Arizona Scorpion Weed

I read the posts (here: http://www.hometalk.com/diy/the-truth-about-natural-weed-killer-exposed-3642830?se=fol_new&tk=cg9b7r) but I think my issue will be far more difficult. We live in the desert; very little landscaping, mostly hardscape. Not concerned about killing other plants because we don't really have any. Every March/April the scorpion weed starts popping up, like millions of seedlings. It all grows up through gravel and rocks so it's very hard to use a hula hoe and cut it down. I'm trying to find better solutions than Roundup, however, Roundup barely takes it down. I've tried burning it, but I get nervous about catching things on fire. You can't pick scorpion weed as it will slice your hands with thin, razor-sharp leaves. What are my alternatives?
Here is a good photo of how invasive it is. Scorpion weed will take over everything around it. Help!
http://goo.gl/GY7g7H
  4 answers
  • Douglas Hunt Douglas Hunt on Sep 25, 2014
    If it is growing up in gravel and rocks that seems like an excellent place to use a weed flamer. You could also try horticultural vinegar, which is much stronger than regular vinegar, but if it is unfazed by Roundup I do have my doubts. Regrettably I found no suggestions for control from Arizona Extension or other authoritative source.
  • Bonnie Butterworth Bonnie Butterworth on Sep 25, 2014
    Doug: Thanks, but last time someone used a weed flamer (10 houses down from me) they caught their house on fire and had $50k in damages (we have unpredictable winds, an ash flew up underneath an eave). Looks like I may be stuck with Roundup, unfortunately. Let me know if anyone comes up with anything. Thanks.
  • Jessica Ann Weideman Jessica Ann Weideman on Apr 04, 2017

    If you're not looking for all natural, Ortho Ground Clear! Lowe's, HomeDepot, most places with a garden section should carry it.

  • Angela Angela on Mar 05, 2020

    Lemon balm oil will kill it but it will kill other plants too. If you are in a rocky area you will be fine. Also, don’t know if this will work but what about burning the scorpion weed and then after spray with water but burn real good at first. Burning should shock it enough to kill it, even though you are watering it later. No expert, just saying you could try, so a fire doesn’t break out.