Thanks Jean for sharing... Ann...I planted one 6 in. plant in May 2003 and now it has spread to an area approx 6 ft x 6 ft. It sends out runners/suckers by the dozens - I have to pull them every couple of days. In my research, it seems that OR and WA have declared it an invasive plant and take steps to eradicate it from public areas. It may be just this type of Butterfly Bush, but this one grows like crazy...

Glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup herbicide, is generally able to kill any green and growing vegetation upon which it is applied. While I've never used it or its many, many generic equivalents to kill this plant, I can think of no reason why it should not work. As with any pesticide, it is essential to read and follow directions. +oM ps......though not a FL resident, I have to be honest-I kind of get a kick out of seeing Sanseveria naturalized down there. Is it really causing problems, or do you just not like to see it? I'm in the native landscaping business, but I long ago determined that every exotic naturalized species is not a problem, though some sure are!

they do not flower nor look like there would be any buds of any type. I am worried to pull as i've heard some of these invasive weed hyper activate/grow when their root is pulled. not sure if that is true or not. Thank you for your response though.

Violets propagate via rhizomes ( if I recall correctly) a tough woody type root basically, a standard weed killer like 2,4-D will knock the leaves back but won't control them. They are pretty but are problematic when growing turfgrass as they tend to completely take over. I have had very good results using a product called Crossbow in a gallon tank sprayer for spot treatment, it is also effective for other weeds. Violets have a waxy coating on their leaves, a small amount of dish soap (the liquid) mixed allows the product to stick to the leaves, increasing effectiveness. Weedkillers are best applied when weeds are actively growing, after a rainstorm or irrigation. High temperatures and drouth put the lawn into stress, weeds hibernate, therefore, weedkiller applications under these conditions may cause temporary dieback of the grass plant, while leaving the weed almost unaffected. Violet control is not a "one and done" kind of deal, it will take more than one season. With good cultural practices over time a thick healthy turf will better resist weed infestation and require very few chemical treatments.