Buttonweed Diodia virginiana

Diodia virginiana, or Virginia Buttonweed, is a native branching, sprawling plant with small white star-shaped flowers in the leaf axis. It can be found in swamps, wet meadows, marshes, coastal prairies, and in the mud along streams and ponds. It is considered a perennial weed by many and can show up as a weed in lawns and other disturbed areas of the south. However, it is listed as rare farther north in New Jersey and Indiana. It is enjoyed by bees. The tiny white flowers bloom in summer and fall.

There are 8 species of Virginia Buttonweed found in the United States, although only four of these are found in the continental United States. The other 4 species are found in the U.S. Territories of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Two species found on the mainland are native to the United States - Diodia teres (common names Rough Buttonweed and Poor Joe,) and Virginia Buttonweed, Diodia virginiana. Virginia Buttomweed resembles Diodia teres, but Virginia Buttonweed is more upright-growing, hairier, and has narrower leaves. Virginia buttonweed is native to the eastern U.S., reaching the northern edge of its range just south of New England. It has thick roots by which it can spread vegetatively.

Diseases, Insects, and Other Plant Problems:

Leaves may be mottled yellow by a virus. Not recommended for the home landscape. Can be hard to eradicate because of underground parts that remain behind when you pull up the plant.