches and sprouts tubular, white flowers in small clusters at the ends of its branches. Florida Pusley flowers during the summer, and Reproduction occurs by seeds. But in theory, any time the temperature rises above freezing, Florida Pusley can flower. Florida Pusley should not be confused with Brazil Pusley, a perennial that can be distinguished by its woody taproot.

Life Cycle

This broadleaf weed mostly infests warm-season turf grasses but can also grow in sandy areas, grasslands and along roadsides. Its range in the United States extends from Florida as far north as Virginia and as far west as Texas.

Control

Richardia scabra is an aggressive broadleaf weed that can quickly overtake a lawn of patchy, thin grass. Therefore, cultural practices—such as proper mowing, watering and aeration routines—are an essential part of dealing with Florida Pusley. Because this summer annual grows in large, thick patches that grow low to the ground, hand-pulling can be difficult and time-consuming.