![]() Often it is a sign of over-grazing and a poor stand of desirable forage. Keep in mind, that pastures with dense populations of buttercup and other weed species in most cases are lacking proper management. Also, be aware that another weed called lesser celandine ( Ficaria verna) can exist in pastures and similar locations as buttercups and looks very similar. Most of these have a perennial lifecycle, however some can behave as a winter annual. ![]() On a side note, herbicides applied in fall (mid-September thru October) are not as optimal as a spring application but can still provide some control of buttercup.īuttercup species that are common to PA include: bulbous buttercup ( Ranunculus bulbosus), creeping buttercup ( Ranunculus repens), tall buttercup ( Ranunculus acris), and small flower buttercup ( Ranunculus arbortivus). ![]() So, be sure to consider all the tradeoffs when using this practice. However, by using this tactic, buttercup will likely only be suppressed, and clover growth can be temporarily stunted. If you are concerned about keeping white clover in the mix, 2,4-D (1 pint) could be used. Keep in mind, these treatments will severely injure or kill any legumes in your stand. When spraying in the spring make sure the air temperatures are at least 50F or more for a few consecutive days for effective control. Spraying when buttercup is flowering usually does not provide effective control. Since herbicide spray coverage is important, it is best to use higher spray volumes (at least 15 gallons/acre, but 20 gpa or more would be better) to allow the application do get into the sward and onto the weeds. Herbicides such as 2,4-D (2-3 pints/acre), 2,4-D (1 quart) + dicamba (1 pint), metsulfuron/MSM (0.2-0.3 oz), or Crossbow (2-3 quarts) are commonly used to control buttercup. The use of herbicides during early spring (Mid-March thru April) is the most effective time to control buttercup populations. Routine mowing can also occur during the rest of the growing season to thwart weed seed production and encourage pasture growth, but a well-timed herbicide application is important for best control.Īs for the best time to spray herbicides - the short answer is early spring. Mowing fields as low as possible during the early spring before they start to flower can help reduce seed production. A combination of mowing and herbicides will provide the best management of buttercup species. Do not wait until the pasture is "yellow" with buttercup flowers (as pictured above) to spray. However, this should not be considered a badge of honor. Pastures that are yellow because of buttercup infestations are a common sight during spring.
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