Chamberbitter: Identification and Treatment
Chamberbitter appears suddenly in summer heat and resists most DIY treatments. Learn how professional pre-emergent prevents it entirely.
Weed profile
What Is Chamberbitter?
Chamberbitter (also called gripeweed or little leaf) is a summer annual that resembles a small mimosa tree. It thrives in hot weather and disturbed soil, often appearing in landscape beds and thin turf.
Identification
How to Identify Chamberbitter
Mimosa-like compound leaves arranged in two rows
Small, round seed pods (chambers) along the underside of stems
Upright growth habit, 6-24 inches tall
Deep taproot that makes hand-pulling difficult
Appears suddenly in hot weather (June-July)
Treatment
How to Get Rid of Chamberbitter
Prevention
Pre-emergent herbicide applied in late spring (after soil temperatures exceed 75°F)
Maintain thick turf to shade soil surface
Mulch landscape beds to prevent germination
Hand-pull individual plants before they set seed (pull the whole taproot)
Professional Treatment
Pre-emergent applied at the right time is most effective. Post-emergent herbicides can control young plants but become less effective as chamberbitter matures. The key is early intervention before it goes to seed.
DIY vs pro
Why Professional Treatment Works Better
Chamberbitter is often missed by homeowners until it’s already established. Store-bought post-emergent products have limited effectiveness on mature plants. Professional pre-emergent timed to soil temperature prevents the problem.
Affected grasses
Grass Types Chamberbitter Invades
Why Attaboy
Professional Chamberbitter Treatment from Attaboy
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions About Chamberbitter
What is the mimosa-looking weed in my lawn?
That’s likely chamberbitter, a summer annual with leaves that look like tiny mimosa trees. It has small round seed pods along the underside of its stems.
Why is chamberbitter so hard to pull?
Chamberbitter has a deep taproot. If you break the root during pulling, it regrows. You need to pull firmly from the base when soil is moist to get the entire root.
When should I treat for chamberbitter?
Pre-emergent in late spring (when soil temps exceed 75°F) is ideal. Post-emergent works on young plants in early summer but is less effective later.
Related weeds
Other Weeds Active in the Same Season
Take action
Stop Chamberbitter Before It Takes Over
Every day you wait is another day weeds spread. Get professional weed control backed by our free re-treatment guarantee.
