Wandering Jew, also known as Tradescantia zebrina, is a fast-spreading ground cover that can quickly invade gardens and lawns. The best herbicide for wandering jew is essential to control its growth and prevent it from overtaking your landscape.

This guide highlights the top herbicides for wandering jew control, focusing on both selective and non-selective options. Whether you are dealing with a small patch or a large infestation, there is a solution tailored to your needs.

Best Herbicides for Wandering Jew

1. Glyphosate-Based Herbicides– herbicide for wandering jew control

Glyphosate-based herbicides are highly effective for controlling wandering jew. These herbicides are non-selective, meaning they kill most plants they come into contact with, so careful application is necessary to avoid damaging desirable plants.

Glyphosate works by inhibiting an enzyme essential for plant growth, leading to the death of the wandering jew. It is best applied as a foliar spray, directly onto the leaves of the plant. For best results, apply during the growing season when the plant is actively transporting nutrients.

One of the key advantages of glyphosate is its ability to penetrate the plant’s system and kill it from the roots up. This ensures that the wandering jew does not regrow, providing long-lasting control. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe and effective use.

2. Triclopyr-Based Herbicides– herbicide for wandering jew in lawns

Triclopyr-based herbicides are selective herbicides that target broadleaf plants like wandering jew while sparing most grasses. They are particularly effective for controlling wandering jew in lawns and gardens.

This herbicide works by mimicking a plant hormone, causing uncontrolled growth that leads to the death of the wandering jew. It is best applied as a foliar spray, directly onto the leaves of the plant. For best results, apply during the growing season when the plant is actively transporting nutrients.

One of the benefits of triclopyr is its selectivity, which makes it safe for use in areas with desirable grasses. It is also rainfast within a few hours of application, ensuring that it remains effective even after rainfall. Always follow the label instructions for optimal results.

3. 2,4-D Herbicide– herbicide for wandering jew in gardens

2,4-D is a selective herbicide that targets broadleaf plants like wandering jew. It is commonly used in gardens and lawns to control invasive weeds.

This herbicide works by mimicking a plant hormone, causing uncontrolled growth that leads to the death of the wandering jew. It is best applied as a foliar spray, directly onto the leaves of the plant. For best results, apply during the growing season when the plant is actively transporting nutrients.

One of the benefits of 2,4-D is its selectivity, which makes it safe for use in areas with desirable plants. It is also rainfast within a few hours of application, ensuring that it remains effective even after rainfall. Always follow the label instructions for optimal results.

4. Dicamba Herbicide– herbicide for tough wandering jew infestations

Dicamba is a selective herbicide that targets tough broadleaf weeds like wandering jew. It is often used in combination with other herbicides for enhanced control.

This herbicide works by mimicking a plant hormone, causing uncontrolled growth that leads to the death of the wandering jew. It is best applied as a foliar spray, directly onto the leaves of the plant. For best results, apply during the growing season when the plant is actively transporting nutrients.

One of the benefits of dicamba is its ability to control a wide range of broadleaf weeds. It is also rainfast within a few hours of application, ensuring that it remains effective even after rainfall. Always follow the label instructions for optimal results.

5. Metsulfuron-Methyl Herbicide– herbicide for wandering jew in large areas

Metsulfuron-methyl is a selective herbicide that targets broadleaf plants and woody species like wandering jew. It is often used in large areas to control invasive weeds.

This herbicide works by inhibiting an enzyme essential for plant growth, leading to the death of the wandering jew. It is best applied as a foliar spray, directly onto the leaves of the plant. For best results, apply during the growing season when the plant is actively transporting nutrients.

One of the benefits of metsulfuron-methyl is its ability to control a wide range of weeds. It is also rainfast within a few hours of application, ensuring that it remains effective even after rainfall. Always follow the label instructions for optimal results.

6. Imazapyr Herbicide– herbicide for wandering jew in non-crop areas

Imazapyr is a non-selective herbicide that provides long-lasting control of wandering jew. It is commonly used in non-crop areas like roadsides and fence lines.

This herbicide works by inhibiting an enzyme essential for plant growth, leading to the death of the wandering jew. It is best applied as a foliar spray, directly onto the leaves of the plant. For best results, apply during the growing season when the plant is actively transporting nutrients.

One of the key advantages of imazapyr is its residual activity, which prevents regrowth for an extended period. This makes it an excellent choice for large-scale wandering jew control. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe and effective use.

7. Aminopyralid Herbicide– herbicide for wandering jew in pastures

Aminopyralid is a selective herbicide that targets broadleaf plants and woody species like wandering jew. It is particularly effective in pastures and rangelands.

This herbicide works by mimicking a plant hormone, causing uncontrolled growth that leads to the death of the wandering jew. It is best applied as a foliar spray, directly onto the leaves of the plant. For best results, apply during the growing season when the plant is actively transporting nutrients.

One of the benefits of aminopyralid is its residual activity, which prevents regrowth for an extended period. This makes it an excellent choice for large-scale wandering jew control. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe and effective use.

8. Fluroxypyr Herbicide– herbicide for wandering jew in lawns

Fluroxypyr is a selective herbicide that targets broadleaf plants like wandering jew. It is commonly used in lawns and turf areas to control invasive weeds.

This herbicide works by mimicking a plant hormone, causing uncontrolled growth that leads to the death of the wandering jew. It is best applied as a foliar spray, directly onto the leaves of the plant. For best results, apply during the growing season when the plant is actively transporting nutrients.

One of the benefits of fluroxypyr is its selectivity, which makes it safe for use in areas with desirable grasses. It is also rainfast within a few hours of application, ensuring that it remains effective even after rainfall. Always follow the label instructions for optimal results.

9. Picloram Herbicide– herbicide for wandering jew in rangelands

Picloram is a selective herbicide that targets woody plants and broadleaf weeds like wandering jew. It is particularly effective in rangelands and pastures.

This herbicide works by mimicking a plant hormone, causing uncontrolled growth that leads to the death of the wandering jew. It is best applied as a foliar spray, directly onto the leaves of the plant. For best results, apply during the growing season when the plant is actively transporting nutrients.

One of the benefits of picloram is its residual activity, which prevents regrowth for an extended period. This makes it an excellent choice for large-scale wandering jew control. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe and effective use.

10. Clopyralid Herbicide– herbicide for wandering jew in turf areas

Clopyralid is a selective herbicide that targets broadleaf plants like wandering jew. It is commonly used in turf areas and lawns to control invasive weeds.

This herbicide works by mimicking a plant hormone, causing uncontrolled growth that leads to the death of the wandering jew. It is best applied as a foliar spray, directly onto the leaves of the plant. For best results, apply during the growing season when the plant is actively transporting nutrients.

One of the benefits of clopyralid is its selectivity, which makes it safe for use in areas with desirable grasses. It is also rainfast within a few hours of application, ensuring that it remains effective even after rainfall. Always follow the label instructions for optimal results.

Tips Buyers Guide for the Best Herbicide for Wandering Jew

• Choose the Right Type — Decide whether you need a selective or non-selective herbicide based on your specific needs.
• Check Product Labels — Ensure the herbicide is effective against wandering jew and safe for your desired plants.
• Consider Residual Control — Select herbicides that provide long-lasting control to reduce the need for frequent applications.
• Application Timing — Apply herbicides during the growing season when wandering jew is actively growing for maximum effectiveness.
• Safety Precautions — Follow safety guidelines to protect yourself, your plants, and the environment.
• Rainfastness — Choose herbicides that are rainfast to ensure effectiveness after application.
• Environmental Impact — Opt for herbicides with minimal environmental impact, especially if you are near water sources or have sensitive ecosystems.

By following these tips, you can select the best herbicide for wandering jew and ensure effective control of this invasive plant.

Conclusion

Choosing the right herbicide for wandering jew is crucial for maintaining a healthy landscape. Whether you need a selective herbicide to target wandering jew specifically or a non-selective one for broader control, proper application is key.

With the information provided in this guide, you can make an informed decision and enjoy a wandering jew-free garden or lawn. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure safe and effective use of the herbicides.