A lot of people in the area are digging chamberbitter out of their flower beds.  This invasive weed looks similar to a mimosa tree leaf.  It’s a small, branching annual with tiny leaves that fold at night, and thrives in warm, sunny conditions.  Chamberbitter has been used in traditional medicine for jaundice, diabetes, liver diseases, and urinary problems like kidney stones.  It is fairly easy to remove by pulling it up with your hands.  One thing about it it is that is it is very prolific so you will spend a lot of time on your knees.  

The best recommended product for ridding yourself of Chamberbitter is Celsius.  Celsius also helps with Virginia Buttonweed, Dallasgrass, Crabgrass, and Dollarweed.  Celsius can be used on St Augustine, Bermuda, Centepede, and Zoysiagrass.  Mix .226 oz with 2 gallons of watrew water, or 4 oz into 10 gallons which is enough to spray 1 acre.  It comes in small packages that just make up 1 gallon.  

Chemical companies are leaning toward making packaging more customer friendly by making up small packages for the homeowners.  Celsius, sedgehamer (for nutgrass), and Roundup are just a few made that way.  You don’t have to overbuy the chemical that you need, thus having to store so much chemical.  These 3 products are not restricted so they are purchased without license.    

As always read the label.

(Mitzi Thomas owns Minden Farm & Garden LLC. Watch for her column on Fridays in Webster Parish Journal. Email Mitzi questions at  mitzithomas40@yahoo.com.)