16 Most Common Lawn Weeds in New Jersey

You’re ready to head “down the shore” to walk the boardwalk and devour some Manco & Manco Pizza, funnel cake, and Dippin Dots. Suddenly, you lose your appetite as you see those pesky green intruders all over your lawn. You wonder how you can conquer the most common lawn weeds in New Jersey and how to identify and control them. 

In this article, we’ll break down the weeds into “baseball-card-like stats” so you can spot and control them. We’ve divided the weeds into broadleaf, grass-like, and sedge. Let’s get started.

Broadleaf Weeds

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

Dandelions are a common sight in the springtime, with their bright yellow flowers blooming on long stems. The leaves of the dandelion plant are long and narrow, with deep lobes, and form a rosette shape. Dandelions produce thick taproots extending several inches into the soil, making them difficult to remove.

After flowering, dandelions form seed puffballs with a mechanism for dispersal called a pappus. This structure comprises numerous filaments that enable the seed to be carried away by the wind, allowing for widespread plant distribution.

Life cycle: Perennial 

Weed type: Broadleaf

Where it thrives: Prefers full sun but adapts to any soil

How to identify dandelions: In the spring, look for the flat yellow flowers that appear on your lawn. Then the plant transforms into seed puffballs carried individually by the wind.  

How to get rid of dandelions:

1) Hand-pulling can be difficult because of the deep taproot. Mulch could be used as a non-chemical option.

2) Appy post-emergent herbicides in late summer or early fall. The herbicides containing 2, 4-D, florasulam (Defendor); metsuluron; or triclopyr + clopyralid (Confront) are most effective. 

For more information, see “How to Get Rid of Dandelions.”

Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea)

Ground ivy, also known as gill-over-the-ground, cat’s foot, and creeping Charlie, is a plant that spreads through above-ground runners called stolons. At each node, the leaf attaches to the stem, and the plant puts down roots that extend up to 7 feet long. In late spring, clusters of purple flowers appear on the plant’s leaves.

Ground ivy has been called “plant velcro” because it has multiple attachment points, making hand-pulling them challenging.

Life cycle: Perennial (summer)

Weed type: Broadleaf

Where it thrives: Prefers shade, grows in moist but not saturated soil, and in heavily compacted soils

How to identify ground ivy: Heart-shaped evergreen leaves with tubular flowers that are bluish-violet to lavender in color. The flowers are 0.4 inches long and grow in clusters of two or more. 

How to get rid of ground ivy: 

1) Hand-pulling roots can be difficult due to the multiple attachment points.

2) When mowing, keep the lawnmower height to cut the grass at a height of at least three inches and fertilize adequately (2 lbs. nitrogen per 1,000 sq. ft.). 

3) When flowers arrive in spring (March-May) and late fall (Sept-Nov), apply a post-emergent broadleaf herbicide twice yearly. Do not treat it in the summer. 

Yellow Woodsorrel (Oxalis stricta)

Yellow woodsorrel, known by several other names such as common yellow oxalis, sleeping beauty, and shamrock, is a weed resembling clover. Its heart-shaped green leaves turn a deep burgundy color in the summer, producing bright yellow flowers. 

This persistent lawn weed is a formidable foe for lawn enthusiasts. It prefers full sun but will tolerate shady areas as well. Yellow woodsorrel is known for its rapidly spreading habit. It is also one of the region’s most challenging broadleaf weeds to eradicate.

Note: Look closely at the leaves to distinguish between clover and yellow woodsorrel (oxalis). Yellow woodsorrel has small, light green leaves that are heart-shaped. Clover has oval-shaped leaves. 

Life cycle: Annual and Perennial 

Weed type: Broadleaf

Where it thrives: Prefers full sun but will also tolerate shady areas, prefers moist, fertile soil but will adapt to various soils 

How to identify yellow woodsorrel: You’ll see the distinctive three small, light-green, heart-shaped lobes on each leaf. In mid-spring, the yellow bell-shaped flowers will appear. 

How to get rid of yellow woodsorrel: 

1) Regular mowing, fertilization, and using well-adapted turgrass (adapted to the region) will discourage growth. 

2) Before they flower or form seeds, hand-pull or dig out all rhizomes and roots.  

3) Apply pre-emergent herbicides: Dithiopyr, Isoxaben, Oryzalin, Prodiamine

4) Post-emergent herbicides that work best contain combinations of 2,4-D, dicamba, MCPP, and/or fluroxypyr and herbicides containing triclopyr.

Broadleaf Plantain (Plantago major)

Broadleaf plantain, also known as greater plantain, is characterized by its oval-shaped, dark green leaves that grow close to the ground. The leaves have wavy edges and three to five parallel veins, which make it easy to identify.

The flowers produce up to 14,000 seeds annually and are on tall spikes. Broadleaf plantain has been known for its anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties over the centuries.

Life cycle: Perennial (summer)

Weed type: Broadleaf

Where it thrives: Full sun but will adapt to shady conditions; loves wet feet, neglected, compacted soil

How to identify broadleaf plantain: It’s a low-growing plant with dark green, egg-shaped, smooth leaves with wavy edges. The leaves are typically 3-7 inches long and 1-2 inches wide, with three to five parallel veins. The plant also produces flowers on long, narrow spikes.

How to get rid of broadleaf plantain: 

1) Pull weeds by hand.

2) Apply pre-emergent to limit plantain seedlings from growing (examples include isoxaben, flumioxazin, and indaziflam) 

3) Post-emergent spot treatment to control plantains with nonselective, systemic herbicides like glyphosate.

Canada Thistle (Cirsium arvense)

Canada thistle can grow between two to five feet tall. Its leaves are lance-shaped with spiny and toothed edges that create a wavy appearance. The plant produces clusters of purple and pink flowers at the end of its stems.  

Life cycle: Perennial

Weed type: Broadleaf

Where it thrives: Full sun or partial shade; tolerates a variety of soil conditions but doesn’t like wet feet.

How to identify Canada thistle: This weed grows between 2 to 5 feet high, leaves have spines and pink or purple flowers on their stem. 

How to get rid of Canada thistle:

1) Due to the Canada thistle’s extensive reproductive root system, hand pulling is difficult.  

2) Mow the plants just before the flower buds open. It is important to avoid mowing when the plant has already produced seeds, as this can further spread the thistle.

3) Apply herbicides glyphosate, clopyralid, and metsulfuron for spot application. For best results, it is recommended to apply the herbicide in the spring (April, May, or June) or fall (September or October). 

White Clover (Trifolium repens L.)

White clover is a low-growing plant that forms patches and can be recognized by its three oval-shaped leaflets, which range in size from 1/4 to 3/4 inches in diameter. These leaflets have a distinct watermark in the shape of an inverted V, which is either white or light green in color. 

This hardy weed thrives in the spring, summer, and fall. White flowers with a hint of pink emerge during late spring and early summer. Occasionally, you’ll find a leaf with four leaves (the lucky four-leaf clover).

Life cycle: Perennial 

Weed type: Broadleaf

Where it thrives: Loves full sun but can adapt to shade with the proper fertilization; it thrives in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6-7

How to identify white clover: Grows in patches close to the ground with three small, oval leaflets; white flowers tinged with pink appear in early spring.

How to get rid of white clover: 

1) Use well-adapted turfgrass to help Improve turf density 

2) To control the growth of white clover, herbicides such as dicamba, clopyralid, fluroxypyr, and quinclorac are commonly used in the fall.

Note: Sometimes, there is regrowth of foliage occurring following spring herbicide applications 

For more tips, check out “How to Get Rid of Clover and Not Kill Grass.”

Henbit (Lamium amplexicaule)

Henbit has sparsely hairy, greenish to purple square stems and egg-shaped leaves. It has a fibrous root system and can grow 16 inches high. 

Henbit’s distinctive flowers are reddish-purple with darker coloring in spots on the lower petals. It blooms in the spring with the flowers arranged in whorls in the upper leaves.

Note: Henbit gets mistaken for purple deadnettle. The difference is that purple deadnettle has triangular leaves and purple-colored leaves. 

Life cycle: Annual (winter)

Weed type: Broadleaf

Where it thrives: Prefers shade, overly moist soil

How to identify henbit: Long and slender pink to purple flowers with dark purple spots 

How to get rid of henbit: 

1) Cultural approach: Maintain a well-suited turfgrass adapted to your area, and provide proper fertilization, mowing, and watering. 

2) Chemical approach: Apply in fall or early spring – a three-way herbicide with active ingredients, including the broadleaf weed killers: 2,4-D, dicamba, and mecoprop (MCPP) or MCPA. 

Purslane (Portulaca oleracea)

Purslane is a low-growing trailing plant with smooth, fleshy leaves and stems. The succulent leaves are green with a red margin and rounded tip, while the stems are plump and red. They originate from a central point and form a rosette shape.

Purslane flowers from June until the first frost. Its flowers come in various colors, from red and orange to yellow and white. Interestingly, the flowers only open up when the sun is shining.

Note: Additionally, purslane is an edible plant used in salads. 

Life cycle: Annual

Weed type: Broadleaf

Where it thrives: prefers full sun, but can adapt to different types of soil 

How to identify purslane: Leaves and stems are fleshy and succulent. Stems are reddish and its spreading habit enables the plant to sprawl in dense mats up to 20 inches across. Its pale yellow flowers open only when in full sun.

How to get rid of purslane:

1) To prevent and control the growth of purslane, it’s best to focus on cultural practices that improve the competitiveness of the existing turf or promote the establishment of a new stand. 

2) Apply pre-emergent of isoxaben in spring or late-winter applications of simazine can be used on cool-season and warm-season turf.

3) Apply post-emergent herbicides of Triclopyr, fluroxypyr, and dicamba on cool-season turf. Metsulfuron or a combination of sulfentrazone and metsulfuron can be used on warm-season turf. 

Ragweed (Ambrosia sp.)

Ragweed can be recognized by its bushy habit, fern-like leaves, and tall spikes of green to yellow flowers that bloom in late spring. With a distinct medicinal scent, this plant can grow anywhere from 1 to 5 feet high. You also may suffer from allergies due to ragweed.

Life cycle: Annual (summer)

Weed type: Broadleaf

Where it thrives: Prefers sunny, newly-disturbed soils

How To identify ragweed: Bushy habit, grows 1 to 5 feet hight, tall spires of green to yellow spires that bloom in late spring.

How to get rid of ragweed:

1) If it’s in small areas, hand-pull the plant out or cut it near the roots. This should be done before August 1st to prevent the plant from pollinating and forming seeds for the next generation. 

2) Pre-emergent: These herbicide options work well when you start to see seedlings. They are as follows: Apply Princep 4 L, Aatrex 4 L, Gallery 75 DF, Goaltender 4 SC, and Sureguard 51 WDG.

3) Post-emergent: Roundup ultra 4 L, Cobra 2 EC, Garlon 3A and Stinger 

Speedwell (Veronica filiformis)

Veronica filiformis, commonly known as Creeping Speedwell or Slender Speedwell, is a low-growing perennial plant that typically grows up to 5 inches tall. It produces small, delicate flowers with four rounded petals in shades of pink, purple, or blue. These blooms can be seen in the spring and summer.

It has scallop-shaped leaves that can remain evergreen in warm climates. It is known for its fast-spreading nature, often forming mats that can reach up to 30 inches wide. The seed pods are heart shaped.

Life cycle: Perennial

Weed type: Broadleaf

Where it thrives: Prefers full sun to partial shade; moist but well-drained loamy or sandy soil but can also tolerate some clay.

How to identify speedwell: Four-petaled flowers that range in color from pale violet to deep blue, creeping habit forming mats up to 30 inches wide, scalloped edge leaves, heart shaped seed pods

How to get rid of speedwell:

1) Raising the mowing height will help reduce growth.  

2) Apply pre-emergent when you see seedlings. Dithiopyr, isoxaben, Prodiamine, simazine work best.

3) Apply post-emergent herbicide; Dacthal is recommended. 

Spotted Spurge (Chamaesyce maculata L.)

This common weed is known for its ability to spread quickly, forming dense clusters that can be difficult to control. Its red stems and small, oval-shaped leaves are covered in fine hairs.

The spotted spurge seeds are sticky and known to cling to anything it comes into contact with, including animal fur, shoe soles, and lawn mower tires. 

Note: The plant’s stems contain a milky substance that can cause skin irritation, so it’s best to wear gloves when handling. Spotted surge’s other names are spotted euphorbia, spotted sandmat, prostate spurge and milk-purslane.

Life cycle: Annual 

Weed type: Broadleaf

Where it thrives: Full sun or partial shade; loves poor, compacted soil

How to identify spotted spurge: Low-lying plant with fuzzy red stems and small oval-shaped leaves with a red spot in the center. Its flowers are white and pink in color.

How to get rid of spotted spurge: 

1) Prevent germination by mulching and hand-pull or hoe out the weeds, preferably before they produce seeds. 

Note: Wear gloves when hand-pulling these weeds.

3) Pre-emergent herbicides should be applied before the soil temperature exceeds 60ºF and before seeds have sprouted.

Wild Violet (Viola sp.)

Wild violet is a low-growing, clumping perennial with heart-shaped leaves that form a funnel shape. The flower petals come in white, blue, purple, and violet. 

Wild violets are known for their aggressive growth from rhizomes and are commonly found in moist, fertile soils that are shaded.

Life cycle: Perennial

Weed type: Broadleaf

Where it thrives: full sun and partial shade; moist, fertile soils 

How to identify wild violet: White, blue, purple or violet colored petals; low-growing habit; heart-shaped leaves that form a funnel.

How to get rid of wild violet:

1) Hand-pull but make sure all rhizomes are out. 

2) Regular fertilization, mowing, and using turfgrasses that are well-suited to your specific site conditions can all help to increase turf density and prevent the growth of wild violet.

3) The most effective way to control them is by using herbicides that contain triclopyr. Multiple applications may be necessary throughout the growing season and over the course of several years to fully eradicate the wild violet species.

Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris)

Mugwort, also called chrysanthemum weed, is a type of weed that is known for its aggressive growth and ability to spread through rhizomes. It can grow up to 6 feet high and has greenish-yellow flowers. 

The leaves of mugwort are similar to those of chrysanthemums, but mugwort has white hairs on the undersides, which distinguishes them from garden mums. Greenish-yellow flowers appear in late summer forming clusters at the upper portion of the stems. 

Life cycle: Perennial

Weed type: Broadleaf

Where it thrives: Full-sun to partial shade; well-drained soil, sandy, loamy, and clay soils.

How to identify mugwort: Leaves look like chrysanthemums but hairy on the undersides, greenish-yellow flowers that appear in late summer, grows to about 6 feet high

How to get rid of mugwort:

1) Persistent rhizomes make hand-pulling the weed quite difficult.

2) Glyphosate is effective when applied in late summer or early fall. 

3) Clopyralid is effective in a winter application. 

Note: Clopyralidon wasn’t successful in controlling established stands of mugwort but did control seedlings.

Grass-Like Weeds

Crabgrass (Digitaria)

With its sprawling stems that resemble crab legs and light green appearance, crabgrass grows in clumps (a prostrate growth habit in which lower stems branch out and spread across the ground) but can grow up to 2 feet tall. 

In New Jersey, crabgrass comes in two varieties: smooth and large. You can tell the difference by getting up close and looking at the leaves and stem. Smooth crabgrass has very few hairs, while large crabgrass has a more noticeable amount. 

Life cycle: Annual (summer)

Weed type: Grass-like

Where it thrives: Prefers full sun, loves thin sections of turf, grows in all soils

How to identify crabgrass: Look for it in the summer; it grows in clumps, has crab-like leggy stems and a light green color.

How to get rid of crabgrass:
1) Prevention: Fertilization, water during dry conditions, and use well-adapted turfgrasses.

2) Mow on a regular basis, so grass stays about 3 inches high.

3) Apply a pre-emergent herbicide in the spring before the seeds sprout. 

Note: In New Jersey, crabgrass seeds start germinating when the top inch of soil reaches 55 to 58 degrees Fahrenheit.

4) Apply a post-emergent: Spot spraying with a targeted herbicide throughout the summer if crabgrass has already taken hold.

For more information, check out “How to Get Rid of Crabgrass in Your Yard.”

Wild Garlic (Allium vineale L.)

The leaves of wild garlic (also called onion grass) can easily be mistaken for blades of grass, especially when growing in a lawn. It’s not until you mow them down and catch a whiff of their distinct onion-like aroma that you realize what you’ve stumbled upon. 

This cool-season perennial emerges from bulbs in the spring and fall and grows 6 to 24 inches high. 

Life cycle: Perennial

Weed type: Grass-like

Where it thrives: prefers full sun to partial shade, and grows in various soils, including heavy clay.

How to identify wild garlic: Arrives in the early spring and fall, has a strong odor when the grass-like leaves are crushed, grows in clumps and can grow 6 to 24 inches high. 

How to get rid of wild garlic:

1) Pull out by hand if you have a small amount of weeds. For best results, try to dig them out with a thin trowel when soil is moist. 

2) Mowing on a regular basis won’t control wild garlic but it can hamper bulb production and reduce plant vigor.

3) Best results for control are by repeating either fall/winter or early spring applications annually. The most commonly used herbicide is 2,4-D, or 2-way and 3-way herbicides containing 2,4-D. 

Sedge

Yellow Nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus)

Yellow nutsedge is a weed that has yellow-green leaves, seed heads that look like tiny bottle brushes and can reach heights between 8 to 30 inches high. It emerges in the spring, flowers in summer, and sets seed late summer into fall. 

Yellow nutsedge spreads through underground tubers and rhizomes. It has two types of tubers, one that germinates immediately and another that germinates during the winter. Its extensive underground network of roots and rhizomes makes it difficult to control and eradicate.

Note: Yellow nutsedge goes by many names: nutgrass, yellow nut-grass, chufa, nutsedge, watergrass, northern nut-grass, earth almond, rushnut, umbrella sedge, and galingale. 

Life cycle: Perennial 

Weed type: Sedge

Where it thrives: Prefers full sun, poorly drained moist soil 

How to identify yellow nutsedge: It grows taller than turfgrass, has a yellow color, triangular (three-edged) stem and spikelets are straw-colored to gold-brown with many flowers.

How to get rid of yellow nutsedge: 

1) Hand-pull the emerging leaves early and frequently if the patch is small.

Note: This weed is a sedge so broadleaf and grass-like herbicides won’t work. The best time to apply an herbicide is in late spring or early summer during the active growing season. 

2) Consider applying sulfentrazone or halosulfuron in late spring or early summer. Read the instructions on the labels. 

For more tips, check out “How to Control Nutsedge in Your Yard.”

FAQ

What is a Lawn Weed?

The definition of a lawn weed is simple. It’s any plant that grows where you don’t want it to grow. Lawn weeds could also be indicative of problems with your soil. When these weeds show up, they might indicate that you have compacted soil, soils low in nitrogen, or other issues.

Are There Any Harmful Lawn Weeds in New Jersey?

Yes, there are harmful weeds, like poison ivy, that are unwanted and considered harmful. 

Poison ivy is a weed that can cause a painful itchy rash when touched. The rash is caused by an oil called urushiol, found in all parts of the plant, including the leaves, stems, and roots. 

What Happens if You Don’t Get Your Lawn Weeds Under Control?

• They will continue to reduce the “aesthetic” quality of the turf.
• They won’t stop competing with the desired turf for water, nutrients, and light.
• Deterioration of the turfgrass over time. 
• Weeds are a symptom of a soil problem. Ignoring the weeds means you are ignoring your soil. 
• They will just continue to choke the life out of your lawn. 

Call in the Pros

Looking for a New Jersey lawn care pro near you? We have trusted lawn care pros in Elizabeth, Newark, Camden, Lakewood, and many more cities across the Garden State. They can help you mow, landscape, establish a new lawn, or revitalize it, while you are “down the shore” eating your Manco & Manco pizza and funnel cake. 

Main Image Credit: Henbit / Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren / Flickr / CC BY 2.0