Buttercup (Ranunculus spp)
Buttercup growing in a ryegrass pasture in East Texas.
Spray buttercup in late February or early March before it flowers. This weed is easily controlled with 2,4-D amine, Metsulfuron 60 DF, Cimarron Plus, Grazon P+D, GrazonNext HL and dicamba + 2,4-D (Weedmaster). In dormant bermudagrass/bahiagrass glyphosate (Roundup) will control buttercup at normal use rates.
Groundsel (Senecio spp)
Mature Texas Groundsel
Metsulfuron 60DF or Cimarron Plus has proved to be the most effective herbicide for groundsel control. Apply in the rosette stage (~March). Grazon P+D provides partial control.
Red Sorrel (Rumex acetosella)
Grazon P+D provides excellent control of red sorrel. Metsulfuron or Cimarron Plus is also very good. Treat anytime the red sorrel is actively growing. Remedy Ultra is not effective on red sorrel.
Thistles
Thistle in rosette stage
Although there are at several different species of thistle in Texas, most are closely related and control recommendations will not differ. Best time to control with a herbicide is when thistles are in the rosette stage. The rosette stage is when the thistle forms a low-growing ring of leaves. As they mature they are harder to control and may require higher rates of herbicide to have effective control. Grazon P+D, GrazonNext HL and dicamba + 2,4-D (Weedmaster) provide excellent control of thistles.
Dandelions (Taraxacum spp)
The key to effective control is spraying while dandelions are in the rosette stage of growth (before the flower stalk appeards). 2,4-D or 2,4-D + dicamba (Weedmaster) can provide excellent control. Metsulfuron 60 DF or Cimarron Plus are also very good options.
Vanessa Corriher-Olson
Forage Extension Specialist
Soil & Crop Sciences
Overton, TX
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
Texas A&M University System