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Control of Redroot (Lachnanthes caroliniana) in Pastures

Brent Sellers, Joseph Walter, and Jason Ferrell

Redroot is a wetland plant that grows in environments ranging from shallow standing water to seasonally wet flatwoods soils. The most readily identifying features of this plant are the characteristic red rhizomes (Figure 1) and the flattened leaves (Figure 2).

Figure 1. Red rhizomes of redroot.
Figure 1.  Red rhizomes of redroot.

 

Figure 2. Flattened leaves of redroot.
Figure 2.  Flattened leaves of redroot.
Credit: Jason Ferrell

Although redroot is not common in well-established pastures, it can be problematic in newly established areas or those with open spots resulting from pasture decline or mole cricket damage. Currently, no data exists for control of redroot in pastures.

Experiments were conducted in 2004 and 2006 to determine which herbicides were most effective for redroot control. It was observed that Weedmaster at 4 pt/A was the most effective and consistent herbicide. Although Remedy at 2 pt/A provided acceptable control in 2006, it is more costly and likely not superior to Weedmaster alone. Velpar, Metsulfuron, and Roundup Weathermax were ineffective and should not be considered for control of redroot.

If redroot is growing in a newly established pasture, applications of Weedmaster should not be made to limpograss (Hemathria) at any time or to bahiagrass until it reaches an average height of 6 inches. Weedmaster can be injurious to small bahiagrass, but bahiagrass greater than 6 inches tall exhibits a high degree of tolerance. No more than 2 pt/A Weedmaster should be applied to bermudagrass or stargrass until 60 days after establishment.

Tables

Table 1. 

Herbicide

Rate

2004

2006

 

Per acre

% control

Metsulfuron

1 oz

60

30

Velpar

4.5 pt

50

30

Roundup Weathermax

22 fl. oz

40

40

Remedy Ultra

2 pt

70

85

Impose

12 oz

50

70

Pasturegard HL

1.5 pt

60

-

Weedmaster

4 pt

85

85

 

 

Publication #SS AGR 290

Release Date:January 17, 2019

Reviewed At:April 7, 2022

Related Experts

Ferrell, Jason A.

Specialist/SSA/RSA

University of Florida

Sellers, Brent A.

Specialist/SSA/RSA

University of Florida

Walter, Joseph H

County agent

University of Florida

Related Units

  • Critical Issue: Agricultural and Food Systems

The use of trade names in this publication is solely for the purpose of providing specific information. UF/IFAS does not guarantee or warranty the products named, and references to them in this publication do not signify our approval to the exclusion of other products of suitable composition.

All chemicals should be used in accordance with directions on the manufacturer's label.

Management

About this Publication

This document is SS AGR 290, one of a series of the Agronomy Department, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date December 2007. Revised December 2009 and November 2018. Visit the EDIS website at https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu.

About the Authors

Brent Sellers, professor, Agronomy Department; Joseph Walter, Extension agent, UF/IFAS Extension Brevard County; and Jason Ferrell, professor, Agronomy Department; UF/IFAS Range Cattle Research and Education Center; and UF/IFAS Extension, Gainesville, FL 32611.

Contacts

  • Brent Sellers