Kidney weed

Kidney weed (lat. Dichondra repens) belongs to the Convolvulaceae family. It is a perennial herbaceous plant with creeping stems that root at the nodes, forming dense carpets. Biologically, Dichondra is an aggressive weed capable of rapidly occupying empty spaces in turf or garden beds.

This species is found mainly in regions with warm and moderately humid climates. In agriculture and landscape design, it becomes a serious issue as it infests lawns, sports grounds, decorative plantings, and nurseries. Due to its low-growing habit, it successfully competes with ornamental grasses for water and nutrients.

The biology of the plant is characterized by a high capacity for vegetative propagation. Even small fragments of stems with roots can give rise to new plants, which significantly complicates control efforts. The plant prefers shaded or semi-shaded, moist areas, where it suppresses the growth of weaker turfgrasses, eventually displacing them from the lawn.

The invasiveness of Dichondra lies in its ability to create a continuous vegetative cover, which hinders soil aeration and the development of the root systems of desirable plants. It acts as a competitor that not only consumes resources but can also serve as an intermediate host for certain fungal diseases affecting garden plants.

Control measures include both cultural and chemical methods. To prevent and manage infestations, consider the following:

• Regular scarification and aeration of the lawn to weaken the weed.
• Hand weeding when initial patches are spotted before active flowering begins.
• Application of selective herbicides containing hormonal components that are effective against broad-leaved weeds.
• Maintaining optimal fertilization levels to increase the competitiveness of desired lawn grasses.