By DoMyOwn staff
Chamberbitter is an invasive, broadleaf, warm-season annual weed that can compete with desirable plants for nutrients. It's found primarily in the southern United States.
Chamberbitter is an invasive weed that can compete with your lawn turf for nutrients and water if not treated. Also known as Little Mimosa or Gripeweed, it grows quickly and thrives in spring and summer.
Found throughout the Southern United States and as far North as Illinois, chamberbitter grows best in warm weather and full-sun areas. It is often found in landscaped areas and lawns, growing to heights of 1 to 2 feet thanks to a strong central taproot for support.
The weed is a warm-season annual, meaning it will sprout and flower in the warm weather when soil temperatures are above 70 degrees, then die off in the winter months, leaving behind seeds that can germinate and sprout next season.
If you have seen chamberbitter in your lawn, timely application of a post-emergent herbicide can offer quick control of the weeds already present.
Choose a weed-killer product labeled for chamberbitter, then mix the prescribed amount of product with half a tank of water in a backpack or hand pump sprayer according to the measurements listed on the product label. After mixing the first half, add more water to fill the tank, then seal and shake again to thoroughly combine the product with water.
With your mixture ready to spray, be sure to wear personal protective equipment or PPE including long sleeves, closed-toe shoes, and pants when applying.
Selective post-emergent herbicides can help control chamberbitter without harming the plants around it. Make sure that any herbicide you use is labeled for your grass type as some products can cause turf damage if applied incorrectly.
Spraying weeds as soon as they are sighted is the best strategy for quick control. The younger the plant, the easier it is to control. Several applications may be required to fully control the weed if their roots are more established, as more mature weeds are harder to kill.
Planning a pre-emergent herbicide treatment can work as your best defense against the appearance of new chamberbitter weeds in the summer.
These chamberbitter prevention products help stop weeds from germinating and sprouting. Many offer control of a range of weeds in addition to chamberbitter, but they must be applied before the soil warms up enough for germination to occur. To prevent new chamberbitter growth, this means applying in the spring before soil temperatures reach 70 degrees.
A chamberbitter weed preventer can be applied to your entire lawn if needed. Chamberbitter pre-emergents come in both granular and liquid form. A temporary marking dye can be used with liquid pre-emergents to help you keep track of where the product has already been sprayed to avoid repetition or missed patches.
Always be sure to follow the label instructions on any herbicides used to treat for chamberbitter.
Maintaining a healthy lawn that is mowed to the proper height and free from drought or pest stress is also an important part of your weed control and prevention plan. Work to keep your lawn healthy and strong and the benefits will speak for themselves.
And it's that easy with the expert help from DoMyOwn. Subscribe to our channel for more DIY and product videos.
