Lawn Burweed (Spurweed)

What it looks like

Low, ferny foliage that looks a bit like parsley, growing flat and spreading across the lawn. In late spring it forms small, sharp-spined seed pods hidden in the foliage — these are what cause the painful stepping-on-it problem.

Often mistaken for: Other low, ferny winter weeds like parsley-piert

When it shows up in the Triangle

Shows up as foliage through the winter months. The dangerous spiny burs form in late spring, so it needs to be dealt with well before then.

Where you’ll see it

Found in home lawns, especially thin or bare areas that let winter weeds get a foothold.

What you can do

• Keep your lawn thick going into fall — overseeding helps crowd out seedlings before they can germinate
• Watch for the ferny foliage through winter and pull or treat it while it's young
• Don't wait until spring — once the spiny burs form, they're a nuisance no matter what you do
• If burs have already formed, mow and bag clippings to help limit spread, but plan on prevention next fall
• Keep an eye on thin or bare patches, since that's where this weed tends to get started