Lawn Weeds in Hawaii

Johnsongrass

• Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense) is a perennial weed that is present in Hawaii and in most places south of the 42nd parallel (the latitude line that is 42 degrees north of the Earth's equatorial plane). Johnsongrass has wide leaves, a jagged-edged ligule (membranous outgrowth from the base of the blade), and can grow up to 8 feet tall.

Dallisgrass

• Dallisgrass (Paspalum dilatatum) is a coarse weed that grows in tufts. Dallisgrass can be identified by the flower head, which consists of 2 to 10 thin, delicate branches. Each of these branches contains two rows of egg-shaped seeds. The coarse nature of Dallisgrass makes it stand out in lawns. In addition, the flower head often escapes the mower blades, making this weed a real nuisance.

Nimblewill

• Nimblewill (Muhlenbergia schreberi) is most common in lawns in Hawaii that have plenty of shade and moisture. Nimbleweed does not grow tall, instead it grows in a dense mat. Fortunately, this weed can be suppressed with a chemical mixture of Fenoxaprop and Triclopyr.