Pearlwort

Pearlworts are low-growing plants that thrive in moist conditions, and are often found in coastal areas. Pearlworts form dense mats of slender stems and are a good addition to rockeries and informal gardens. 

In lawns, procumbent pearlwort is the most common variety. It has small, narrow leaves and can be difficult to distinguish in the lawn, often being mistaken for moss. The flowers are small with cream petals, found on long stems near the tips. Procumbent pearlwort spreads across the surface through creeping stems which root at intervals and spread out to form a dense mat. The plants also produce a vast number of seeds. If not kept under control it can smother the grass plants.

Procumbent pearlwort is low growing and unaffected by close mowing. Small plants may be removed by hand before they develop into larger patches that become more difficult to manage.

Good lawn maintenance with regular mowing, scarification and fertilisers to strengthen the grass will help control procumbent pearlwort. It is important to ensure good surface drainage through aeration and top dressing, and avoid any areas of bare soil that can become a seed bed for procumbent pearlwort.