Murdannia nudiflora (l.) brenan aka Nakedstem Dewflower

Murdannia nudiflora is native throughout tropical and subtropical Asia, including India, China, Southeast Asia, Japan, and Korea, as well as Central America, the Caribbean, South America, and Oceania. It has been introduced and naturalized across the Continental United States (especially the southeastern states), Hawaii, and Caribbean Territories. In parts of its introduced range, such as Colombia and the United States, it is treated as an invasive or noxious weed species.

Doveweed is a mat-forming summer annual that grows prostrate and low to the ground, with stems rooting at the nodes and spreading laterally to form dense patches. Leaves are linear, thick, and shiny — roughly 2–10 cm long and 2–5 mm wide — resembling grass until the distinctive purple flowers appear. The plant germinates when soil temperatures reach 65–70°F and grows rapidly through summer, becoming most problematic in late summer.

The flowers of Murdannia nudiflora are small and borne in clusters on short stalks. Each flower has three lavender to blue-purple petals and three green sepals, typical of the Commelinaceae family. Seeds develop in small green capsules approximately 3–5 mm wide and can remain viable in the soil for several years after dispersal.

Murdannia nudiflora is almost exclusively an outdoor plant, thriving in lawns, golf courses, turf areas, and disturbed ground across warm-temperate and tropical regions. In the southeastern United States it is considered a significant weed, especially in St. Augustinegrass and centipedegrass lawns. It favors areas with excessive moisture — poor drainage, frequent irrigation, or heavy rainfall — and spreads aggressively via stolons.

Rather than being affected by typical plant pests, Murdannia nudiflora is itself a significant weed pest of warm-season turfgrasses and lawns. Its seeds remain viable for several years in the soil, making eradication difficult. The plant also re-sprouts from stolon and root fragments when hand-pulled, so chemical management combined with cultural practices is necessary. Multi-year herbicide programs (pre- and post-emergence) are typically required for sustained control.

Murdannia nudiflora reproduces primarily by seed, with seeds capable of remaining viable in the soil for several years. The plant also spreads vegetatively through its creeping stolons, which root at the nodes and produce new plants — making hand-pulling an ineffective control strategy since stem fragments readily re-establish.

In turf management contexts, the most effective timing for control is late spring to early summer, before the plant becomes well-established. Pre-emergent herbicides (e.g., indaziflam) are applied in late March to mid-April depending on region. Post-emergent herbicides are applied after turfgrass has fully greened up; most should be avoided during spring green-up of warm-season lawns to prevent turfgrass injury. Atrazine should not be applied during drought stress or when temperatures exceed 90°F.

Nakedstem Dewflower should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Nakedstem Dewflower loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Nakedstem Dewflower requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Doveweed is always in the right place to thrive.

Repotting the Nakedstem Dewflower should be done either when it has doubled in size or on a yearly basis, whichever occurs sooner. Fresh potting soil with all the required nutrients, refreshed annually, will provide the plant with all the necessary sustenance, making the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that plants receive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.