Florida pusley is a low-growing summer annual broadleaf weed that forms dense mats in lawns, gardens, and disturbed areas across the southern United States. It spreads rapidly through seeds and thrives in thin, weak turf where competition from desirable grasses is low. Because it is a broadleaf species, selective broadleaf herbicides control it without harming most warm-season grasses.
Effective Florida pusley control depends on timing, product selection, and cultural practices. Pre-emergent herbicides prevent seeds from germinating in spring, while post-emergent products kill existing plants. Combining both approaches delivers the most reliable long-term control in lawns and landscape beds.
Florida pusley is often confused with other mat-forming broadleaf weeds, so identifying it correctly before treatment matters. It tolerates heat and drought better than many turf species, which is why it spreads quickly in stressed lawns. Improving turf density and fertility reduces future infestations.
In this guide, we review the best herbicides for Florida pusley by examining pre-emergent and post-emergent options, application timing, and cultural practices for long-term control.
Best Herbicide For Florida Pusley: Top 15 Options
1. 2,4-D Amine – Best Overall Post-Emergent Herbicide
2,4-D amine is the best overall post-emergent herbicide for Florida pusley because it selectively controls broadleaf weeds without harming most warm-season grasses. It is a synthetic auxin that causes uncontrolled cell division and twisting. It is absorbed through leaves and translocated throughout the plant.
- Low, economical use rate of 1 to 4 pints per acre
- Controls many broadleaf weeds & woody plants
2,4-D amine is used in lawns, sports fields, and non-crop areas to control Florida pusley and other broadleaf weeds. It works best when applied to actively growing weeds in spring or early summer before they set seed. It is often tank-mixed with dicamba or MCPP for broader spectrum control.
This product is easy to apply with a backpack or hose-end sprayer and requires careful calibration for even coverage. It is not safe around desirable broadleaf plants, so drift control is essential in mixed landscapes.
2. Atrazine – Best For St. Augustinegrass And Centipedegrass
Atrazine is a selective herbicide that provides both pre-emergent and post-emergent control of Florida pusley in warm-season turf. It inhibits photosynthesis in susceptible broadleaf weeds and some grasses. It is absorbed through roots and leaves and translocated to growing points.
- Kills many broadleaf weeds
- Also used in centipede grass
Atrazine is used in St. Augustinegrass, centipedegrass, and some other warm-season lawns to control Florida pusley and other broadleaf weeds. It works best when applied in spring before seed germination and again in early summer as a post-emergent treatment. It is restricted in some states due to groundwater concerns.
This product has significant soil residual activity that helps prevent new pusley seedlings from emerging. It is a restricted-use product and must be applied according to label directions.
3. Dicamba – Best For Tough Broadleaf Weeds
Dicamba is a selective broadleaf herbicide that controls Florida pusley and other tough broadleaf weeds in warm-season turf. It is absorbed through leaves, roots, and stems, making it effective under a wide range of conditions. It is often tank-mixed with 2,4-D for broader spectrum control.
- CROP-SAFE WEED KILLER: This herbicide weed killer targets broadleaf weeds in a variety of crops, including corn, soybean, cotton, sugarcane, and turf. Its fast-acting formula ensures long-lasting results, keeping your fields and pastures clean
- FLEXIBLE FIELD COVERAGE: Compatible with both ground and aerial application equipment, this broadleaf herbicide is easy to apply regardless of your farming setup. Whether treating dense vegetation or large-acreage fields, you can depend on consistent coverage
Dicamba is used in lawns, sports fields, and non-crop areas to control Florida pusley and other broadleaf weeds. It has some soil residual activity that extends control of germinating broadleaf weeds. It works best when applied to actively growing weeds in spring or fall.
Dicamba is volatile and can drift long distances, damaging sensitive crops and garden plants. It is regulated in many states, with restrictions on timing and buffer zones.
4. MCPP – Best For Clover And Pusley Control
MCPP is a selective broadleaf herbicide that controls Florida pusley, clover, and several other broadleaf weeds in warm-season turf. It is a synthetic auxin absorbed through leaves and roots and translocated through the plant. It is often used in combination with 2,4-D and dicamba.
- Low, economical use rate of 1 to 4 pints per acre
- Controls many broadleaf weeds & woody plants
MCPP is labeled for lawns, sports fields, and non-crop turf areas. It is particularly effective on clover and other legumes, making it a good option when both pusley and clover are present. It works best when applied to actively growing weeds in spring or fall.
This product requires careful calibration and even coverage for consistent results. It is not safe around desirable broadleaf plants such as tomatoes, roses, and ornamentals.
5. Three-Way Broadleaf Herbicide – Best Ready-Mixed Formulation
Three-way broadleaf herbicides combine 2,4-D, dicamba, and MCPP in a single formulation, providing broad-spectrum control of Florida pusley and other broadleaf weeds. They are absorbed through leaves and roots and act on multiple sites within the plant. They are widely used in turf management.
- USE SITES: For use on both cool and warm season grasses
- EFFECTIVE AGAINST: Dandelion, clover, plantain, and many other listed broadleaf weeds
Three-way herbicides are labeled for lawns, sports fields, parks, and other turf areas. They control a wide range of broadleaf weeds including Florida pusley, clover, dandelion, and plantain. They work best when applied to actively growing weeds in spring or fall.
These products require careful calibration and even coverage for consistent results. They are not safe around desirable broadleaf plants, so drift control is essential in mixed landscapes.
6. Quinclorac – Best For Pusley In Cool-Season Turf
Quinclorac is a selective herbicide that controls Florida pusley and other broadleaf weeds in cool-season turf. It is absorbed through leaves and roots and acts as an auxin-like compound, disrupting cell division. It is particularly effective on clover and other legumes.
- Water-Based Formulation: Experience the power of our unique water-based formulation that ensures superior control and faster plant uptake, delivering results you can see quickly
- Extended Residual Control: Enjoy up to 30 days of residual control, keeping your turfgrass free from troublesome weeds for longer periods and reducing the need for frequent applications; Rainfast in less than an hour
Quinclorac is labeled for turf, including lawns, sports fields, and golf courses. It controls Florida pusley, clover, and other broadleaf weeds when applied to actively growing plants. It is often tank-mixed with 2,4-D or MCPP for broader spectrum control.
This product has some soil residual activity that helps prevent new weeds from germinating. It is safe for most cool-season grasses but should be used carefully around sensitive species.
7. Fluroxypyr – Best For Fast-Acting Broadleaf Control
Fluroxypyr is a selective broadleaf herbicide that acts quickly on Florida pusley and other broadleaf weeds in turf. It is absorbed through leaves and translocated to growing points, causing rapid distortion and decline of treated plants. It is often tank-mixed with 2,4-D or MCPP.
- Selective control of woody plants and brush
- Thorough translocation kills hard-to-control brush like blackberry, rose and privet
Fluroxypyr is labeled for turf, sports fields, and non-crop areas. It is particularly effective on clover, Florida pusley, and other broadleaf weeds that are difficult to control with 2,4-D alone. It works best when applied to actively growing weeds during mild weather.
This product has limited soil residual activity, reducing the risk of damage to sensitive plants after application. It requires even coverage for consistent results.
8. Metsulfuron Methyl – Best For Low-Rate Broadleaf Control
Metsulfuron methyl is a selective ALS inhibitor that controls Florida pusley and other broadleaf weeds at very low application rates. It is absorbed through leaves and roots and translocated to growing points, disrupting cell division. It is highly effective on many broadleaf species.
- BROAD SPECTRUM WEED CONTROL: The MSM herbicide effectively targets over 100 species of broadleaf weeds and brush, giving you comprehensive vegetation management in pastures, rangelands, and industrial sites with precision and reliability
- VERSATILE APPLICATION OPTIONS: Use weed killer concentrate as a post-emergent herbicide for active weeds or apply pre-emergent at dormancy break for early control. This flexibility makes it ideal for diverse settings, from forestry to utility rights-of-way
Metsulfuron methyl is labeled for turf, non-crop areas, and some crops. It controls Florida pusley, clover, and other broadleaf weeds when applied to actively growing plants. It works best when applied in spring or fall during mild weather.
This product has significant soil residual activity that can affect sensitive broadleaf plants for months. It is not suitable for use where sensitive plants will be planted soon after application.
9. Carfentrazone – Best For Fast Burndown Of Pusley
Carfentrazone is a selective PPO inhibitor that causes rapid cell membrane disruption and desiccation of treated weeds, including Florida pusley. It is absorbed through leaves and acts on contact, with symptoms appearing within hours. It is often tank-mixed with systemic herbicides for longer control.
- Provides ultra-fast weed control
- Visible results in just 24 hours
Carfentrazone is labeled for turf, cereals, and non-crop areas. It is particularly effective on small broadleaf weeds like Florida pusley and clover when applied in tank mixes with other products. It works best on actively growing weeds with good spray coverage.
This product has limited soil residual activity and does not control grasses. It requires even coverage for effective results and works best on small, actively growing weeds.
10. Sulfentrazone – Best For Broadleaf And Sedges
Sulfentrazone is a selective PPO inhibitor that controls Florida pusley, clover, and some sedges in turf. It is absorbed through roots and shoots and acts on contact, disrupting cell membranes. It has both pre-emergent and post-emergent activity.
- STOP WEEDS BEFORE THEY START: This pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicide targets weed seeds just as they're germinating; Say goodbye to troublesome weeds like crabgrass and creeping charlie before they take over your lawn or garden
- COST-EFFECTIVE: With low usage rates, our product provides an economical weed-killing solution, ideal for both small and large areas
Sulfentrazone is labeled for turf, including lawns, sports fields, and golf courses. It controls Florida pusley, clover, and other broadleaf weeds when applied to actively growing plants. It is often tank-mixed with other herbicides for broader spectrum control.
This product has significant soil residual activity that contributes to its pre-emergent effect. It requires even coverage for effective results and works best on small, actively growing weeds.
11. Halosulfuron – Best For Pusley And Nutsedge
Halosulfuron is a selective ALS inhibitor that controls Florida pusley, clover, and yellow nutsedge in turf. It is absorbed through leaves and roots and translocated to growing points, disrupting cell division. It is one of the few products that controls both broadleaf weeds and sedges.
- TRUSTED PERFORMER: Empero contains 75% halosulfuron-methyl; the active ingredient professionals trust most for control of tough nutsedge.
- TOTAL NUTSEDGE TAKEDOWN: Empero travels down to the root system tubers for complete top-to-bottom weed kill.
Halosulfuron is labeled for turf, including lawns, sports fields, and golf courses. It controls Florida pusley, clover, and yellow nutsedge when applied to actively growing plants. It works best when applied in late spring or early summer.
This product has some soil residual activity that helps prevent new weeds from germinating. It is safe for most turfgrasses when applied according to label directions.
12. Penoxsulam – Best For Low-Rate ALS Control
Penoxsulam is a selective ALS inhibitor that controls Florida pusley and other broadleaf weeds at low application rates. It is absorbed through leaves and roots and translocated to growing points, disrupting cell division. It is highly effective on many broadleaf species in turf.
Penoxsulam is labeled for turf, including lawns, sports fields, and golf courses. It controls Florida pusley, clover, and other broadleaf weeds when applied to actively growing plants. It works best when applied in spring or fall during mild weather.
This product has some soil residual activity that helps prevent new weeds from germinating. It is safe for most turfgrasses when applied according to label directions.
13. Prodiamine – Best Pre-Emergent For Pusley Prevention
Prodiamine is a pre-emergent herbicide that forms a soil barrier preventing Florida pusley seeds from germinating. It is absorbed by emerging seedlings and disrupts cell division. It has no post-emergent activity on established plants.
- Crabgrass Control
- Pre-emergent and broadleaf weed control
Prodiamine is labeled for turf, including lawns, sports fields, and golf courses. It controls Florida pusley and other summer annual weeds when applied in early spring before seed germination. It works best when applied to bare soil or thin turf in late winter or early spring.
This product has significant soil residual activity that prevents new weeds from germinating for months. It is safe for most turfgrasses when applied according to label directions.
14. Dithiopyr – Best Pre-Emergent With Early Post Activity
Dithiopyr is a pre-emergent herbicide with limited early post-emergent activity on very small Florida pusley seedlings. It is absorbed by roots and shoots and disrupts cell division. It is often used in spring to prevent summer annual weeds in turf.
- Effective Against: Annual grasses and broadleaf weeds
- Provides early post-emergent crabgrass control
Dithiopyr is labeled for turf, including lawns, sports fields, and golf courses. It controls Florida pusley and other summer annual weeds when applied in early spring before seed germination. It works best when applied to bare soil or thin turf in late winter or early spring.
This product has significant soil residual activity that prevents new weeds from germinating for months. It is safe for most turfgrasses when applied according to label directions.
15. Isoxaben – Best Pre-Emergent For Landscape Beds
Isoxaben is a pre-emergent herbicide that prevents Florida pusley seeds from germinating in landscape beds and around ornamentals. It is absorbed by emerging seedlings and disrupts cell wall formation. It has no post-emergent activity on established plants.
- Gallery specialty herbicide provides season-long control of more than 90 species of broadleaf weeds.
- Gallery provides superior preemergence broadleaf weed control with best-in-class ornamental and turf safety
Isoxaben is labeled for landscape beds, ornamental plantings, and non-crop areas. It controls Florida pusley and other broadleaf weeds when applied in early spring before seed germination. It works best when applied to bare soil or mulch in late winter or early spring.
This product has significant soil residual activity that prevents new weeds from germinating for months. It is safe for most ornamentals when applied according to label directions.
Tips For Controlling Florida Pusley With Herbicides
- Identify the weed first: Confirm that the weed is Florida pusley and not another mat-forming broadleaf species before choosing a product.
- Apply pre-emergent in early spring: Prodiamine, dithiopyr, and isoxaben prevent Florida pusley seeds from germinating when applied before soil temperatures reach 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Treat post-emergent while small: 2,4-D, dicamba, and MCPP work best on young, actively growing Florida pusley in spring or early summer before the plant sets seed.
- Improve turf density: Florida pusley thrives in thin, weak lawns. Fertilize, water, and mow at the correct height to help desirable grasses outcompete it.
- Rotate modes of action: Using the same herbicide group repeatedly selects for resistant weeds. Rotate between synthetic auxins, ALS inhibitors, and PPO inhibitors.
- Avoid drift: 2,4-D and dicamba can drift onto sensitive broadleaf plants and cause serious damage. Spray in calm conditions and use drift-reducing nozzles.
- Re-treat as needed: Florida pusley can regrow from seeds in the soil. Monitor treated areas and re-treat new flushes while they are small.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best herbicide for Florida pusley?
2,4-D amine is the best overall post-emergent herbicide for Florida pusley because it selectively kills broadleaf weeds without harming warm-season grasses. Atrazine is best for St. Augustinegrass and centipedegrass.
2. Will 2,4-D kill Florida pusley?
Yes, 2,4-D kills Florida pusley when applied to actively growing plants. It is absorbed through leaves and translocated to roots, causing the plant to twist and die over one to three weeks.
3. What is the best pre-emergent for Florida pusley?
Prodiamine, dithiopyr, and isoxaben are the best pre-emergent options for Florida pusley. They form a soil barrier that prevents seeds from germinating when applied in early spring before soil temperatures reach 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. When should I spray Florida pusley?
Spray Florida pusley in spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing and before it sets seed. Pre-emergent products go down in late winter or early spring before germination.
5. Does Florida pusley come back after spraying?
Florida pusley can regrow from seeds in the soil after post-emergent treatment. Pre-emergent herbicides and improved turf density help prevent regrowth.
6. Is Florida pusley a weed or a ground cover?
Florida pusley is considered a weed in most lawns and gardens, though it is sometimes tolerated in low-maintenance areas. It is a warm-season annual broadleaf plant native to tropical regions.
7. Can I use vinegar to kill Florida pusley?
Vinegar can burn Florida pusley foliage but rarely kills the roots. It works best as part of an integrated program combining hand-pulling, mulching, and selective herbicides.
Conclusion
2,4-D amine is the best overall post-emergent herbicide for Florida pusley because it selectively kills broadleaf weeds without harming warm-season grasses. Atrazine, dicamba, MCPP, and three-way products follow closely as broad-spectrum options for lawns, sports fields, and non-crop areas.
For pre-emergent control, prodiamine, dithiopyr, and isoxaben prevent Florida pusley seeds from germinating when applied in early spring. Combining pre-emergent and post-emergent programs delivers the most reliable control in lawns and landscape beds.
Effective control requires correct product selection, proper timing, even spray coverage, and follow-up monitoring for regrowth. Rotating modes of action prevents resistance, and improving turf density and fertility reduces future infestations.
Start your Florida pusley control program this season, choose the right product for your turf species and site, and plan for follow-up treatments each year. Consistent effort delivers a clean lawn and long-term control.