Greetings fellow weed warriors,

I inherited the following weed from my mother's garden. I've seen it around a bit over the years but this year it positively exploded in any areas that are partly shaded (though of course it grows in full sun).
Its easy enough to pull but the volume with which it self seeds appears to rival crabgrass...I'm wondering if anyone knows what it is so I could determine the best way to prevent it (crabgrass preventer perhaps?). Thanks for your input!!

Amaranth sp./Pigweed

Also resembles the three seed mercury weed (Acalypha rhomboidea)?

tofitropic said:Also resembles the three seed mercury weed (Acalypha rhomboidea)?

Ah, yes, that's what it is! Sorry for the incorrect ID.

Thank you so much!

Now I just have to figure out what is the best pre-emergent to keep it out of my beds, etc. where I can't spray BWC.

I appreciate your weedy-expertise

Jen

I was just trying to figure this one out too.

I think mine may be Acalypha virginica. Jen, do your plants always have holes in the leaves? This plant has always been in my yard and every plant has holes but I've never caught anything eating it. Just curious. And I had more than the usual amount of this plant too probably due to all the rain I'm guessing.

I was trying to figure this one out also. Thank you.

Loretta,

Interestingly, mine are not hole-laden. I did read that they frequently ARE munched on by various insects (as well as deer), but unfortunately, mine seem to be completely unscathed! And entirely too prolific for my taste. I'm going to research a pre-emergent that might work on them to keep them out of my beds. My perennials will frequently self seed, so I don't like to apply Pre-Emergent to my borders, but I'm going to have to after this year. This stuff has just exploded!

Jen

That could save a lot of work overall. I've never used a pre-emergent because I like surprise seedlings but I might be doing myself a favor. Hmm.