A liquid-application device that permits a user to selectively apply herbicide to weeds without applying the herbicide to adjacent plants. A reservoir of herbicide is mounted to a container end of an elongated tube and a wick is mounted to an opposite end. The tube has a central passage through which the liquid flows from the container end to the wick end by gravity. A valve mechanism at the wick end controls the flow of liquid out of the central passage. A wick retainer in the valve mechanism holds a wick that receives liquid released through the valve. A shroud covers the wick and the wick protrudes after the shroud is seated on a weed leaf. The shroud can be withdrawn by a mechanical connection, such as a trigger, or by simply forcing the shroud out of the way.