This Distance Diagnosis Web Site allows UWEX Agriculture Agents to post questions to Extension Specialists.

Case 7690: weed ID
Category: Weed Identification

Homeowner says he has been battling with the lawn weed for 10 years. His hired lawn service is unable to ID or control.

Submitted by: Richard M. Maddox
Submitted: 05/07/2008

Response: Barbara A. Larson
Submitted: 05/07/2008

It might be blue eyed grass (Sisyrinchium). I had someone a few years ago with a similar complaint. I asked him to not mow to see if it flowered, which it did, and we were able to ID as blue eyed grass.

Response: Kristin S. Krokowski
Submitted: 05/07/2008

Have him did down to see if he can find a bulb. It looks like it might be muscari. If not maybe the turf diagnostic lab can help.

Response: Craig A. Saxe
Submitted: 05/07/2008

It looks like Crocus. Homeowners around here will intentually plant them in their lawns for the spring color. I would imagine that over time the crocus plant would spread and form those type of clumps you're showing in the photo. The proof would be to dig down a bit deeper and look for the bulbs.

Response: Jed Colquhoun
Submitted: 05/09/2008

While the pictures are very good, it is nearly impossible to identify grasses without having the plant in hand to look at ligules, hair locations, etc under a scope. Therefore, I suggest that you wrap the plant roots with the dollar bill in the picture and send it to me. Use multiple dollar bills if necessary, to retain root moisture of course... In all seriousness, if you would like to send a plant sample (with the roots wrapped in a slightly moist paper towel!) we could certainly do our best to identify it for you.

Questions/comments can be directed to Joe Lauer.