Carpetweed

(Updated: October 7, 2022)

Description

Carpetweed (Mollugo verticillata) is a small weed that can cover large patches of ground in a very small time. This summer annual weed has smooth stems and leaves, and white flowers in the joint between leaf and stem. Carpetweed flowers from July to September.

Cultural Control

Maintain a dense, actively growing turf through proper mowing, fertilizing, and watering practices. Mow at the proper height for your selected adapted turfgrass. Coring and traffic control reduce compaction and encourage desirable turfgrass competition. It is best to control this summer annual broadleaf weed in late spring or early summer because it is easier to control at this time and the turf will have a greater chance of recovering the areas previously occupied by weeds.

Species Data

  • GROWTH SEASON / LIFE CYCLE
    • summer annual weed
  • GROWTH HABIT
  • LEAFLET NUMBER
  • LEAF MARGIN
    • smooth
  • LEAF HAIRS
    • none
  • LEAF / LEAFLET SHAPE
    • oval / egg-shaped / elliptical
  • LEAF WIDTH
    • 1⁄2 - 1 inch
  • LEAF VENATION
    • pinnate
  • LEAF ARRANGEMENT
    • whorled or basal rosette
  • ROOT TYPE
    • fibrous; taproot
  • FLOWER COLOR
Carpetweed growth habit.
Figure 1. Carpetweed growth habit.
Carpetweed growth habit.
Figure 2. Carpetweed growth habit.
Carpetweed growth habit.
Figure 3. Carpetweed growth habit.
Carpetweed growth habit.
Figure 4. Carpetweed growth habit.
Carpetweed leaf number.
Figure 5. Carpetweed leaf number.
Carpetweed flower color.
Figure 6. Carpetweed flower color.
flower color.Carpetweed
Figure 7. Carpetweed flower color.
Carpetweed flower color.
Figure 8. Carpetweed flower color.

This Extension publication can also be viewed at: https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/carpetweed