Nimblewill is a warm season perennial grass
that most often reproduces by seeds and spreading stems. It forms
dense patches, often a foot or more in diameter, often in older
turf areas. It has fibrous roots, and the stems often root at the
lower nodes. Nimblewill produces blue-green, short, flat leaves
up to 2 inches long. The long slender flower stalks appear in the
late summer. They are borne both at the ends of stems and in leaf
axils, are 2 to 6 inches long, and are cylindrical.
Occurrence - It tolerates both sunny and shady
settings and is often found where growing conditions are moist.
As with other warm season grasses (e. g., zoysiagrass and bermudagrass),
nimblewill is dormant from mid autumn through mid to late spring.
When dormant, nimblewill is a faded dull brown; the patches tend
to appear fuzzy, somewhat resembling a scouring pad. In turf invaded
by nimblewill, these faded, fuzzy patches are especially apparent
when cool season turf is green and actively growing in spring and
autumn.
Non-Chemical Control – Maintaining a dense,
healthy lawn through proper turf selection, establishment, and maintenance
is the recommended non-chemical control for nimblewill. Nimblewill
is often a problem in shaded and/or moist areas where commonly grown
turfgrasses are poorly adapted. Modifying the growing conditions
by improving soil drainage, reducing shade, and increasing air movement
may favor turf growth and increase its ability to compete with nimblewill.
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Chemical
Control - The recommended chemical controls are nonselective
herbicides, such as is glyphosate, applied to green, actively growing
weeds. In the case of nimblewill, the active growth period is from
late spring through early autumn. Applications of glyphosate to
nimblewill when dormant will not provide control. Keep in mind that
glyphosate is a non-selective product that, if mishandled, can damage
or kill desirable turfgrasses and landscape plants. Be sure to read,
understand, and follow all label directions when using any pest-control
chemical.
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