- 1. Annual Bluegrass<\/a><\/li>
- 2. Chickweed<\/a><\/li>
- 3. Dandelion<\/a><\/li>
- 4. Hairy Bittercress<\/a><\/li>
- 5. Henbit<\/a><\/li>
- 6. Persian Speedwell<\/a><\/li>
- 7. Prickly Lettuce<\/a><\/li>
- 8. Purple Deadnettle<\/a><\/li>
- 9. Shepherd’s Purse<\/a><\/li>
- FAQ About Common Winter Weeds<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
1. Annual Bluegrass<\/h2>
![\"Closeup](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/6170163885_5d31534a30_c-1.jpg\")
Annual bluegrass. Photo Credit: Matt Lavin<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Annual bluegrass is a grassy winter annual weed with heavy seed production, says Erin Smith, horticulture Extension agent with Texas A&M in Denton. Mowing these weeds short helps prevent annual bluegrass seeds from spreading prolifically throughout your yard. <\/p>
Growing in clumps of light green grass blades, this cool-season grass germinates in fall, grows throughout winter, and produces seeds in spring. Without mowing, this European native can reach heights of 6 to 8 inches.<\/p>
Best ways to get rid of annual bluegrass:<\/strong><\/p>
- Don\u2019t overwater, since overwatering can be one reason weeds grow in your lawn<\/a>.<\/li>
- Don\u2019t apply excessive nitrogen fertilizer.<\/li>
- Smith recommends using products with active ingredients such as pendimethalin, oryzalin, benefin, trifluralin, and prodiamine.<\/li> <\/ul>
Pro Tip: <\/strong>To prevent winter weeds, apply pre-emergent herbicides in late summer or early fall, usually between August and October, once soil temps fall to 70 F. For existing weeds, apply post-emergent herbicides in early fall when air temperatures are below 85 F.<\/p>
2. Chickweed<\/h2>
![\"Close-up](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/chickweed.jpg?wsr\")
Chickweed. Photo Credit: Claudio Divizia<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure> Chickweed\u2019s shallow, fibrous root system makes it easy to weed by hand or with a hoe. Pointy oval leaves distinguish this low-growing winter weed, which grows densely in mats that creep along the ground.<\/p>
Chickweed blooms with small white star-shaped flowers that grow at the tip of a slender stem. These flowers have deeply lobed petals that make it appear as if the flower has 10 separate petals instead of 5 petals. <\/p>
This cool-season broadleaf weed is edible and can serve as a medicinal herb. Chickens and other birds love to snack on this winter weed, which is thought to be where its name comes from.<\/p>
Best ways to <\/strong>get rid of common chickweed<\/a>: <\/strong><\/p>
- Hand-pull weeds.<\/li>
- Till the soil.<\/li>
- Apply selective post-emergent herbicides that include dicamba, fluroxypyr, or MCPP.<\/li> <\/ul>
See Related:<\/strong> Types of Post-Emergent Herbicides<\/a><\/p>
3. Dandelion<\/h2>
![\"Blooming](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/dandelion.jpg?wsr\")
Dandelion. Photo Credit: tomeyk<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock Free \/ License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Dandelions are tenacious weeds recognizable both for their sunny yellow flowers that bloom from spring through fall and their characteristic puffball of seeds. These broadleaf perennials get their name from a French phrase that translates to \u201clion\u2019s tooth.\u201d<\/p>
Fall is the best time to control dandelions. Here\u2019s why: As the plant naturally moves nutrients into its root system, it will also carry herbicides deep into the taproot, killing it and preventing regrowth in spring. If you miss the fall window, apply a pre-emergent in spring or spot-treat when they\u2019re young.<\/p>
Best ways to <\/strong>get rid of dandelions<\/a>:<\/strong><\/p>
- Cover with mulch.<\/li>
- Hand-pull weeds.<\/li>
- Apply pre-emergent herbicides in spring.<\/li>
- Apply broadleaf post-emergent herbicides in spring or fall. Opt for products that contain triclopyr, 2,4-D, dicamba, or MCPP.<\/li> <\/ul>
See Related:<\/strong> How Dandelions Benefit You and Your Yard<\/a><\/p>
4. Hairy Bittercress<\/h2>
![\"Green](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Hairy-Bittercress.jpg\")
Hairy bittercress. Photo Credit: Katja Schulz from Washington, D. C., USA<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Hairy bittercress thrives in areas with moist soil and full sun. This edible weed is sometimes used as a substitute for parsley.<\/p>
A member of the mustard family, hairy bittercress grows in a rosette formation. Its pinnate leaves (compound leaves that grow on both sides of the stalk) are small and round. This winter annual grows low on the ground and blossoms with small, white flowers. It has a shallow root system, which makes it easy to hand-pull.<\/p>
Best ways to get rid of hairy bittercress: <\/strong><\/p>
- Hand-pull.<\/li>
- Apply a pre-emergent herbicide<\/a> in late summer or early fall.<\/li>
- Use a selective broadleaf post-emergent.<\/li> <\/ul>
5. Henbit<\/h2>
![\"Purple](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/4532799305_4db6805744_c-1.jpg\")
Henbit. Photo Credit: David~O<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> A member of the mint family, henbit is a winter annual broadleaf weed. You can recognize it by its purple tubular flowers and the rounded, scalloped leaves growing in intermittent bunches along a long purple stem. Look for \u201cwhorled leaves around the square stem,\u201d says Smith.<\/p>
This winter weed loves cool, moist climates and is common in annual ryegrass. Henbit has a fibrous root system and grows 4 to 16 inches tall.<\/p>
Best ways to get rid of henbit: <\/strong><\/p>
- Hand-pull weeds for small infestations.<\/li>
- Apply a pre-emergent herbicide<\/a> in September.<\/li>
- Apply a broadleaf post-emergent with the ingredient 2,4-D during the winter months. Smith recommends using atrazine, dicamba, or triclopyr to treat henbit.<\/li> <\/ul>
6. Persian Speedwell<\/h2>
![\"Dense](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Persian-Speedwell.jpg\")
Persian Speedwell. Photo Credit: Tiffany<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure> Persian speedwell is a low-growing winter annual weed that spreads along the ground. Its leaves have toothed edges. Persian speedwell blooms with tiny pale blue flowers colored with dark blue stripes and a white center. These flowers have four petals and grow on long stalks.<\/p>
Best ways to get rid of Persian speedwell: <\/strong><\/p>
- Hand-pull weeds.<\/li>
- Apply a pre-emergent herbicide.<\/li>
- Apply a post-emergent herbicide<\/a>.<\/li> <\/ul>
7. Prickly Lettuce<\/h2>
![\"Prickly](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Prickly-Lettuce.jpg\")
Prickly Lettuce. Photo Credit: Rmd17<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure> Prickly lettuce grows in a basal rosette and has long, spiny leaves. When in bloom, prickly lettuce produces pale yellow flowers. <\/p>
Depending on the timing of seed germination and other conditions, prickly lettuce can be either a winter annual or a biennial. It has a long taproot that grows deeply into the soil. When damaged, its leaves and stems produce milky sap. <\/p>
Best ways to get rid of prickly lettuce: <\/strong><\/p>
- Maintain dense turf that outcompetes prickly lettuce.<\/li>
- Mow prickly lettuce before it flowers.<\/li>
- Hand-pull weeds.<\/li> <\/ul>
8. Purple Deadnettle<\/h2>
![\"Purple](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/512px-20190313_Lamium_purpureum-1.jpg\")
Purple Deadnettle. Photo Credit: AnRo0002<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC0 1.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> You might notice purple deadnettle springing up in your lawn in the fall. Frequently confused with henbit, purple deadnettle has similar purple or pink tubular flowers. Despite its name, purple deadnettle is actually a member of the mint family, not the nettle family. <\/p>
This winter annual can be distinguished by arrow-shaped leaves with toothed edges and a veined surface. Its leaves are reddish-green at the top, but those lower down the stem are a deep green. Purple deadnettle has a shallow root system and commonly grows in moist soil. <\/p>
Best ways to get rid of purple deadnettle: <\/strong><\/p>
- Hand-pull weeds.<\/li>
- Apply post-emergent herbicides.<\/li> <\/ul>
9. Shepherd’s Purse<\/h2>
![\"Shepherds](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Shepherds-Purse-1.jpg\")
Shepherd’s Purse. Photo Credit: Andreas Rockstein<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Shepherd\u2019s purse grows in a basal rosette of deeply lobed leaves that resemble dandelion leaves. Tiny white flowers and heart-shaped seed pods grow atop its long stem. <\/p>
Left unmowed, shepherd\u2019s purse can grow as tall as 1\u00bd feet. You\u2019ll find this winter annual broadleaf weed growing in disturbed areas.<\/p>
Best ways to get rid of shepherd\u2019s purse: <\/strong><\/p>
- Cultivate dense grass that outcompetes shepherd\u2019s purse.<\/li>
- Hand-pull.<\/li>
- Apply a broadleaf post-emergent with one or more of these ingredients: MCPP, Dicamba, Triclopyr, or 2,4-D.<\/li> <\/ul>
FAQ About Common Winter Weeds<\/h2>
Can Winter Weeds Damage My Lawn Permanently?<\/strong>\u201cWinter weeds can certainly weaken a lawn,\u201d says Smith, but dense, healthy grass will outcompete most weeds. Any bare spots in your yard can be overseeded in the spring.\u00a0
Will Winter Weeds Die on Their Own When Warm Weather Returns?<\/strong>Winter annuals germinate in the fall, mature in the winter, then die on their own in the spring when temperatures warm up. However, that doesn\u2019t stop them from spreading seeds that will germinate in fall. Removing them before they set seeds prevents this cycle from continuing and is one of the best ways to prevent new weeds in your flower beds<\/a> or grass.
How Do I Kill Winter Weeds Without Chemicals?<\/strong>There are several ways to kill winter weeds without chemical herbicides. Here are some eco-friendly, organic ways to get rid of your winter weeds:
Say Hello to a Weed-Free Lawn<\/h2>
Dandelions, annual bluegrass, or shepherd\u2019s purse are just a few of the weeds you might find invading your lawn this winter. Put a stop to your weed problems right now by hiring a LawnStarter pro to treat your lawn<\/a>. It\u2019s easy to book a lawn care service, and it saves you the headache of having to deal with wintertime weeds.<\/p>
Read Next:<\/strong><\/p>
- How Much Does Weed Control Cost?<\/a><\/li>
- Guide to Weed Control in Your Yard<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
\t\t\t\t\t\tSources:<\/strong><\/p> \t\t\t
<\/span><\/div> \t\t<\/div> \t\t\t- \u201cAnnual Bluegrass Control<\/a>.\u201d By Millie Davenport, director of Home and Garden Information Center. Clemson University.<\/li>
- \u201cCommon Chickweed<\/a>.\u201d By Rakesh Chandran, weed science specialist. West Virginia University.<\/li>
- \u201cConfusion on Timing of Winter Annual Lawn Weed Control<\/a>.\u201d University of Florida.<\/li>
- Erin Smith<\/a>, horticulture Extension agent with Texas A&M, Denton, TX. Personal interview.<\/li>
- \u201cHairy Bittercress<\/a>.\u201d By Rakesh Chandran, weed science specialist. West Virginia University.<\/li>
- \u201cHenbit, Lamium Amplexicaule<\/a>.\u201d By Susan Mahr, Master Gardener program coordinator. University of Wisconsin.<\/li>
- \u201cIdentifying and Controlling Common Winter Weeds in Your Pastures<\/a>.\u201d By Rocky Lemus, Extension agent. Mississippi State University Extension.<\/li>
- \u201cShepherd’s Purse<\/a>.\u201d Michigan State University Extension.<\/li>
- \u201cWinter Weed Identification and Control<\/a>.\u201d By Heather N. Kolich, county Extension coordinator. University of Georgia.<\/li> <\/ul> <\/div> \t\t<\/div> <\/div>
- \u201cCommon Chickweed<\/a>.\u201d By Rakesh Chandran, weed science specialist. West Virginia University.<\/li>
- Guide to Weed Control in Your Yard<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
- How Much Does Weed Control Cost?<\/a><\/li>
- Apply a broadleaf post-emergent with the ingredient 2,4-D during the winter months. Smith recommends using atrazine, dicamba, or triclopyr to treat henbit.<\/li> <\/ul>
- Use a selective broadleaf post-emergent.<\/li> <\/ul>
- 2. Chickweed<\/a><\/li>