What Is Bindi Weed And How Do You Control It

Like most other foreign invaders, bindi weed is notoriously difficult to get rid of once it takes hold in your garden or lawn – so what can you do to banish it?

Bindii, bindyi, bindi-eye or even just prickles, whatever you know this irritating and unwelcome guest as, bindi weed is regarded as one of the most troublesome varieties of weed thanks to it’s sharp and “prickly” seed pod – or one of the primary causes of pain to our bare feet in the summertime. Originally native to South America, unfortunately the bindi weed is now a common sight in many Australian backyards, so what can you do to stay on top of them?

How To Identify A Bindi Weed

Known for its tiny sharp-needled seeds, bindi weed appears with small feathery leaves that almost resemble parsley thanks to it’s exposed, upward-pointing rosette of seeds which can be found in a pod nestled at the branch junctions. 

Bindi weed plants generally grow to around four centimetres in diameter, and are covered in fine hairs. Once established, eventually small, brightly coloured flowers appear if the plant is allowed to develop. The flowers are usually quite small at only three millimetres, and have a hue that is greenish-yellow. The plant flowers in Autumn and Winter, and mature into seeds over the course of Spring and Summer. It’s these very seeds – small, light brown, flattened and almost winged – that are capable of piercing the skin. Seeds drop in mid Summer, and are easily spread via foot traffic or on the fur of animals

Gardeners familiar with the plant may also recognise it via “bindi patches”, or hoards of the weed that can’t be walked across with bare feet. Dogs and cats are also affected by the sharp prickles, and tend to avoid areas where they have encountered it.

How To Safely Control Bindi Weed

Like most noxious weeds, bindis will take any opportunity available when it comes to making a comfortable home in your lawn or garden. In terms of preventative measures, be sure not to cut your lawn too short or “scalp” it, as this allows the space for the bindis to grow and dominate the turf in your lawn. It’s also recommended to try and keep your lawn a little longer during the winter months for this very reason.

While bindis are also fond of hard and compacted soil, and infestation may also be a sign of poor soil nutrition. If you’ve left it a little too late for preventative measures, then most gardeners do turn to herbicide to get rid of a bindi weed. However, along with introducing your household to unnecessary chemicals, this can also inflict damage to the patches of your grass that you want to keep.

The solution? Bioweed.

Bioweed is an organic, non selective weed killer that works fast on contact with the weed, in order to rapidly desiccate and burn even the most stubborn of plants – even the notorious bindi weed. It can be used anywhere around the house including garden beds, veggie patches, paths and driveways, and is safe to use around children, animals and even native wildlife. 

The best part? Bioweed is the brainchild of well established agricultural leaders Greenpro, and is backed by over twenty years of research and development. Owned and manufactured in Australia, the primary ingredient of Bioweed is actually sustainably sourced pine oil, and is even approved by NASAA, ACO and APVMA for use around organic farms and food production.

If you would like to know more about organic weed solutions, please get in touch with us at Bioweed to discuss ways we can help you combat weeds organically at your property.