- Broadleaf Weeds<\/a>
- Black Medic (Medicago lupulina)<\/a><\/li>
- Creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea)<\/a><\/li>
- Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans)<\/a><\/li>
- White Clover (Trifolium repens)<\/a><\/li>
- Wild Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa)<\/a><\/li>
- Wild Violet (Viola sororia)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Grassy Weeds<\/a>
- Crabgrass (Digitaria sanguinalis)<\/a><\/li>
- Yellow Nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus)<\/a><\/li>
- Green Foxtail (Setaria viridis)<\/a><\/li>
- Witchgrass (Panicum capillare)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Noxious Weeds<\/a>
- Canada Thistle (Cirsium arvense)<\/a><\/li>
- Bull Thistle (Cirsium vulgare)<\/a><\/li>
- Quackgrass (Elymus repens)<\/a><\/li>
- Poison Hemlock (Conium maculatum)<\/a><\/li>
- Russian Knapweed (Acroptilon repens)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- FAQ About Common Iowa Lawn Weeds<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
Broadleaf Weeds<\/h2>
These types of weeds are plants with wide, flat leaves, unlike the narrow blades of grass. Most homeowners in Iowa have had to deal with the following broadleaf weeds at least once: <\/p>
Black Medic (Medicago lupulina<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"closeup](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Black-Medic-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Black medic loves to pop up in disturbed soil, so you’ll typically find it in bare patches or areas where you’ve recently dug or raked. It looks harmless with its small, clover-like leaves, but it\u2019s actually a prolific seed producer. Look for tiny, yellow flowers that appear in clusters and turn into dark, coiled seed pods.<\/p>
Life cycle: <\/strong>Summer annual <\/p>
Where it thrives: <\/strong>Compacted soil, poor drainage areas, under trees, and near sidewalks<\/p>
How to identify black medic: <\/strong><\/p>
- Small, clover-like leaves<\/li>
- Tiny, yellow flowers in clusters<\/li>
- Dark, coiled seed pods<\/li>
- Low-growing habit<\/li> <\/ul>
Creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"Closeup](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/rsz_creeping_charlie_ground_ivy_glechoma_hederacea_-_flickr_-_jay_sturner.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jay Sturner<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> You\u2019ll recognize creeping Charlie (a.k.a ground ivy) by its round, scalloped leaves and square stems. When you crush the leaves, they give off a minty smell, and in the spring, you might spot its tiny lavender flowers popping up.<\/p>
Life cycle: <\/strong>Perennial<\/p>
Where it thrives: <\/strong>Shady areas, under trees and shrubs, and in moist, compacted soil<\/p>
How to identify creeping Charlie: <\/strong><\/p>
- Rounded, kidney-shaped leaves with scalloped edges<\/li>
- Minty smell when leaves are crushed<\/li>
- Purple flowers in the spring<\/li>
- Grows low to the ground, forming thick mats<\/li> <\/ul>
Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"green](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/poison-ivy.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James St. John<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Have you ever heard the saying \u201cleaves of three, let it be?\u201d Well, that\u2019s the golden rule for identifying poison ivy. This native Iowa weed has three glossy leaflets on each stem, with the middle one sitting on a longer stalk. You can find it as a low-growing vine, a tall climbing vine on trees, or even as a bushy shrub.<\/p>
Careful:<\/strong> Don\u2019t touch poison ivy without wearing protective gear. The whole plant contains a sticky oil called urushiol that\u2019ll cause an itchy rash within about 12 to 48 hours of touching your skin. If you have pets, be extra cautious, as they can carry the oil on their fur and spread it to your skin.<\/p>
The best way to deal with poison ivy is to remove it as soon as you see it. Check out our guide on getting rid of poison ivy<\/a> for a step-by-step breakdown.<\/p>
Life cycle: <\/strong>Perennial<\/p>
Where it thrives: <\/strong>Sunny to shady areas, along fences, or in disturbed soil<\/p>
How to identify poison ivy: <\/strong><\/p>
- Leaves always grow in groups of three<\/li>
- Produces small, white berries in clusters (late summer)<\/li>
- Small, greenish-white flowers<\/li> <\/ul>
White Clover (Trifolium repens<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"white](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/clover-3519554_1280-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> White clover spreads quickly through stolons and thrives in sunny spots, especially in areas where the grass is thin or stressed. You can easily identify it by its white, round flower heads that look like little balls. <\/p>
Note: <\/strong>White clover is considered invasive<\/a> in many parts of the U.S., but isn\u2019t on the Iowa Department of Natural Resources\u2019 Invasive Plants list. This means it doesn\u2019t pose the same threat to your yard as it does elsewhere, so you can actually use it as a beneficial groundcover. <\/p>
Just keep an eye on its growth: If it starts to take over, read our guide “How to Get Rid of Clover and Not Kill Grass<\/a>” for effective control tips. <\/p>
Life cycle: <\/strong>Perennial<\/p>
Where it thrives: <\/strong>Overly acidic or compacted soil, as well as lawns with low nitrogen levels<\/p>
How to identify white clover: <\/strong><\/p>
- Clover-shaped leaves with three little green leaflets<\/li>
- Leaves typically have a green or creamy “V” shape on the upper surface<\/li>
- Up to 12 inches tall<\/li>
- Great source of nectar for bees and other pollinators<\/li> <\/ul>
Wild Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"closeup](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/wild-parsnip-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: MurielBendel<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Wild parsnip looks a bit like a tall carrot plant with big, feathery leaves. It can grow up to 5 feet tall and produces bright yellow, umbrella-shaped flower heads in early summer. Look for it in sunny areas around your yard, such as bare patches or near garden edges where the grass is weak.<\/p>
Life cycle: <\/strong>Biennial<\/p>
Where it thrives: <\/strong>Areas that receive full sun, especially with dry, sandy soil. <\/p>
How to identify wild parsnip: <\/strong><\/p>
- Tall, hollow stem with coarse hairs<\/li>
- Large, fern-like leaves <\/li>
- Yellow, umbrella-shaped flower clusters <\/li>
- Sap that causes painful skin blisters when exposed to sunlight <\/li> <\/ul>
Wild Violet (Viola sororia<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"blue](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/rsz_5673200982_131e856d22_c.jpg\")
Photo Credit: liz west<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> With glossy, heart-shaped leaves and blue to purple flowers, wild violet is another native Iowa perennial that blooms from early spring into late summer. It typically hides under shrubs or trees, where it’s shady and moist.<\/p>
Life cycle: <\/strong>Perennial<\/p>
Where it thrives: <\/strong>Shady areas of your yard or moist spots near sprinklers<\/p>
How to identify wild violet: <\/strong><\/p>
- 1 to 2-inch flowers that can be blue, purple, or even white<\/li>
- Reaches 6 to 10 inches in height<\/li>
- Its flowers and seeds attract ants, butterflies, and bees<\/li>
- Often grows in clumps or mats<\/li> <\/ul>
Grassy Weeds<\/h2>
Unlike broadleaf weeds, grassy weeds are actual grasses that look a lot like your turf. They have long, narrow leaves and an aggressive nature. <\/p>
Some of the most common grassy weeds you\u2019ll find in Iowa are:<\/p>
Crabgrass (Digitaria sanguinalis<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"Closeup](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Digitaria-sanguinalis-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Rasbak<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Crabgrass is a real headache for most Iowa homeowners, especially during our scorching summers. It starts as a low-growing patch of grass but quickly spreads out with runners. By midsummer, it’s showing off with tall, spindly stalks and tiny seed heads.<\/p>
Pro Tip: <\/strong>A crabgrass infestation usually means you’ve been applying too much nitrogen to your lawn. Before putting down any more products, test your soil to find out exactly what it needs. Learn more about soil testing in our article “Why, When, and How to Test the Soil pH of Your Lawn<\/a>.”<\/p>
Life cycle: <\/strong>Summer annual<\/p>
Where it thrives: <\/strong>Thin, bare patches of lawn, compacted soil, and areas with poor drainage<\/p>
How to identify crabgrass: <\/strong><\/p>
- Leaves are wider than regular grass blades and have a slightly hairy texture<\/li>
- Light green to yellowish-green color<\/li>
- Can grow up to 3 feet tall<\/li>
- Seeds form in small, bushy clusters at the end of stems<\/li> <\/ul>
Here are some other helpful articles on crabgrass: <\/strong><\/p>
- Why Is Crabgrass Bad for the Lawn?<\/a><\/li>
- How to Get Rid of Crabgrass in Your Yard<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
Yellow Nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"Yellow](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Yellow-Nutsedge.jpg\")
Photo Credit: NY State IPM Program at Cornell University from New York, USA<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Yellow nutsedge is tough to spot at first glance. It resembles regular grass, with slender, shiny yellow-green leaves that grow in bunches. But if you take a closer look, you’ll notice the leaves are arranged in a triangular pattern around the stem. <\/p>
You might also spot its yellow-brown flower clusters in mid to late summer. If you pull one up, you’ll see the tubers attached to the roots \u2014 those are what allow it to grow back even stronger if you don’t get rid of them properly. Read our article on “How to Control Nutsedge in Your Yard<\/a>” for tried-and-tested removal methods.<\/p>
Life cycle: <\/strong>Perennial<\/p>
Where it thrives: <\/strong>Moist, well-drained soil in areas that get direct sunlight<\/p>
How to identify yellow nutsedge:<\/strong><\/p>
- Triangular-shaped stems<\/li>
- Between 1 and 3 feet tall<\/li>
- Grass-like leaves that grow in clumps<\/li>
- Small, brown nutlets at the base of the plant<\/li> <\/ul>
Green Foxtail (Setaria viridis)<\/em><\/h3>
![\"closeup](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Green-Foxtail-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Ayotte, Gilles, 1948-<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Green foxtail can grow anywhere from 1 to 4 feet tall and has slender, light green leaves that reach up to a foot long. It grows quickly, especially in warm weather, so it\u2019s most common in southern Iowa lawns. The easiest way to spot green foxtail is by its thick, cylindrical seed heads. They can look green or have a purple tint and are covered in soft bristles that make them look fuzzy \u2014like a fox\u2019s tail. <\/p>
Pro Tip: <\/strong>Green foxtail indicates that your soil is compacted or your grass isn\u2019t thick. To prevent its spread, aerate and overseed your lawn in early spring. You’ll learn the best ways and times to do it in the following guides: <\/p>
- Lawn Aeration in Iowa: Everything You Need to Know<\/a><\/li>
- Best Grass Seed for Iowa Lawns<\/a><\/li>
- Lawn Care Schedule for Iowa<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
Life cycle: <\/strong>Summer annual<\/p>
Where it thrives: <\/strong>Areas with compacted soil that receive a lot of sunlight<\/p>
How to identify green foxtail:<\/strong><\/p>
- Grows in dense clumps<\/li>
- Tall, smooth stems, usually hollow in the center, with a few hairs at the base<\/li>
- Light green, long, and narrow leaves<\/li>
- Seed heads can attract small birds and other critters<\/li> <\/ul>
Witchgrass (Panicum capillare)<\/em><\/h3>
![\"closeup](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/3812302335_a228026109_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Witchgrass is kind of similar to a tumbleweed<\/a>: It starts as a normal-looking grass but turns into a crazy, seed-spreading machine. This summer weed has green to purple-tinged stems covered in fine, stiff hairs and long, pointed leaves.<\/p>
Life cycle: <\/strong>Summer annual<\/p>
Where it thrives: <\/strong>Well-drained, disturbed sandy or loamy soils<\/p>
How to identify witchgrass:<\/strong><\/p>
- Tall, thin stems with flat, narrow leaves<\/li>
- Seeds form in a bushy, hairy head at the top of the weed<\/li>
- Can look similar to crabgrass, but leaves are flatter and wider<\/li>
- When it’s dry, the whole plant can break off and roll away to spread its seeds<\/li> <\/ul>
Noxious Weeds<\/h2>
Noxious weeds are classified by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship under Chapter 317 of the Iowa Code<\/a>. These invasive plants spread quickly, outcompete native species, and can cause serious damage to agriculture and natural habitats. <\/p>
Important: <\/strong>If you find any noxious weeds on your property, it’s your responsibility to control them as soon as possible. If not, you\u2019ll have to deal with fines or even the county stepping in to manage the problem at your expense.<\/p>
These are some of the most common noxious weeds in Iowa:<\/p>
Canada Thistle (Cirsium arvense)<\/em><\/h3>
![\"canada](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Canada-Thistle.jpg\")
Photo Credit: ceasol<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Canada thistle starts as a rosette of leaves close to the ground. As it grows, it shoots up tall, prickly stems with purple flowers. The worst part? It has underground roots that spread like crazy, making it super hard to get rid of.<\/p>
Lifecycle: <\/strong>Perennial<\/p>
Weed type: <\/strong>Broadleaf<\/p>
Where it thrives: <\/strong>Along fences, near garden beds that have been recently tilled, or in patches of thin grass that receive full sun<\/p>
How to identify canada thistle:<\/strong><\/p>
- Can grow up to 3 feet tall<\/li>
- Small, purple to pink flower heads<\/li>
- Spiny leaves with jagged edges<\/li>
- Grows in dense patches or colonies<\/li> <\/ul>
Bull Thistle (Cirsium vulgare)<\/em><\/h3>
![\"closeup](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/bull-thistle.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Ron Clausen<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Like Canada thistle, bull thistle is covered in sharp spines from head to toe. To tell them apart, look at the leaves. Bull thistle leaves are usually bigger and have a more lobed shape, while Canada thistle leaves are smaller and more deeply divided. Also, bull thistle tends to grow as a single plant, and its stems have spiny wings. <\/p>
Lifecycle: <\/strong>Biennial<\/p>
Weed type: <\/strong>Broadleaf<\/p>
Where it thrives: <\/strong>Disturbed soil, along fence lines, and in open, sunny areas<\/p>
How to identify bull thistle:<\/strong><\/p>
- Large, spiky leaves with white veins<\/li>
- Tall, prickly stem<\/li>
- Strong taproot that makes it tough to remove<\/li> <\/ul>
Quackgrass (Elymus repens)<\/em><\/h3>
![\"green](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/quackgrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Ayotte, Gilles, 1948-<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> One of the telltale signs of quackgrass is the ear-like appendages at the base of the leaves, which help it grip the soil. You won’t see much above ground, just normal-looking grass blades, but its underground network is what makes it a nightmare. If in doubt, look for its tall seed heads, which have two rows of small flower clusters called spikelets and can measure about 2 to 10 inches long. <\/p>
Lifecycle:<\/strong> Perennial<\/p>
Weed type: <\/strong>Grass<\/p>
- Best Grass Seed for Iowa Lawns<\/a><\/li>
- Lawn Aeration in Iowa: Everything You Need to Know<\/a><\/li>
- How to Get Rid of Crabgrass in Your Yard<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
- Why Is Crabgrass Bad for the Lawn?<\/a><\/li>
- Bull Thistle (Cirsium vulgare)<\/a><\/li>
- Yellow Nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus)<\/a><\/li>
- Creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea)<\/a><\/li>
- Black Medic (Medicago lupulina)<\/a><\/li>