An uninvited guest has quietly established its presence here in the Sunshine State. It’s richardia grandiflora, colloquially known as “Florida snow” or Florida pusley. This seemingly delicate perennial wildflower with its pale lavender and white hues has captured the attention of homeowners and garden enthusiasts alike. However, beneath its charming appearance lies an invasive weed native to South America, causing headaches for those seeking pristine lawns.
Deceptive resemblance
At first glance, Florida snow might be mistaken for clover, but it belongs to a different botanical family altogether. The weed’s tendency to fan out over lawns, resembling a gentle snowfall, is the basis of its name. Despite its aesthetic appeal, this invader poses a threat to the health and beauty of your lawn.
A seedy intruder
One of the key challenges in managing Florida snow lies in its prolific seed production. The plant generates a substantial quantity of seeds, making traditional mowing practices a contributor to its spread. To minimize further infestation, we recommended you mow using a bagger instead of mulching, preventing the dispersal of seeds across your yard.
Thriving conditions and growth patterns
Florida snow thrives in turf grass. This invasive weed particularly favors drier soil and exhibits rapid growth during cooler weather, creating a formidable adversary for homeowners seeking a pristine lawn. This is especially true because measures to keep your lawn healthy also invigorate this weed.
Hand-pulling
While hand-pulling may seem like a simple solution, the reality is more complex. Attempting to remove Florida snow by hand can be time-consuming, and the plant’s resilient roots may remain in the soil, allowing it to regrow. As a result, alternative strategies are often necessary to effectively manage this invasive species.
Professional intervention
In the face of this invasive threat, calling on professional lawn care services is a good strategic move. Companies such as Slug-A-Bug have the expertise and tools needed to tackle Florida snow. Our knowledge of effective methods ensures that your lawn remains a haven of green without succumbing to the intrusion of this persistent weed.
Check out our “Bug Bites” video about Florida snow:
