{"id":93445,"date":"2026-08-17T18:23:43","date_gmt":"2026-08-17T21:23:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/?p=93445"},"modified":"2026-08-17T18:33:18","modified_gmt":"2026-08-17T21:33:18","slug":"common-weeds-virginia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/virginia\/common-weeds-virginia\/","title":{"rendered":"12 Common Weeds in Virginia: How to Identify and Control Them"},"content":{"rendered":"<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes has-medium-font-size\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Key Takeaways<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>\u2022 <strong>Virginia&#8217;s transition zone<\/strong> <strong>climate<\/strong> means both cool-season and warm-season weeds can invade your lawn, so year-round vigilance matters.<br>\u2022 <strong>Identifying whether a weed is broadleaf or grassy<\/strong>, and annual or perennial, helps you choose the right herbicide and timing for control.<br>\u2022 <strong>Pre-emergent herbicides<\/strong> prevent weeds before they sprout, while post-emergent herbicides treat weeds already growing.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Virginia&#8217;s transition zone climate is a weed&#8217;s dream: hot, humid summers invite warm-season invaders like crabgrass, while mild winters keep cool-season weeds like henbit and annual bluegrass actively growing into spring.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This guide will help you identify the most common weeds in Virginia so you can choose the right control method, whether that&#8217;s better mowing habits, a smarter watering routine, or <a href=\"https:\/\/signup-web.lawnstarter.com\/cart\/contact-info?intent=fertilization\">lawn treatment services<\/a> timed to the season.<\/p>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-table-of-contents-block ub_table-of-contents\" id=\"ub_table-of-contents-b3c123fe-439f-4af0-9c95-6915e0e369be\" data-linktodivider=\"false\" data-showtext=\"show\" data-hidetext=\"hide\" data-scrolltype=\"auto\" data-enablesmoothscroll=\"false\" data-initiallyhideonmobile=\"false\" data-initiallyshow=\"true\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header\" style=\"text-align: left; \"> \t\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-title\" style=\"\">In this article:<\/div> \t\t\t\t \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-extra-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-container ub_table-of-contents-1-column\"> \t\t\t\t<ul style=\"\"><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/virginia\/common-weeds-virginia\/#0-common-broadleaf-weeds-in-virginia\" style=\"\">Common Broadleaf Weeds in Virginia<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/virginia\/common-weeds-virginia\/#11-common-grassy-weeds-in-virginia\" style=\"\">Common Grassy Weeds in Virginia<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/virginia\/common-weeds-virginia\/#14-faqs\" style=\"\">FAQs<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>   <h2 id=\"0-common-broadleaf-weeds-in-virginia\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Common Broadleaf Weeds in Virginia<\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Broadleaf weeds are the category most Virginia homeowners deal with. They&#8217;re the ones with wide, flat leaves and visible veins, as opposed to the narrow-bladed grassy weeds listed further down. They steal nutrients, water, and sunlight from your turf.<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Weed Name<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Life Cycle<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Key Identifier<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Common Chickweed<\/td><td>Winter annual<\/td><td>Mat-forming, white flowers with split petals<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Dandelion<\/td><td>Perennial<\/td><td>Yellow flowers, white puffball seeds, deep taproot<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Hairy Bittercress<\/td><td>Winter annual<\/td><td>Rosette form, seed pods that explode on contact<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>White Clover<\/td><td>Perennial<\/td><td>Three-leaf clusters, white or pink flowers<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Virginia Buttonweed<\/td><td>Perennial<\/td><td>Lance-shaped leaves with white veins, four-petaled white flowers<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Henbit<\/td><td>Winter annual<\/td><td>Square stems, reddish-purple tubular flowers<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Broadleaf Plantain<\/td><td>Perennial<\/td><td>Oval leaves in rosette, pale green flower spikes<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Ground Ivy<\/td><td>Perennial<\/td><td>Minty scent when crushed, scalloped leaves<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Wild Violet<\/td><td>Perennial<\/td><td>Heart-shaped leaves, purple or white flowers<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Purple Deadnettle<\/td><td>Winter annual<\/td><td>Purple-bronze leaves, no sting despite the name<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <h3 id=\"1-1-common-chickweed\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Common Chickweed<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/rsz_1280px-stellaria_media_common_chickweed_%E1%83%9F%E1%83%A3%E1%83%9C%E1%83%9F%E1%83%A0%E1%83%A3%E1%83%99%E1%83%98-2.jpg\" alt=\"Common Chickweed\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Common chickweed. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Stellaria_media_Common_Chickweed_%E1%83%9F%E1%83%A3%E1%83%9C%E1%83%9F%E1%83%A0%E1%83%A3%E1%83%99%E1%83%98.JPG\" target=\"_blank\">Lazaregagnidze<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\">CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"color: rgb(23, 28, 36);\">Common chickweed leaves can be used as tasty greens in a salad. But it can also serve as a host plant for pests such as the Western tarnished plant bug and for diseases such as tomato spotted wilt virus.<\/span><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Life cycle:<\/strong> Winter annual<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How to identify common chickweed:<\/strong> <span style=\"color: rgb(29, 27, 25);\">Light green, succulent leaves with white flowers that look like they have 10 petals since each of the five is split into two lobes. Thrives in moist, shaded soil.<\/span><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How to get rid of&nbsp;common chickweed:&nbsp;<\/strong><span style=\"color: rgb(29, 27, 25);\">Hand-weed or hoe before it sets seed. Apply a broadleaf post-emergent in fall or early spring while plants are small; isoxaben as a pre-emergent stops next season&#8217;s germination.<\/span><\/p>    <h3 id=\"2-2-dandelion\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Dandelion<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/rsz_dandelion-gee3965d6d_1920.jpg\" alt=\"closeup of dandelion flower\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Close-up of a dandelion flower. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/pixabay.com\/sk\/photos\/p%c3%bapava-v%c4%8dela-pe%c4%be-z%c3%a1hrada-2106685\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pixabay<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you want to hop into the &#8220;no mow May&#8221; trend, you might want to do that earlier, in April, in Virginia to avoid having your lawn <a href=\"https:\/\/news.vt.edu\/articles\/2024\/04\/ext-for-virginia-its-less-mow-april.html?utm_id=97758_v0_s00_e0_tv2_a1demo0e62scyh&amp;fbclid=IwY2xjawThesVwZG9mBWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMUhhZWFTYWszM0x4aWZHd0RzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeGFGuK4cSzXxhdisZVLlnATuj_ySiCxwGTUMiubzgP3v21Ag2h3dkwj7GfUs_aem_Bn-tIZoJ03XmVCxV3ofrTg\" target=\"_blank\">overrun by dandelions<\/a>.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"color: rgb(29, 27, 25);\"><strong>Life cycle: <\/strong>Perennial<\/span><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How to identify<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>dandelions:<\/strong> <span style=\"color: rgb(29, 27, 25);\">Deeply serrated leaves up to 14 inches long cluster in a rosette, with tall stalks topped by yellow flowers that mature into white puffball seed heads.<\/span><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How to get rid of dandelions:<\/strong>&nbsp;<span style=\"color: rgb(29, 27, 25);\">Pull by hand, but get the entire taproot or it grows back. Herbicides containing triclopyr are effective on larger infestations.<\/span><\/p>    <h3 id=\"3-3-hairy-bittercress\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Hairy Bittercress<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.wikilawn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Hairy-Bittercress.jpg\" alt=\"closeup image of hairy bittercress in a garden\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Close-up image of hairy bittercress in a garden. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Hairy_Bittercress_%2832977478722%29.jpg\" target=\"_blank\">Katja Schulz<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"color: rgb(23, 28, 36);\">A member of the mustard family, hairy bittercress is also called flick weed, hoary bittercress, lamb\u2019s cress, land cress, shot weed, and springcress.<\/span><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Life cycle:<\/strong> Winter annual<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How to identify hairy bittercress:<\/strong> <span style=\"color: rgb(29, 27, 25);\">Rosette of heart-shaped leaves with branching stems 3-10 inches tall and small white flower clusters. Seed pods snap open at a touch, flinging seeds up to 3 feet away.<\/span><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How to get rid of hairy bittercress: <\/strong><span style=\"color: rgb(29, 27, 25);\">Improve drainage, manage fertility, and overseed thin turf to prevent it. Treat with a post-emergent herbicide in spring or fall.<\/span><\/p>    <h3 id=\"4-4-white-clover\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. White Clover<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.wikilawn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/White-Clover.jpg\" alt=\"large number of white clovers in a garden\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Large number of white clovers in a garden. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:White_Clover_%2849194791437%29.jpg\" target=\"_blank\">Lawn Weeds<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"color: rgb(23, 28, 36);\">Some people argue that white clover should not be considered a\u00a0<\/span>lawn weed<span style=\"color: rgb(23, 28, 36);\">. One reason is that\u00a0<\/span>clover is important for pollinators<span style=\"color: rgb(23, 28, 36);\">.\u00a0Another reason is that clover might help keep fertilizers <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/keepvirginiabeautiful.org\/2022\/03\/14\/clover-is-more-than-good-luck\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">out of the Chesapeake Bay<\/a><span style=\"color: rgb(23, 28, 36);\">, as it has a high nitrogen content that can help your lawn self-fertilize.<\/span><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Life cycle:<\/strong> Perennial<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How to identify<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>white clover: <\/strong><span style=\"color: rgb(29, 27, 25);\">&nbsp;Three rounded leaflets with light bands near the base, and white to light pink flowers up to 1\u00bd inches wide.<\/span><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How to get rid of<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>white clover: <\/strong><span style=\"color: rgb(29, 27, 25);\">Mow high, correct soil pH, and fertilize adequately, since clover thrives where turf is thin. Most fall-applied broadleaf herbicides control it effectively.<\/span><\/p>    <h3 id=\"5-5-virginia-buttonweed\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Virginia Buttonweed<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1280px-Diodia_virginiana_4909.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"A close-up of two small white Virginia buttonweed (Diodia virginiana) flowers with fuzzy petals growing low among wet grass blades and dark green leaves, with water droplets visible on the surrounding foliage after a rain.\" class=\"wp-image-153771\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1280px-Diodia_virginiana_4909.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1280px-Diodia_virginiana_4909-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1280px-Diodia_virginiana_4909-656x492.jpg 656w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1280px-Diodia_virginiana_4909-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1280px-Diodia_virginiana_4909-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Two small white Virginia buttonweed flowers. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Diodia_virginiana_4909.JPG\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Jomegat<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/3.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Virginia buttonweed (<em>Diodia virginiana<\/em>) is one of the most stubborn broadleaf weeds in Virginia warm-season lawns, forming dense mats that smother turfgrass and survive mowing.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Life cycle:<\/strong> Perennial<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How to identify Virginia buttonweed:<\/strong> <span style=\"color: rgb(29, 27, 25);\">Opposite, lance-shaped leaves with white veins connected by a membrane across a hairy, square stem. Small, four-petaled white flowers bloom from late spring through fall.<\/span><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How to <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-get-rid-of-virginia-buttonweed\/\">get rid of Virginia buttonweed<\/a><strong>:<\/strong> <span style=\"color: rgb(29, 27, 25);\">Improve drainage and cut back on watering. Apply post-emergent herbicides containing 2,4-D, dicamba, or metsulfuron during active summer growth, and expect to repeat treatments.<\/span><\/p>    <h3 id=\"6-6-henbit\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Henbit<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.wikilawn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Henbit.jpg\" alt=\"closeup image of purple flowers in a garden\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Close-up image of purple flowers in a garden. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/aries_tottle\/8546779930\" target=\"_blank\">Miltos Gikas<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\">CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Often confused with:<\/strong> Purple deadnettle and ground ivy. Henbit&#8217;s upper leaves clasp directly around the square stem with no leaf stalk \u2014 that&#8217;s the quickest tell.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Life cycle:<\/strong> Winter annual<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How to identify<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>henbit:<\/strong> <span style=\"color: rgb(29, 27, 25);\">Greenish-purple square stems with toothed, opposite leaves and reddish-purple tubular flowers. A single plant produces 40\u2013200 seeds that stay viable for 25\u201340 years, though it dies back in summer heat.<\/span><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How to get rid of<\/strong>\u00a0<strong>henbit:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-thicken-your-lawn\/\">Thicken your lawn<\/a><span style=\"color: rgb(29, 27, 25);\"> and hand-pull before flowering. Three-way herbicides labeled for Virginia turfgrasses control it well.<\/span><\/p>    <h3 id=\"7-7-broadleaf-plantain\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. Broadleaf Plantain<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.wikilawn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/7557418892_a9b091f0d2_c-1.jpg\" alt=\"A close up of a broadleaf plantain\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A close-up of a broadleaf plantain. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/50697352@N00\/7557418892\" target=\"_blank\">F. D. Richards<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\">CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Besides being an annoying weed, <strong>broadleaf plantain<\/strong><span style=\"color: rgb(23, 28, 36);\">&nbsp;has been used as a cooking herb and in salads or smoothies, as well as a medicinal herb.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Life cycle:<\/strong> Perennial<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How to identify broadleaf plantain: <\/strong><span style=\"color: rgb(29, 27, 25);\">Oval, veined leaves form rosettes 6\u201312 inches across close to the ground, with pale green flowers on slender spikes about 8 inches long.<\/span><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How to get rid of broadleaf plantain:&nbsp;<\/strong><span style=\"color: rgb(29, 27, 25);\">Overseed thin turf to crowd it out, and hand-pull or dig young plants. Spring and fall herbicide applications also work.<\/span><\/p>    <h3 id=\"8-8-ground-ivy\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">8. Ground Ivy<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.wikilawn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Ground-Ivy-Glechoma-Hederacea.jpg\" alt=\"Purple color ground ivy flower\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Ground ivy leaves and flowers. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/99758165@N06\/18871815551\" target=\"_blank\">NY State IPM Program<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"color: rgb(29, 27, 25);\">Also known as creeping Charlie, ground ivy spreads up to 30 inches wide by rooting wherever a leaf touches soil, and it can stay green through winter.<\/span><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Often confused with:<\/strong> <span style=\"color: rgb(29, 27, 25);\">Henbit and purple deadnettle, but ground ivy&#8217;s round, scalloped leaves give off a distinct minty smell when crushed or mowed.<\/span><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Life cycle:<\/strong> Perennial<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How to identify&nbsp;ground ivy:<\/strong> Round or kidney-shaped leaves have large, scalloped teeth. Creeping square stems are usually hairless. Tube-shaped, blue-violet flowers grow to about \u2153 inch long.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How to get rid of<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>ground ivy:&nbsp;<\/strong><span style=\"color: rgb(29, 27, 25);\">Maintain proper mowing height and prune back shade to discourage growth. Apply the herbicide triclopyr in fall for best control.<\/span><\/p>    <h3 id=\"9-9-wild-violet\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">9. Wild Violet<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.wikilawn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Wild-Violet.jpg\" alt=\"image of violet flowers on a plant\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Wild violet flowers. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/pixabay.com\/de\/photos\/veilchen-wilde-veilchen-fr%c3%bchling-1369936\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pixabay<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"color: rgb(29, 27, 25);\">Wild violet twists its foliage away from herbicide sprays, recovers quickly, and spreads aggressively by rhizome, making it one of the harder lawn weeds to eliminate.<\/span><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Life cycle:<\/strong> Perennial<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How to identify&nbsp;wild violet:<\/strong> <span style=\"color: rgb(29, 27, 25);\">Low rosettes of serrated, heart-shaped leaves to 3\u00bd inches long, with purple, violet, blue, or white five-petaled flowers.<\/span><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How to get rid of&nbsp;wild violet:&nbsp;<\/strong><span style=\"color: rgb(29, 27, 25);\">Prune trees and shrubs to reduce shade and favor grass. Triclopyr herbicides give the best control, typically needing repeat fall applications over multiple years.<\/span><\/p>    <h3 id=\"10-10-purple-deadnettle\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">10. Purple Deadnettle<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/rsz_lamium-purpureum-846425_1280.jpg\" alt=\"Spotted deadnettle looks like little trees sprouting with tall thin trunks and a canopy of purplish green flowers.\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Purple deadnettle. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.needpix.com\/photo\/download\/411306\/lamium-purpureum-red-deadnettle-purple-deadnettle-purple-archangel-velikdenche-wildflower-flora-botany-species\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Needpix<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Purple deadnettle produces more than 27,000 seeds per plant&nbsp;and has no sting despite the name.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Often confused with:<\/strong> <span style=\"color: rgb(29, 27, 25);\">Henbit and ground ivy. Purple deadnettle has distinctly purple-bronze, triangular upper leaves that are stalked (not clasping the stem like henbit&#8217;s).<\/span><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Life cycle:<\/strong> Winter annual<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How to identify purple deadnettle:<\/strong> <span style=\"color: rgb(29, 27, 25);\">Hairy, triangular, purple and bronze leaves on square stems, with small, two-lipped, pink-to-purple tubular flowers that have darker splotches inside the petals.<\/span><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How to get rid of purple deadnettle:&nbsp;<\/strong><span style=\"color: rgb(29, 27, 25);\">Dethatch warm-season lawns and keep turf dense. Hand-pull small patches after rain, and use a pre-emergent in fall plus a post-emergent on actively growing weeds.<\/span><\/p>    <h2 id=\"11-common-grassy-weeds-in-virginia\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Common Grassy Weeds in Virginia<\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"color: rgb(29, 27, 25);\">Grassy weeds have narrow, blade-like leaves that blend in with your lawn, making them harder to catch than broadleaf weeds. Crabgrass and annual bluegrass are the two most common culprits in Virginia lawns.<\/span><\/p>    <h3 id=\"12-11-crabgrass\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">11. Crabgrass<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Large-crabgrass.jpg\" alt=\"Large crabgrass\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Large crabgrass. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/99758165@N06\/18217952904\" target=\"_blank\">NY State IPM Program at Cornell University<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"color: rgb(23, 28, 36);\">Fighting&nbsp;<\/span>crabgrass<span style=\"color: rgb(23, 28, 36);\">&nbsp;is an ongoing battle<\/span> <span style=\"color: rgb(23, 28, 36);\">that can last from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.arec.vaes.vt.edu\/arec\/hampton-roads\/TurfTips\/Turf-Tips3.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">March through August<\/a>, according to Virginia Tech.<\/span> <\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Life cycle:<\/strong> Warm-season annual<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How to identify<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>crabgrass: <\/strong><span style=\"color: rgb(29, 27, 25);\">Branched stems with light-purple-tinged leaves and a white center stripe, 2\/5\u20131\/2 inch wide.<\/span><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How to get rid of<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>crabgrass: <\/strong><span style=\"color: rgb(29, 27, 25);\">Maintain dense turf and overseed to avoid a sparse lawn. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-apply-crabgrass-preventer\/\">Apply a crabgrass preventer<\/a> <em>before<\/em> crabgrass emerges in spring, when soil temps reach about 50\u201355 degrees.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"13-12-annual-bluegrass\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">12. Annual Bluegrass<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/18873821918_c6cc94a2c7_o-1.jpg\" alt=\"close-up photo of annual bluegrass\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Close-up photo of annual bluegrass. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/99758165@N06\/18873821918\" target=\"_blank\">NY State IPM Program at Cornell University<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\">CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"color: rgb(29, 27, 25);\">Annual bluegrass germinates in late summer or early fall. Seedlings survive winter, flower and produce seed in late spring, then die. One plant can produce more than 360 viable seeds.<\/span><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Life cycle:<\/strong> Winter annual<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How to differentiate annual bluegrass (<em>Poa annua<\/em>) from Kentucky bluegrass:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p><strong>Color: <\/strong>Annual bluegrass has a lighter lime-green color.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Seed heads:<\/strong> Annual bluegrass is especially noticeable in May and June due to prolific seed head production.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Heat tolerance:<\/strong> Annual bluegrass often dies during summer heat, leaving bare patches.<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How to get rid of&nbsp;annual bluegrass: <\/strong><span style=\"color: rgb(29, 27, 25);\">Prevent with a properly maintained lawn. Use pre-emergent herbicides in late summer or early fall for large infestations, as long as you aren&#8217;t planning to overseed a cool-season lawn. Safe spraying for annual bluegrass requires careful application to avoid injuring desirable turfgrass.<\/span><\/p>    <h2 id=\"14-faqs\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQs<\/h2>    <div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-17860275880362038\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">When Is the Best Time to Apply Pre-Emergent Herbicide in Virginia?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">In Virginia, pre-emergent timing depends on the weed and the season. For summer annuals like crabgrass, apply in early spring before germination. For winter annuals like annual bluegrass, apply in late summer or early fall.&nbsp;Follow label directions and avoid applying right before overseeding.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-17860275880367902\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What Are Some Less Common Weeds in Virginia?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Beyond the weeds in this guide, you might also encounter dallisgrass, Indian goosegrass, nutsedge, oxalis, wild garlic, wild onion, and woodsorrel. <br><br>Many of these thrive in Virginia&#8217;s warm, humid summers. If you spot an unfamiliar weed, use your local Virginia Cooperative Extension office for identification help.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-17860275880363617\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How Can I Control Weeds Without Synthetic Chemicals?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Hand-pulling is the most effective organic method for weeds already growing. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/corn-gluten-meal-natural-weed-and-feed\/\">Corn gluten meal<\/a> acts as a mild pre-emergent suppressant and feeds your lawn with nitrogen. It works only before weeds sprout, so timing matters. Maintaining thick, healthy turf is the best long-term organic defense against weeds.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>    <h2 id=\"15-let-lawnstarter-handle-your-weed-control\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Let LawnStarter Handle Your Weed Control<\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Stubborn weeds don&#8217;t take weekends off, but you should. LawnStarter connects you with background-checked local pros across Virginia who handle identification, pre-emergent, and post-emergent treatments on the right lawn care schedule for your lawn.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Contact our trusted <a href=\"https:\/\/signup-web.lawnstarter.com\/cart\/contact-info?intent=fertilization\">lawn treatment pros<\/a> or reach out to our mowing pros in cities across the state, including<span style=\"color: rgb(23, 28, 36);\">&nbsp;<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/virginia-beach-va-lawn-care\">Virginia Beach<\/a><span style=\"color: rgb(23, 28, 36);\">,&nbsp;<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/chesapeake-va-lawn-care\">Chesapeake<\/a><span style=\"color: rgb(23, 28, 36);\">,&nbsp;<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/norfolk-va-lawn-care\">Norfolk<\/a><span style=\"color: rgb(23, 28, 36);\">,&nbsp;<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/arlington-va-lawn-care\">Arlington<\/a><span style=\"color: rgb(23, 28, 36);\">,&nbsp;<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/richmond-va-lawn-care\">Richmond<\/a><span style=\"color: rgb(23, 28, 36);\">,&nbsp;<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/newport-news-va-lawn-care\">Newport News<\/a><span style=\"color: rgb(23, 28, 36);\">, and other areas.<\/span><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"color: rgb(23, 28, 36);\"><strong>Read More:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/virginia\/month-lawn-care-schedule\/\">Month-to-Month Lawn Care Schedule for Virginia<\/a><\/p><\/li>    <li><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/virginia\/native-plants-va\/\">12 Virginia Native Plants<\/a><\/p><\/li>    <li><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/virginia\/best-grass-seed-virginia\/\">Best Grass Seeds for Virginia<\/a><\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Main Image: White clover (Trifolium repens) blooms prolifically in a sunny lawn. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pxfuel.com\/en\/free-photo-qsgsx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">PxFuel<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>From common chickweed to Virgina buttonweed, learn how to identify and control these 12 common weeds in your Virginia lawn.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":154,"featured_media":93512,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[476],"tags":[66],"class_list":["post-93445","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-virginia","tag-virginia"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/White-clover-2.jpg?wsr","author_info":{"display_name":"Pat Joiner","author_link":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/author\/pat-joiner\/"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin 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