Postemergence Herbicides

Postemergence, nonselective herbicides commonly available to homeowners for weed control in landscape beds and non-crop areas

Herbicide Characteristics Uses and Comments

Diquat (Spectracide, Reward, Enforcer) Nonselective, contact herbicide Kills seedling annual weeds but only burns back perennials. Rapid action - symptoms visible within 24 hours, weeds are dead within two days. Works in low temperatures when other products are not as effective.

Gufosinate (Finale) Nonselective, systemic herbicide Kills annual and some perennial weeds. Not translocated as well as Roundup in rhizomatous and stoloniferous perennial weeds.

Pelargonic acid (Scythe) Nonselective, contact herbicide Kills seedling annual weeds but only burns back perennials or large annual weeds. Rapid action - on a sunny warm day symptoms are visible within 20 minutes, weeds are dead within 24 hours. Requires thorough coverage. Does not work well in cold weather.

Glyphosate (Roundup) Nonselective, systemic herbicide Kills annual and perennial weeds. Optimum control of perennials requires matching dose and application timing when weeds are most susceptible

Postemergence, selective herbicides for homeowner use

Herbicide Brand Names Uses and comments

Fluazifop-p Grass-B-Gone, Fusilade Postemergence control of weedy grasses in ornamental beds.

Sethoxydim Take-away, Vantage, Poast Postemergence control of weedy grasses in ornamental beds.

Triclopyr Poison Ivy and Oak Killer Postemergence control of poison ivy, poison oak, and other vines and woody weeds; avoid contact with leaves and stems of desirable ornamentals.

Various mixtures of 2,4 D, mecoprop and dicamba Weed-B-Gon, Lawn Weed Killer, 33 Plus, and other brand names Postemergence control of broadleaf weeds in lawn grasses. Avoid contact with trees and shrubs.

Consumer Horticulture | Quick Reference
Prepared by: Joe Neal, Extension Specialist and Erv Evans, Consumer Horticulturist

Shoprights NC State University

Herbicide	Characteristics	Uses and Comments
Diquat (Spectracide, Reward, Enforcer)	Nonselective, contact herbicide	Kills seedling annual weeds but only burns back perennials. Rapid action - symptoms visible within 24 hours, weeds are dead within two days. Works in low temperatures when other products are not as effective.
Gufosinate (Finale)	Nonselective, systemic herbicide	Kills annual and some perennial weeds. Not translocated as well as Roundup in rhizomatous and stoloniferous perennial weeds.
Pelargonic acid (Scythe)	Nonselective, contact herbicide	Kills seedling annual weeds but only burns back perennials or large annual weeds. Rapid action - on a sunny warm day symptoms are visible within 20 minutes, weeds are dead within 24 hours. Requires thorough coverage. Does not work well in cold weather.
Glyphosate (Roundup)	Nonselective, systemic herbicide	Kills annual and perennial weeds. Optimum control of perennials requires matching dose and application timing when weeds are most susceptible

Herbicide	Brand Names	Uses and comments
Fluazifop-p	Grass-B-Gone, Fusilade	Postemergence control of weedy grasses in ornamental beds.
Sethoxydim	Take-away, Vantage, Poast	Postemergence control of weedy grasses in ornamental beds.
Triclopyr	Poison Ivy and Oak Killer	Postemergence control of poison ivy, poison oak, and other vines and woody weeds; avoid contact with leaves and stems of desirable ornamentals.
Various mixtures of 2,4 D, mecoprop and dicamba	Weed-B-Gon, Lawn Weed Killer, 33 Plus, and other brand names	Postemergence control of broadleaf weeds in lawn grasses. Avoid contact with trees and shrubs.