Weed competition in the commercial production of woody ornamentals results in substantial economic losses annually due to increased labor costs and reductions in plant growth and quality. Container and field experiments were established in 1975 and continued through 1976 to evaluate oxadiazon [2-tert-butyl-4-(2,4-dichloro-5-isopropoxyphenyl)-δ2-1,3,4-oxadiazolin-5-one] as a weed control agent and to determine its effect on ornamentals at selected test sites throughout the United States. Test programs were conducted with container and field grown ornamentals at 10 locations during 1975 and subsequently increased to 12 locations in 1976. Rates evaluated included 3.4, 4.5, 5.6 and 11.2 kg/ha. Highly effective control of 17 weeds was obtained for 3-month periods at rates as low as 4.5 kg/ha. Oxadiazon gave commercially acceptable control of common groundsel (Senecio vulgaris L.), a very serious weed problem in containers. Control of common chickweed [Stellaria media (L.) Cyrillo], however, was poor at all rates tested. Ornamental tolerance to oxadiazon was generally excellent. Of the 50 ornamental species evaluated in 1975, only two displayed phytotoxic symptoms; scarlet firethorn (Pyracantha coccinea Roem.) and Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense Lour.) at 5.6 and 11.2 kg/ha following three successive applications at 3-month intervals. In 1976 trials on 63 species, phytotoxic symptoms could not be reproduced on the above species; chemical intolerance was limited to growth inhibition of aloe yucca (Yucca aloifolia L.) at 5.6 and 11.2 kg/ha.