NC State Extension Publications

Description

Skip to Description

Knawel is a winter annual which, when it first germinates, may go unnoticed because of its grasslike features. It closely resembles parsley-piert and lawn burrweed. It is a freely branched plant with spreading stems. Leaves, clasping the stem, are opposite, linear, less than 1 mm wide, and sharp-pointed. The very inconspicuous flowers are clustered in the leaf axils. They are small, green, lacking petals, and somewhat spiny to the touch.

Cultural Control

Skip to Cultural Control

Winter annual broadleaf weeds germinate in the fall or winter and grow during any warm weather, which may occur in the winter, but otherwise remain somewhat dormant during the winter. They resume growth and produce seed in the spring and die as temperatures increase in late spring and early summer. They quickly invade thin turf areas especially where there is good soil moisture. Shade may also encourage growth. Many have a prostrate growth habit and are not affected by mowing. A dense, vigorous turf is the best way to reduce the encroachment of winter annual weeds. First, select adapted turfgrass cultivars for your area and then properly fertilize, mow, and water to encourage dense growth.

Species Data

Skip to Species Data
Knawel growth habit.

Figure 1. Knawel growth habit.

Knawel growth habit.

Figure 2. Knawel growth habit.

Knawel growth habit.

Figure 3. Knawel growth habit.

Knawel growth habit.

Figure 4. Knawel growth habit.

Knawel growth habit.

Figure 5. Knawel growth habit.

Knawel growth habit.

Figure 6. Knawel growth habit.

Knawel growth habit.

Figure 7. Knawel growth habit.

Knawel growth habit.

Figure 8. Knawel growth habit.

Knawel growth habit.

Figure 9. Knawel growth habit.

Knawel growth habit.

Figure 10. Knawel growth habit.

Knawel leaflet number.

Figure 11. Knawel leaflet number.

Knawel leaflet number.

Figure 12. Knawel leaflet number.

Knawel leaflet shape.

Figure 13. Knawel leaflet shape.

Knawel leaflet shape.

Figure 14. Knawel leaflet shape.

Knawel leaflet shape.

Figure 15. Knawel leaflet shape.

Knawel leaflet shape.

Figure 16. Knawel leaflet shape.

Knawel leaflet shape.

Figure 17. Knawel leaflet shape.

Knawel flower color.

Figure 18. Knawel flower color.

Author

Extension Specialist (Turfgrass/Forage Crop Weed Mgt)
Crop & Soil Sciences

Find more information at the following NC State Extension websites:

Publication date: Nov. 21, 2017

N.C. Cooperative Extension prohibits discrimination and harassment regardless of age, color, disability, family and marital status, gender identity, national origin, political beliefs, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation and veteran status.