You’re probably thinking – what is he talking about? It may have been cool a few nights this winter, but snow, not likely! The Florida snow I am referring to is Large Flower Pusley, known more formally as Richardia grandiflora (there are also two other forms of Richardia in Florida), and colloquially as Florida Snow. It is an invasive broad leaf weed originating in South America which is making very fast inroads throughout southern Florida. Within the Marina it is particularly evident in the large lawn bordering Commodore Club at the corner of Cape Cole and Matecumbe.

The flowers can be white, pink or lavender colored and seem to be very well adapted for expanding their range.  They have the ability to eventually take over a lawn sown with St. Augustine grass. Some experts claim that hand weeding when they first appear can be effective, but only if you catch them before they seed.  The plant spreads so rapidly due to the multitude of flowers all of which produce sticky seeds. Lawn mowers are also suspected in the spread of these seeds. It is a perennial which typically flowers late in the year when conditions are dry. It is also quite drought resistant and the flowers can draw in bees and butterflies. There have been reports that the low water requirements, attractiveness to certain insects and the pretty flowers have led some to welcome this weed. Based on an informal survey, those folks may be in the minority in our community. If the weed takes over a lawn and you want to get rid of it then aggressive herbicide spraying solutions will likely be required resulting in an extended period of bare lawn.