- Common Grassy Weeds in Michigan<\/a><\/li>
- Common Flowering Weeds in Michigan<\/a><\/li>
- Common Broadleaf Weeds in Michigan<\/a><\/li>
- FAQ About Common Weeds in Michigan<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
Common Grassy Weeds in Michigan<\/h2>
Annual Bluegrass<\/h3>
![\"Closeup](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/6170163885_5d31534a30_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Annual bluegrass (Poa annua<\/em>) is a very adaptable and common weed. It can grow in various conditions, whether you mow your lawn high or low, and it spreads easily. This weed is tricky because it can look different in different places.<\/p>
To remove this weed from your yard, explore a few different ways to get rid of annual bluegrass<\/a>.<\/p>
Life Cycle:<\/strong> Winter annual<\/p>
Where It Thrives:<\/strong> Lawns, golf courses, sports fields, and almost any turfgrass area<\/p>
Bermudagrass<\/h3>
![\"closeup](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Bermudagrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Bidgee<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon<\/em>) is a warm-season grass that often becomes a pesky weed in lawns. It spreads by stolons and rhizomes (above- and below-ground stems) and can be particularly aggressive in areas with higher soil temperatures. <\/p>
Although it’s a turfgrass, its invasive nature makes it a troublesome weed for many homeowners.<\/p>
Note<\/strong>: Bermudagrass can survive Michigan winters<\/strong>, even though it’s not widely considered cold-tolerant.<\/p>
Life Cycle<\/strong>: Perennial<\/p>
Where It Thrives<\/strong>: Warm areas, particularly where soil temperatures are elevated<\/p>
Interested in learning more about Bermudagrass and its management? Check out these articles:
<\/p>- Bermudagrass Guide: Types, Traits, and Care<\/a><\/li>
- How to Keep Bermudagrass Out of Flower Beds<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
Smooth Crabgrass<\/h3>
![\"Smooth](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/18654293279_29de3fea46_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: New York State IPM Program at Cornell University<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Smooth crabgrass (Digitaria ischaemum<\/em>) is the most common summer annual grass problem in Michigan lawns. It’s estimated that 90% of the crabgrass in Michigan is smooth crabgrass. This weed has a light green appearance and can be identified by its swollen, zig-zag nodes. <\/p>
Getting rid of crabgrass<\/a> in your yard can be challenging but manageable with the right approach.<\/p>
Life Cycle:<\/strong> Annual<\/p>
Where It Thrives:<\/strong> Lawns, especially in areas with elevated soil temperatures or grub damage from the previous year<\/p>
Quackgrass<\/h3>
![\"Quackgrass](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Quackgrass-Elytrigia-repens.jpg\")
Photo Credit: NY State IPM Program at Cornell University<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Quackgrass (Elytrigia repens<\/em>) is a pesky weed that pops up in lawns and gardens. It\u2019s easy to spot because it has a dull blue-green color and spreads through underground stems called rhizomes.<\/p>
Life Cycle:<\/strong> Perennial<\/p>
Where It Thrives:<\/strong> Lawns, particularly in areas with unscreened topsoil<\/p>
Learn how to get rid of quackgrass<\/a> in this article.<\/p>
Goosegrass<\/h3>
![\"Goosegrass](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/7120802953_9158ec4c63_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Harry Rose<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Goosegrass (Elusine indica<\/em>) is a tough summer weed that thrives in high-traffic areas. It germinates about two weeks after smooth crabgrass and can handle heavy traffic, dry soil, and low mowing heights. <\/p>
Life Cycle:<\/strong> Annual<\/p>
Where It Thrives:<\/strong> Lawns with heavy traffic and compacted, dry soils<\/p>
Learn ways to prevent or get rid of goosegrass<\/a> in our guide.<\/p>
Common Flowering Weeds in Michigan<\/h2>
Dandelion<\/h3>
![\"Dandelion](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/512px-Taraxacum_officinale_001-1.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: H. Zell<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale<\/em>) is probably the most recognizable and common weed in lawns. It has bright yellow flowers and fluffy white seed heads that kids love to blow on. This weed grows almost anywhere and can spread quickly.<\/p>
Note:<\/strong> Dandelion seeds float away in the wind, making them hard to get rid of. Learn how to deal with these weeds in our guide: \u201cHow to Get Rid of Dandelions<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>
Life Cycle:<\/strong> Perennial<\/p>
Where It Thrives:<\/strong> Just about anywhere, in all kinds of soil<\/p>
Canada Thistle<\/h3>
![\"Canada](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/4971730937_14f7bf481e_c-1-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense<\/em><\/em>) is a pesky weed that grows in patches and can reach 1 to 3 feet high. It has a deep, creeping root system that makes it tough to get rid of.<\/p>
Life Cycle:<\/strong> Perennial<\/p>
Where It Thrives:<\/strong> Low maintenance areas like pastures, fields, and roadsides<\/p>
Use pre-emergent herbicides and mow regularly to get rid of Canada thistle<\/a>.<\/p>
Purple Deadnettle<\/h3>
![\"Closeup](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/512px-20190313_Lamium_purpureum-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: AnRo0002<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC0 1.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Purple deadnettle (Lamium purpureum<\/em>) is a common weed that often invades vacant fields, landscape borders, and disturbed lawns. Its leaves can range from dark green to purple, and it’s one of the first plants to flower after the snow melts in spring.<\/p>
Life Cycle:<\/strong> Annual<\/p>
Where It Thrives:<\/strong> Thin or bare areas in lawns, landscape borders, and compost piles<\/p>
Mow, hand-pull, or apply pre- or post-emergent herbicides to get rid of deadnettle<\/a>.<\/p>
Chicory<\/h3>
![\"Chicory](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/3730881676_b1281a27d9_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Bob Richmond<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Chicory (Cichorium intybus<\/em>) is a common weed you often see along Michigan roadsides. It’s especially noticeable in late summer with its bright blue flowers. It\u2019s tough and can grow in dry, poor soil.<\/p>
Life Cycle:<\/strong> Perennial<\/p>
Where It Thrives:<\/strong> Dry, poor soil along roadsides and in waste areas<\/p>
Heal All<\/h3>
![\"Closeup](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/8303578139_1ff8e80b79_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Ettore Balocchi<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Heal all (Prunella vulgaris<\/em>) is a low-growing, spreading weed from the mint family. It has unique puckered leaves and small purple flowers that bloom in early summer.<\/p>
Life Cycle:<\/strong> Perennial<\/p>
Where It Thrives:<\/strong> Shady, moist, and well-fertilized areas<\/p>
Henbit<\/h3>
![\"Henbit](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/4532799305_4db6805744_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: David~O<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Henbit (Lamium amplexicaule<\/em>) is a winter weed that likes to grow in new or thin lawns, especially where the soil is rich in nutrients. It’s most noticeable in its first year but usually disappears as your lawn gets thicker.<\/p>
Life Cycle:<\/strong> Annual<\/p>
Where It Thrives:<\/strong> New lawns and thin, nutrient-rich areas<\/p>
Cultivate a dense lawn to get rid of henbit<\/a>.<\/p>
Orange Hawkweed<\/h3>
![\"Orange](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/170146121_f1f2642b87_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: John Hritz<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Orange hawkweed (Hieracium aurantiacum<\/em>) is a tough weed found in low-maintenance areas like roadsides and lawns. It often grows where the soil isn’t very fertile or is a bit acidic.<\/p>
Life Cycle:<\/strong> Perennial<\/p>
Where It Thrives:<\/strong> Lawns, roadsides, and places with poor soil or acidic conditions<\/p>
Dig up the plants or use post-emergent herbicides to get rid of orange hawkweed<\/a>.<\/p>
Common Broadleaf Weeds in Michigan<\/h2>
Broadleaf Plantain<\/h3>
![\"closeup](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Broadleaf-Plantain-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Iorsh<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC0 1.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Broadleaf plantain (Plantago major<\/em>) is a very common broadleaf weed in lawns, second only to dandelions. It can grow almost anywhere, whether the soil is dry or wet, and even survive low mowing heights.<\/p>
Life Cycle:<\/strong> Perennial<\/p>
Where It Thrives:<\/strong> Lawns, roadsides, pastures, and areas with heavy, compacted soils<\/p>
Hand-pull, spot-spray, and keep a healthy lawn to get rid of broadleaf plantain<\/a>.<\/p>
Buckhorn Plantain<\/h3>
![\"Closeup](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Plantago_lanceolata_flowers-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Kurt Stueber<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Buckhorn plantain (Plantago lanceolata<\/em>) is a weed with long, narrow leaves that form a rosette. It can grow in many different conditions, even if the soil is compacted or has a high pH.<\/p>
Life Cycle:<\/strong> Perennial<\/p>
Where It Thrives:<\/strong> Lawns, meadows, and areas with compacted or high pH soil<\/p>
Get rid of buckhorn plantain<\/a> by using a weed-puller or spraying with post-emergent herbicides.<\/p>
Common Chickweed<\/h3>
![\"chickweed](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/rsz_1280px-stellaria_media_common_chickweed_\u10df\u10e3\u10dc\u10df\u10e0\u10e3\u10d9\u10d8-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Lazaregagnidze<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Common chickweed (Stellaria media<\/em>) is a weed that often grows in the mulch around shade trees. It prefers shady, moist areas and forms small mounds around 3 to 7 inches tall. It produces small white-to-pink flowers in early spring.<\/p>
Life Cycle:<\/strong> Annual<\/p>
Where It Thrives:<\/strong> Shady, moist areas like the mulch around trees<\/p>
Spray small seedlings to get rid of chickweed<\/a> in the lawn, or apply pre-emergents before they sprout. Hand-pulling is also effective.<\/p>
Curly Dock<\/h3>
![\"Curly](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/52149307853_58903c37eb_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Joost J. Bakker<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Curly dock (Rumex crispus<\/em>) is a weed with long roots that grow in a circle shape. Its leaves are 6 to 8 inches long and have wavy edges that make them look curly, like lettuce.<\/p>
Life Cycle:<\/strong> Perennial<\/p>
Where It Thrives:<\/strong> Low-maintenance areas like roadside ditches and wet, nutrient-rich soils<\/p>
Redroot Pigweed<\/h3>
![\"Redroot](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/52162245849_50fdab0531_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Harry Rose<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus<\/em>) is a summer annual weed often found in new lawns or disturbed soil areas like gardens. It’s known for causing late summer allergies and is a prolific seeder.<\/p>
Life Cycle:<\/strong> Annual<\/p>
Where It Thrives:<\/strong> New lawns and disturbed soil areas<\/p>
Clover<\/h3>
![\"white](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/23938802042_b36bfabac1_c.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Simon<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Clover (Trifolium <\/em>spp.) is a common weed in Michigan lawns, especially in lawns with nutrient deficiencies. It’s easily recognizable by its trifoliate (three-part) leaves and white or pink flowers.<\/p>
Note:<\/strong> Clover can fix nitrogen in the soil, which can benefit the grass.<\/p>
Life Cycle:<\/strong> Perennial<\/p>
Where It Thrives:<\/strong> Lawns with poor soil fertility<\/p>
Considering adding clover to your lawn? Learn more in these articles:<\/p>
- Should You Grow a Clover Lawn in Michigan?<\/a><\/li>
- When to Plant Clover in Michigan<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
If a clover lawn isn\u2019t your style, check out our article: \u201cHow to Get Rid of Clover and Not Kill Grass<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>
FAQ About Common Weeds in Michigan<\/h2>
What are some effective methods for controlling weeds in my yard?<\/h3>
There are several ways to tackle those pesky weeds. You can pull them out by hand, mow your lawn regularly, or use herbicides. For a full guide on the best methods, check out this article: \u201cGuide to Weed Control in Your Yard<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>
Can weeds be beneficial in any way?<\/h3>
Yes, some weeds can be beneficial. For example, dandelions have edible leaves and flowers that are full of vitamins (read more in: \u201cHow Dandelions Benefit You and Your Yard<\/a>\u201d). <\/p>
Weeds can also help improve soil health by adding organic matter and providing habitats for helpful insects. However, in your lawn, it’s usually best to control weeds to keep your grass healthy and looking nice.<\/p>
Why is it important to remove weeds before they set seed?<\/h3>
It’s crucial to remove weeds before they set seed because it stops them from spreading more seeds. For example, one dandelion can produce up to 15,000 seeds. Removing weeds early reduces the number of seeds in the soil and makes it easier to manage them in the long run.<\/p>
What are some effective non-chemical weed control methods?<\/h3>
There are several ways to control weeds without using chemicals:<\/p>
- Manual removal:<\/strong> Hand-pulling or digging weeds works well, especially for weeds with shallow roots.<\/li>
- Mowing:<\/strong> Regular mowing can keep weeds from spreading.<\/li>
- Mulching:<\/strong> Mulch blocks sunlight, which helps prevent weed growth.<\/li>
- Attention to soil health:<\/strong> Proper fertilization and watering keep your lawn healthy, making it harder for weeds to take over.<\/li> <\/ul>
- Mowing:<\/strong> Regular mowing can keep weeds from spreading.<\/li>
- When to Plant Clover in Michigan<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
- How to Keep Bermudagrass Out of Flower Beds<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
- Common Flowering Weeds in Michigan<\/a><\/li>