Doveweed Murdannia nudiflora

Doveweed is a weedy, prostrate, summer annual in the spiderwort (Commelinaceae) family. Doveweed often forms a dense mat and is considered a weed in lawns, gardens, and other open or lightly shaded sites. It is native to tropical Asia and Australia but has naturalized in most of the warm-temperate and tropical Americas. The species epithet is Latin for "naked flower" and refers to the leafless stalks that bear the flowers.

This weed germinates and grows best in hot, wet weather with most seedlings emerging late May through August. Doveweed is propagated exclusively by seeds, and plants may produce several generations in one season. When very young, this plant can easily be confused with a grass. Plants flower from summer into fall and then die after frost.  The stems are succulent, trailing, and root at the nodes.

A related species, marsh dayflower (Murdannia keisak), is less common but grows in similar habitats. Marsh dayflower tends to be larger and more vigorous than doveweed. Also, the sepals are shorter than the petals in doveweed, but in marsh dayflower the sepals are about as long as the petals.

Doveweed is difficult to control. Infestations generally begin in drainage ditches or low spots where water stands. Few herbicides control this weed. The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a factsheet on identifying and controlling Doveweed.

This species is not recommended for any garden or wild habitat.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems: Doveweed spreads aggressively within the lawn by thick, above ground, creeping stolons. Management can take two to three years. It can cause contact dermatitis in dogs that are built low to the ground.