Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Examine the stems at the soil line for clean cuts.
- Look for slimy trails on the leaves or soil.
- Check under the leaves and in the soil for hidden pests.
Likely causes
Cutworms
Most likelyHow to tell: You will see stems chewed through right at the soil surface. This causes entire sections of the plant to wither and die overnight.
What to do: Search for the larvae in the soil near the damaged stems, especially at night. You can place a protective collar around young plants or use organic bait.
Slugs or snails
PossibleHow to tell: You see irregular holes in the leaves and slimy trails nearby. They are most active at night or during damp weather.
What to do: Hand pick them off in the evening or use a shallow dish of beer to trap them. Keep the area tidy to remove their hiding spots.
When to worry
If you see large patches disappearing, you must treat the area immediately. Small amounts of damage are usually manageable.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the area free of weeds and debris where pests like to hide. Encourage natural predators like birds or beneficial insects in your garden.
Not sure which one it is? Photograph your creeping buttonweed.
This page lists the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at your actual leaf and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
Questions people ask
- Are cutworms hard to get rid of?
- They can be persistent, but hand picking them at night is very effective. Consistency is key to clearing an infestation.
- Do I need to use chemicals?
- Try non chemical methods first like hand picking or traps. If the damage is overwhelming, look for an organic pest control product.
More problems with Creeping Buttonweed
Back to the Creeping Buttonweed guide
This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.