Clopyralid is widely used as a selective herbicide in agriculture and non-crop areas to control broadleaf weeds. It is particularly effective against members of the Asteraceae family, such as thistles and ragweeds, as well as leguminous weeds like clover and vetch. Commonly applied in cereals, corn, potatoes, and sugar beets, it allows for post-emergence weed control without harming the crop when used at recommended rates.

It is also used in turf management, rangeland, and roadside vegetation control due to its long residual activity and effectiveness at low application rates. Clopyralid is valued for its ability to control persistent perennial weeds, reducing the need for mechanical tillage and supporting conservation tillage systems. Due to its persistence in soil and potential for carryover, careful rotation planning is required to avoid injury to sensitive broadleaf crops in subsequent growing seasons.