[off-topic] Can anyone identify this invasive weed?

post by johnny2678 on Jun 22, 2017

I hate these things. I dig out 3-5 of them regularly everything I walk around the yard.

post by sunny on Jun 22, 2017

What part of the country are you located?

post by johnny2678 on Jun 22, 2017

Located on the Gulf Coast of FL. Sarasota.

They grow year round, as far as I can tell.

post by azdavidr on Jun 22, 2017

Never mind the weed. What’s all that cool green stuff in the background and the blue reflective area in the middle ?

post by sunny on Jun 22, 2017

Appears to be in allium family. Does it have a white flower? Are the leaves rounded? It’s difficult to see from the photo.

post by sunny on Jun 22, 2017

If the leaves are not rounded, but more like a blade of grass, then it may be in the Lazula family, Common names include wood rush.

post by mckynzee on Jun 22, 2017

Sounds like we have a plantologist in our midst!
I may need to do one of these posts soon, I just moved into a new place and the yard is more weeds than grass. Feel like I can’t be a true Rachio employee with my yard looking like that…

post by sunny on Jun 22, 2017

Plantologist–I like that. Just more of a garden geek. Master Gardener training requires a working knowledge of horticultural classification and plant taxonomy.

It keeps me out of trouble!

post by johnny2678 on Jun 22, 2017

The leaves are more pointed, but doesn’t match any of the images I got when googling Lazula.

Grows randomly in the plant beds. Sometimes entangles itself in a desirable plant/shrub root system.

post by sunny on Jun 22, 2017

If the leaves are more grass-like, then it may be Star-of-Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum).

post by johnny2678 on Jun 22, 2017

That’s pretty close… I’ve never let them grow to the point where they would flower. I’ll snap some more pictures next time I dig some out.

Thanks for helping out. Next step is to figure out why they are infesting my flower beds!!

post by robertokc on Jun 22, 2017

Looks like angle pod blue flag. It is a member of the iris family and is very invasive throughout the South. The usually flower.

post by johnny2678 on Jun 23, 2017

Ugh, I think we have a winner! Any advice on prevention or just keep after them daily like I have been?

post by sunny on Jun 23, 2017

Let one of them flower and that would help identify the plant. Regardless of what it is, plants that grow from bulbs, tubers, or rhizomes are difficult to eradicate. Each one of the bulblets can produce a new plant. Digging them up is the best control, and good luck with that!

post by robertokc on Jun 23, 2017

Glyphosate should kill them, but I would read the label and check for safety next to ponds or lakes. Any plant with bulbs are nearly impossible to kill. Nutgrass does not have a bulb, but it comes back every year.

post by johnny2678 on Jun 24, 2017

But where do they come from and how are they multiplying in my flower beds?? Grrr…

I found some more and left them in the ground…

post by robertokc on Jun 24, 2017

They are native to Florida and spread very easily. One bulb sends out runners and new babies sprout.

post by johnny2678 on Jun 24, 2017

Well that’s it then… Time to move!

post by robertokc on Jun 24, 2017

I have the same problem with wild violets and nutgrass. They just keep expanding.

post by AF1E on Jun 25, 2017

If you need help identifying the weed contact your local County Extension agent. They will be happy to help you.