- Broadleaf Weeds<\/a>
- Henbit (Lamium amplexicaule)<\/a><\/li>
- Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)<\/a><\/li>
- Common Chickweed (Stellaria media)<\/a><\/li>
- Curly Dock (Rumex crispus)<\/a><\/li>
- Broadleaf Plantain (Plantago major)<\/a><\/li>
- Black Medic (Medicago lupulina)<\/a><\/li>
- Prostrate Knotweed (Polygonum aviculare)<\/a><\/li>
- Purslane (Portulaca oleracea)<\/a><\/li>
- Spotted Spurge (Euphorbia maculata)<\/a><\/li>
- Common Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)<\/a><\/li>
- Spiny Sowthistle (Sonchus asper)<\/a><\/li>
- Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia)<\/a><\/li>
- Pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus)<\/a><\/li>
- Narrowleaf Vetch (Vicia sativa)<\/a><\/li>
- Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis)<\/a><\/li>
- Wood Sorrel (Oxalis stricta)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Grassy Weeds<\/a>
- Smooth Crabgrass (Digitaria ischaemum)<\/a><\/li>
- Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense)<\/a><\/li>
- Annual Bluegrass (Poa annua)<\/a><\/li>
- Dallisgrass (Paspalum dilatatum)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- FAQ<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
Broadleaf Weeds<\/h2>
Henbit (Lamium amplexicaule<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"closeup](\"https:\/\/wp.wikilawn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Henbit.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Miltos Gikas<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure> Also called dead nettle, henbit is a member of the mint family, though this weed is far from refreshing. Appearing in late winter, it is difficult to control once it has dominated the area, which can happen by early spring if left untreated.<\/p>
Life cycle:<\/strong> Winter annual<\/p>
Weed type:<\/strong> Broadleaf<\/p>
Where it thrives: <\/strong>Thrives in fertile soil, but will also grow in sandy soils<\/a>. Prefers full to partial shade, but tolerates sun.<\/p>
How to identify henbit: <\/strong>Hairy and rounded leaves with deep veins. Square stems. Purple, tubular flowers.<\/p>
How to get rid of henbit: <\/strong>Henbit is easy to control with pre-emergent herbicides<\/a> applied in early to mid-September. If the treatment window for pre-emergent application is missed, homeowners can control henbit with post-emergent herbicides in October or November. Two to four applications might be needed. <\/p>
Pro tip: <\/strong>You can apply corn gluten meal in late summer as an organic pre-emergent herbicide option.<\/p>
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"Dandelion](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/rsz_dandelions-g65abded2b_1280.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Also called lions-tooth or puffball, dandelion is a hardy perennial weed. It has a strong taproot that grows deep into the soil and rosettes above the ground that last the entire year. Blowing the parachute-like seeds might even grant you a wish, but at the cost of spreading the infestation in your lawn or for miles around.<\/p>
Life cycle:<\/strong> Winter perennial<\/p>
Weed type:<\/strong> Broadleaf<\/p>
Where it thrives:<\/strong> Can tolerate a wide variety of soils, but prefers soils with low calcium and high levels of nitrogen and potassium. Dandelions can indicate acidic soil conditions<\/a>.<\/p>
How to identify dandelion: <\/strong>Bright yellow flowers that bloom in April. Produces a seed head in the form of a puffball. Long serrated leaves that point back to the center of the rosette.<\/p>
How to get rid of dandelion: <\/strong>Dig out as much of the taproot as possible in early spring. You can also use a spring pre-emergent herbicide application to avoid the establishment of new weeds since dandelions can regenerate from fragments of roots. You can also use a broadleaf post-emergent herbicide during fall, which is generally more effective on perennials.<\/p>
Common Chickweed (Stellaria media<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"Common](\"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> Contrary to what the name might suggest, chickweed does not look like a chicken. This winter annual, also popularly known as starweed or winterweed, easily spreads through turfgrass. It emerges in late summer, and if left untreated, can creep into your lawn creating large, dense patches. <\/p>
Life cycle:<\/strong> Winter annual <\/p>
Weed type:<\/strong> Broadleaf <\/p>
Where it thrives:<\/strong> Prefers nitrogen-rich, moist, fertile soils. Grows best under cool, humid weather and shade. Doesn\u2019t tolerate a dry, hot climate and can indicate poorly-drained soil<\/a>.<\/p>
How to identify chickweed: <\/strong>The stems are slim, with a row of fine hairs on one side. Noticeable small white flowers grouped in clusters.<\/p>
How to get rid of chickweed: <\/strong>Chickweed has a shallow root system, which makes it easy to manually pull the weed out. You can use a trowel to dig up the roots if the weed is too intertwined with the grass. Easily controlled with post-emergent herbicides<\/a> during fall and early spring, while plants are still small. <\/p>
Curly Dock (Rumex crispus<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"green](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Curly-Dock.jpg\")
Photo Credit: John Tann<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> This broadleaf weed is commonly found in turfgrass as a rosette and can reach 2 to 3 feet in height. Its taproot grows deeply into the soil. An opportunistic weed, curly dock grows more intensively when the turfgrass is under heat stress.<\/p>
Life cycle:<\/strong> Summer perennial<\/p>
Weed type:<\/strong> Broadleaf <\/p>
Where it thrives: <\/strong>Prefers areas with full sun and moist to dry, nutrient-rich soils<\/p>
How to identify curly dock: <\/strong>Light green leaves with wavy borders show up along with spring, and later gain a reddish hue. When left uncontrolled, small green flowers bloom in clusters.<\/p>
How to get rid of curly dock:<\/strong> It can be difficult to control once established. When still small, spring post-emergent herbicide applications can be effective. Once established, applying herbicides in the fall might be more effective, but more than a single application will be necessary.<\/p>
Broadleaf Plantain (Plantago major)<\/em><\/h3>
![\"A](\"https:\/\/wp.wikilawn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/7557418892_a9b091f0d2_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: F. D. Richards<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure> Broadleaf plantain is a perennial and one of the most common lawn weeds. Although it has edible seeds, broadleaf plantain is not related to the banana type we know \u2014 so please don\u2019t try to eat it! Often found on roadsides as well as in turfgrasses, its rosette grows very close to the ground, crowding out the turf. This characteristic makes this weed particularly good at resisting mowing. <\/p>
Life cycle:<\/strong> Summer perennial<\/p>
Weed type:<\/strong> Broadleaf<\/p>
Where it thrives: <\/strong>Can thrive in most soils, wet or dry, adapting very well in heavy and compacted soils. Remaining green throughout the winter and drought periods, it grows in full sun and partial shade.<\/p>
How to identify plantain: <\/strong>The leaves have an elliptical form and rest flat on the ground, with wavy borders and prominent veins. Short hairs make it harshly textured. Small flowers grow along the upward-pointing stems. <\/strong><\/p>
How to get rid of plantain: <\/strong>The short taproot makes it easy for hand pulling. If only a few are present on your turf, this might be a viable option. Spot treatment with post-emergent herbicides will also do the trick. <\/p>
Black Medic (Medicago lupulina)<\/em><\/h3>
![\"Yellowe](\"https:\/\/wp.wikilawn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Black-Medic-Medicago-Lupulina.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Lawn Weeds<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure> Frequently mistaken for white clover \u2014 as both often grow together \u2014 black medic creeps into your lawn as a low-grower. With a taproot that grows deeply into most soil types, the stems grow prostrate along the ground. <\/p>
Life cycle:<\/strong> Summer annual weed that can behave as a perennial when winters are mild<\/p>
Weed type:<\/strong> Broadleaf<\/p>
Where it thrives:<\/strong> Thrives in full sun and soils with low nitrogen levels<\/p>
How to identify black medic: <\/strong>Each leaf has three leaflets, very similar to other clover leaves. The stems spread close to the ground. Small yellow flowers in a dense cluster emerge from amongst the leaves. <\/strong><\/p>
How to get rid of black medic: <\/strong>Nitrogen fertilization<\/a> is very effective at preventing black medic. If existing weeds are already established on the lawn, removal is needed. Hand pulling is effective if dealing with a few of them, but for bigger infestations, post-emergent broadleaf herbicide applications will be needed.<\/p>
Prostrate Knotweed (Polygonum aviculare)<\/em><\/h3>
![\"close](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/rsz_4985277262_92077c82a9_c.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Out of the other warm-season annuals, knotweed is the first to appear when spring shows up, germinating with the first warm days of the season. If this weed is growing in your lawn, it is a strong indicator of soil compaction<\/a>.<\/p>
Life cycle:<\/strong> Summer annual <\/p>
Weed type:<\/strong> Broadleaf<\/p>
Where it thrives: <\/strong>Well adapted to compacted soil, usually appears in areas with high traffic<\/p>
How to identify knotweed: <\/strong>Prostrate stems grow in branches to form a mat in the area, preventing the growth of the desired turfgrass. They form nodes that give a \u201cknotted\u201d appearance to the weed. Tiny, inconspicuous flowers bloom in the conjunction of the stem and the leaf. <\/p>
How to get rid of knotweed: <\/strong>Preventing soil compaction with regular aeration<\/a> will help avoid knotweed. Once established, it is very difficult to eradicate. Several post-emergent herbicide applications might be necessary.<\/p>
Purslane (Portulaca oleracea)<\/em><\/h3>
![\"Purslane\"](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/rsz_1024px-purslane_closeup.jpg\")
Photo Credit: John Comeau<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> This succulent, warm-season annual easily takes over thin, newly established lawns. Also growing close to the ground to form a mat, purslane can produce shade on the turfgrass, restrictingits access to sunlight. <\/p>
Life cycle:<\/strong> Summer annual<\/p>
Weed type:<\/strong> Broadleaf<\/p>
Where it thrives: <\/strong>Purslane grows in areas with full sun. Equipped with its taproot and secondary fibrous roots, this weed adapts to a variety of soils, including poor, compacted ones. However, purslane prefers soil that has good drainage<\/a> and is fertile.<\/p>
How to identify purslane: <\/strong>The stems have a red-brownish color that contrasts with the shiny, green, wedge-shaped leaves and bright yellow flowers.<\/p>
How to get rid of purslane: <\/strong>Hand-pulling or spot-treating while still young can be an option when dealing with a small infestation. Purslane also doesn\u2019t tolerate traffic or shade.<\/p>
Spotted Spurge (Euphorbia maculata)<\/em><\/h3>
![\"closeup](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Spotted-Spurge.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Melissa McMasters<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Spurge is one of the most common summer annual weeds. With abundant seed production, this weed grows from a single taproot. The prostrate stems grow very close to the ground, forming circular patches on the turf. <\/p>
Life cycle: <\/strong>Summer annual<\/p>
Weed type:<\/strong> Broadleaf<\/p>
Where it thrives: <\/strong>Prefers full sun and warm temperatures. Grows in various soil types: loam, sand, clay, and rocky soils. <\/p>
How to identify spurge: <\/strong>Leaves have a distinguishing brown spot in the center. When stems break, a milky sap is released.<\/p>
How to get rid of spurge: <\/strong>It\u2019s easy to remove a few large plants by hand since they grow from a single taproot. Because it produces abundant seeds and has no seed dormancy, it spreads easily. The best option to prevent spotted spurge is by improving turf density in the fall and spring through overseeding<\/a>.<\/p>
Common Yarrow (Achillea millefolium<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"cluster](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/image-170.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> The common yarrow is an aggressive-growing weed that spreads through rhizomes and produces a characteristic scent. It hugs the ground as it grows, forming dense patches that resist mowing<\/a>.<\/p>
Life cycle:<\/strong> Summer perennial<\/p>
Weed type:<\/strong> Broadleaf<\/p>
Where it thrives: <\/strong>Prefers full sun and well-drained soils with high organic matter and neutral pH. Tolerates dry soils.<\/p>
How to identify yarrow: <\/strong>Fern-like leaves that resemble cultivated carrots. Stems are covered with small hairs. The plant emits a distinctive scent.<\/p>
How to get rid of yarrow: <\/strong>Cultural prevention methods are the way to go. Fertilizing your lawn to improve your turf\u2019s growing conditions is effective in managing this weed.<\/p>
Spiny Sowthistle (Sonchus asper<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"closeup](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Spiny-Sowthistle.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Em\u0151ke D\u00e9nes<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> The thistle usually appears in newly established lawns where weed control<\/a> strategies have not been applied before. The seeds spread by wind, rapidly taking over the area.<\/p>
Life cycle: <\/strong>Summer annual, occasionally biennial<\/p>
Weed type: <\/strong>Broadleaf<\/p>
Where it thrives:<\/strong> Likes full sun and moist to dry conditions, growing in loam, clay, and gravelly soil. Can indicate an unhealthy lawn<\/a>.<\/p>
How to identify spiny sowthistle: <\/strong>Bright yellow flowerheads bloom in the summer. The leaves\u2019 margins have soft, spiny teeth.<\/p>
How to get rid of spiny sowthistle:<\/strong> If the infestation is still small, hand pulling is effective \u2014 just make sure to remove all of the taproot. Is also effectively controlled by post-emergent herbicides. Additionally, maintaining a dense and healthy lawn that can outcompete thistle is also a great strategy.<\/p>
Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"closeup](\"https:\/\/wp.wikilawn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Ragweed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: United Soybean Board<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> This weed is a member of the daisy family. Ragweed can cause contact dermatitis, hayfever, and other allergies, so if you\u2019re sensitive to these things, consider carefully managing this weed. <\/p>
Life cycle: <\/strong>Summer annual <\/p>
Weed type: <\/strong>Broadleaf<\/p>
Where it thrives: <\/strong>Thrives in full sun and poor soils <\/p>
How to identify ragweed: <\/strong>The stems are hairy and branched, reaching up to 6 feet tall. Fern-like, compound leaves are also covered in fine hairs.<\/p>
- Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense)<\/a><\/li>
- Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)<\/a><\/li>
- Henbit (Lamium amplexicaule)<\/a><\/li>