Murdannia nudiflora is a native of Asia but has naturalized in other parts of the world, and in the U.S. is found in the southeastern coastal states. Considered an annual weed, this plant grows in sun to shade and is found in lawns, disturbed sites and along edges of waterways; spreading by prostrate stems that root along the nodes and forming wide clumps. Doveweed grows to about 8 inches in height with 3 inch long grasslike leaves; the plant blooms through the summer months bearing tiny 3-petaled pinkish-purple to blue flowers. The fruit of Murdannia nudiflora is a capsule with tiny seeds that are easily disbursed on lawn equipment and machinery.

* Note * This plant has been found to cause severe dermatitis in short-haired dogs, especially the smaller toy breeds that are lower to the ground.

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