How To Get Rid Of The Invasive Pineapple Weed Taking Over Your Yard

Pineapple weed (Matricaria discoidea or Matricaria matricariodies) is a type of plant known for its bulbous or pineapple-shaped yellow flowers. This plant can grow over 1 foot tall and tends to thrive in almost any environment, including along rivers, roads, pastures, and areas with poor quality soil. While pineapple weed can grow year-round, you're most likely to see it during the spring and summer months. Its leaves are sometimes confused with those of the chamomile plant, but these two species are not the same.

Despite its seemingly innocuous and tropical-like name, pineapple weed can quickly become problematic for homeowners. While sometimes coveted in yards as a common weed that's able to help repel mosquitoes, this plant can grow out of control and take over healthy grasses when not maintained. But while pineapple weed is considered a tough plant that is very challenging to remove, it is possible to control and even get rid of the weed entirely by keeping your lawn mowed short on a regular basis. In more severe cases, chemical herbicides can also be used, so long as you apply these products as directed.

As frustrating as pineapple weed growth can be, you may be able to help control this plant with regular lawn maintenance. This includes keeping your grass cut short as well as removing small growths by hand to prevent them from spreading. The goal here is to help stop the seeds from germinating so the pineapple weed is unable to spread across your yard.

Instead of solely focusing on pineapple weed eradication, supporting the growth of the grasses you want to have on your lawn can also help keep the unwanted plant in check. Steps include regular mowing, watering your lawn when it needs it, such as during dry months, and fertilizing. Additionally, you might consider decreasing foot traffic on your lawn if you're trying to get rid of pineapple weed. While pets and children might not like this at first, doing so can help give grass a chance to thrive and potentially take over growths you don't want in your yard.

If regular mowing and lawn maintenance fail to stop new pineapple weed seeds from germinating, it may be time to consider the use of chemical aids. Purdue University recommends applying a combination-ingredient herbicide, particularly one containing dicamba, 2,4- Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, 2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid (MCPA), and Mecoprop (MCPP). They note that, while dicamba alone may help control pineapple weed growth, the additional ingredients can help improve the efficacy of the overall application. Also, these tend to work best on pineapple weed that has already emerged rather than as preventive methods. Such products are available at gardening centers and home improvement stores.

Despite the accessibility of commercial weed killers, it's important to use these with caution when trying to get rid of pineapple weed. Follow all product directions and be sure to avoid using them in windy or hot weather. You'll also want to wear gloves while handling herbicides, and be sure to allow the treated areas to completely dry before allowing pets and children on your lawn.