where does it like to grow ? :
In short: Creeping Indigo can, and will grow anywhere that is not TOO COLD. Which is why it has not spread beyond Florida at this time.
CI is a "legume" weed which means it can convert nitrogen FROM THE AIR into fertilizer for itself. Because of this, it is thriving in our state, especially, the sandier soil here. Water can move more freely through sandier soils and as water moves through- it makes nitrogen which the plant in turn uses for fertilizer so, it does PREFER sandier soils and roadsides. (but, will grow anywhere)
CI also thrives in bahia grass. As bahia, tends to leave patches of sparse grass and CI THRIVES QUICKLY when there is no competition. This is why it is common in higher trafficked turf as well: the weakened/beat down grass allows it to easily take over. This does NOT mean that it CANNOT grow where the grass is dense but, it DOES MEAN that dense grass can slow it down on it's efforts to spread and hold it off longer in areas that have not yet been infested. (see above where it is growing in VERY dense grass)
CI is more often seen in horse pastures than in cow pastures likely, because of how they GRAZE and how they DIGEST. Cows wrap their tongues around the grass and tear it away leaving much of it behind where as horses eat right down to the dirt again allowing CI to take over more quickly and thrive where the grass is LOW. Also a factor: Horses digestive track being less efficient than cows can help SPREAD the seeds while cattle's digestive systems break the seeds down so it is less likely to be in the manure.
CI THRIVES in soil PH of 5.5 though, it will survive in levels HIGHER or LOWER than that- it does not seem to THRIVE.
CI is a "legume" weed which means it can convert nitrogen FROM THE AIR into fertilizer for itself. Because of this, it is thriving in our state, especially, the sandier soil here. Water can move more freely through sandier soils and as water moves through- it makes nitrogen which the plant in turn uses for fertilizer so, it does PREFER sandier soils and roadsides. (but, will grow anywhere)
CI also thrives in bahia grass. As bahia, tends to leave patches of sparse grass and CI THRIVES QUICKLY when there is no competition. This is why it is common in higher trafficked turf as well: the weakened/beat down grass allows it to easily take over. This does NOT mean that it CANNOT grow where the grass is dense but, it DOES MEAN that dense grass can slow it down on it's efforts to spread and hold it off longer in areas that have not yet been infested. (see above where it is growing in VERY dense grass)
CI is more often seen in horse pastures than in cow pastures likely, because of how they GRAZE and how they DIGEST. Cows wrap their tongues around the grass and tear it away leaving much of it behind where as horses eat right down to the dirt again allowing CI to take over more quickly and thrive where the grass is LOW. Also a factor: Horses digestive track being less efficient than cows can help SPREAD the seeds while cattle's digestive systems break the seeds down so it is less likely to be in the manure.
CI THRIVES in soil PH of 5.5 though, it will survive in levels HIGHER or LOWER than that- it does not seem to THRIVE.
prevention :
This weed is very persistent and CAN and WILL grow ANYWHERE (see above where it is growing in VERY dense grass) but, keeping your pasture treated with herbicide and seeded with healthy, dense grass can slow it down and keep it more manageable for spot treatment upon pasture checks if it makes it's way to your pasture. UF also suggested having 1acre of grazing for every 600-700lbs of horse on your land and if you cannot meet this requirement- rotate your pastures/stall time to allow the pasture to rest. They suggest keeping your grass between 3-6" in length and remove your animals when the grass reaches 3" to allow the grass to recover and remain dense and supplement hay in the winter months. Manage your soil's PH to keep it below 4.5 or above 6.5 so it cannot THRIVE and spread as quickly. This along with yearly treatment for legume killing herbicides should keep this weed from over taking your land.
