- What is a Weed?<\/a><\/li>
- Types of Weeds<\/a><\/li>
- Common New York Broadleaf Weeds<\/a>
- Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)<\/a><\/li>
- Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans)<\/a><\/li>
- Common Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia)<\/a><\/li>
- Ground-Ivy (Glechoma hederacea)<\/a><\/li>
- Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica)<\/a><\/li>
- Yellow Woodsorrel (Oxalis stricta)<\/a><\/li>
- Common Chickweed (Stellaria media (L.) Vill.)<\/a><\/li>
- Japanese Knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum)<\/a><\/li>
- Purslane (Portulaca oleracea)<\/a><\/li>
- Field Bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis L.)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Common New York Grassy Weeds<\/a>
- Crabgrass (Digitaria spp.)<\/a><\/li>
- Yellow Nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus)<\/a><\/li>
- Goosegrass (Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn.)<\/a><\/li>
- Annual bluegrass (Poa annua)<\/a><\/li>
- Giant Foxtail (Setaria faberi)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- FAQ<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
What is a Weed?<\/h2>
A weed is any plant that grows where it isn\u2019t wanted. Some weeds have characteristics we all dislike (think ragweed and poison ivy). But even wanted plants can quickly become unwanted if they aggressively spread through your lawn or garden (think chive or mint). Some characteristics of weeds are:<\/p>
- They grow quickly.<\/li>
- They can harm animals and people through contact or ingestion.<\/li>
- They compete with wanted plants for nutrients, sunlight, and water.<\/li>
- They harbor insects or diseases.<\/li> <\/ul>
Types of Weeds<\/h2>
Weeds are classified by their looks or their life cycle:<\/p>
Appearance<\/h3>
Broadleaf.<\/strong> Most of these lawn and garden weeds have wide leaves with netlike veins. Broadleaf weeds typically have tap roots, (think dandelions), or fibrous roots, (think lambsquarters and pigweed).<\/p>
Grasses. <\/strong>Also called monocots. Weed identification is tough with grasses. Early on, they look like part of your lawn, making them hard to find. They have fibrous root systems, may grow in bunches, or may produce flowers.<\/p>
Life Cycle<\/h3>
Annual<\/strong>. These weeds grow, flower, and go to seed within a year or so. Temperature, light, and moisture trigger germination.<\/p>
Biennials.<\/strong> These complete their growth over two years. They germinate the first year; flower, set seed, and die the second.<\/p>
Perennials<\/strong>. These weeds grow for many years. Some spread by seed, and others use an extensive root system. Weed control can be difficult with perennials. <\/p>
Here\u2019s a look at 15 common weeds you may find in your New York lawn or garden:<\/p>
Common New York Broadleaf Weeds<\/h2>
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"Dandelion](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/rsz_dandelions-g65abded2b_1280.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Margotta68<\/a> \/ Pixabay \/ License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Want to avoid dandelions? Move to Antarctica, the one place they aren\u2019t found. These hardy plants grow just about anywhere and reproduce when wind (or your mower) blasts those puffball seed heads across the lawn. If you want to get rid of dandelions<\/a> by digging, dig deep. Any bit of taproot left behind will bring up a new crop.<\/p>
Note:<\/strong> Did you know that dandelions have health benefits<\/a>? Yes, you can eat dandelions! The greens are a great source of vitamins and minerals and can be made into items ranging from fritters to wines. However, <\/strong>be sure that you pick dandelions from an area that has not been treated with herbicides, fertilizers, or pesticides.<\/p>
Life cycle:<\/strong> Perennial<\/p>
Weed type:<\/strong> Broadleaf<\/p>
Where it thrives:<\/strong> Moist soil and sunlight<\/p>
How to identify<\/strong> dandelions<\/strong>: A single yellow flower and jagged leaves. At maturity, the flower becomes a white puffball seed head.<\/p>
How to get rid of dandelions<\/strong>: Use a pre-emergent<\/a> or post-emergent herbicide. Alternatively, dig them up, snip or pinch off flowers (to prevent seed development), or heavily mulch the leaves.<\/p>
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> Poison ivy can be hard to identify. It can be a shrub, vine, or ground cover with different leaf shapes and colors. It propagates through seeds or through stems that root on trees or soil. If you\u2019re not immune, the oils in poison ivy<\/a> can produce a severe, blistering, itchy rash on your skin, and contact dermatitis on your pet\u2019s. <\/p>
Life cycle:<\/strong> Perennial<\/p>
Weed type:<\/strong> Broadleaf <\/p>
Where it thrives:<\/strong> Prefers sun and moist soil.<\/p>
How to identify poison ivy:<\/strong> Usually identified by its \u201cleaves of three\u201d \u2014 alternate leaves consisting of three leaflets. The egg-shaped leaflets may or may not be glossy or smooth, and range from lime to hunter green.<\/p>
How to get rid of poison ivy: <\/strong>Post-emergent herbicides with glyphosate or triclopyr can get rid of poison ivy<\/a>. Alternatively, hand pull, or cut young growth frequently. Wear protective clothing. Do not burn:<\/strong> Smoke from poison ivy can cause breathing problems for some people.<\/p>
Common Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"green](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Common-Ragweed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Andreas Rockstein<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> For hay fever sufferers, ragweed<\/a> is the culprit that makes for a miserable fall. Plants produce up to a billion pollen grains that travel hundreds of miles, making them hard to dodge. Ragweed has its uses: its seeds provide winter food for wildlife. However, it is aggressive, and its seeds can be viable for years, so it is difficult to control.<\/p>
Life cycle:<\/strong> Summer annual<\/p>
Weed type:<\/strong> Broadleaf<\/p>
Where it thrives:<\/strong> Grows in any soil, but prefers full sun and slightly dry conditions.<\/p>
How to identify<\/strong> common ragweed:<\/strong> Grows up to 3 feet tall, with green to purple stems and produces long, greenish-yellow flower spikes.<\/p>
How to get rid of common ragweed:<\/strong> Use pre- or post-emergent herbicides<\/a>. Mowing before the plant sprouts flowers is another method of control. <\/p>
Ground-Ivy (Glechoma hederacea<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"Puple](\"https:\/\/wp.wikilawn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Ground-Ivy-Glechoma-Hederacea.jpg\")
Photo Credit: NY State IPM Program<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure> Ground-ivy, a member of the mint family, aggressively creeps along the soil, forming a thick mat that crowds out your grass. (Hence its other common name, creeping Charlie.) It mostly reproduces through its creeping stems, which root in the soil. Ground-ivy<\/a> attracts bees who try their luck at getting nectar, as the flowers produce varying amounts. <\/p>
Life cycle:<\/strong> Perennial<\/p>
Weed type:<\/strong> Broadleaf<\/p>
Where it thrives:<\/strong> Prefers shade and moist soils<\/p>
How to identify ground ivy:<\/strong> This sprawling plant has heart-shaped leaves with scalloped edges and lavender flowers.<\/p>
How to get rid of ground ivy:<\/strong> A post-emergent herbicide with triclopyr will kill established plants; pre-emergents have little effect on seeds left in the soil. Pulling it by hand or using a sod cutter will bring success. Cutting back on shade and correcting drainage issues may discourage creeping Charlie’s<\/a> growth.<\/p>
Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"closeup](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Stinging-Nettle.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Andreas Rockstein<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Stinging nettle wants to be left alone. Touch it, and tiny, hollow hairs on the stem and leaves will shoot a mix of chemicals into your skin (or your pet\u2019s). The result: pain, redness, swelling, and itching that lasts for hours. Stinging nettle<\/a> reproduces mostly through a large underground network of stems, making it a difficult \u2014 and tricky \u2014 weed to control.<\/p>
Life cycle:<\/strong> Perennial<\/p>
Weed type:<\/strong> Broadleaf<\/p>
Where it thrives:<\/strong> Prefers shade in hot areas, but will grow in sun and damp, nutrient-rich soil.<\/p>
How to identify stinging nettle:<\/strong> Grows 6 to 8 feet tall, with thin, green-toothed leaves. It produces clusters of tiny, light green or tan flowers.<\/p>
How to get rid of stinging nettle:<\/strong> Herbicides are one option, however, some effective products are for professional use only. Other options include digging or pulling plants (Use leather gloves; the hairs can penetrate cloth.) Frequent mowing of stinging nettles can thin the plants.<\/p>
Yellow Woodsorrel (Oxalis stricta<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"Yellow](\"https:\/\/wp.wikilawn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Common-Yellow-Woodsorrel-Oxalis-Stricta.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Dcrjsr<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY 3.0<\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure> Yellow woodsorrel (also called oxalis<\/a>) may be a sign of drainage issues. Woodsorrel is aggressive and can pop up anywhere, partly due to its seed pods, which explode when dried. Oxalis plants contain soluble oxalate, which, according to the Pet Poison Helpline<\/a>, can be toxic to dogs and cats if eaten in large quantities.<\/p>
Life cycle:<\/strong> Perennial<\/p>
Weed type:<\/strong> Broadleaf<\/p>
Where it thrives:<\/strong> Prefers full sun and moist soil.<\/p>
How to identify<\/strong> yellow woodsorrel:<\/strong> This weed can be mistaken for red or white clover or a shamrock, though it has three heart-shaped leaves (learn more differences in our article Clover vs. Oxalis<\/a>). It produces small yellow flowers with five petals.<\/p>
How to get rid of yellow woodsorrel:<\/strong> Herbicides containing glyphosate are best for spot treatment before the young plants flower. Mulching garden beds will help prevent seed germination.<\/p>
Common Chickweed (Stellaria media (L.) Vill.<\/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> Common chickweed<\/a> is one of the first spring weeds to pop up on your lawn. It can create foot-long shoots that crowd out your grass. Chickweed flowers all year long, and a plant can produce up to 15,000 seeds. Pulling may get rid of the plant but not the seeds \u2014 Chickweed produces flowers and mature seeds simultaneously. <\/p>
Life cycle:<\/strong> Cool season annual<\/p>
Weed type:<\/strong> Broadleaf<\/p>
Where it thrives:<\/strong> Full sun or partial shade; moist soil<\/p>
How to identify common chickweed<\/strong>: Can grow to 4 inches tall. Bright green leaves with pointed tips, and small white flowers with five deeply divided petals.<\/p>
How to get rid of common chickweed: <\/strong>Herbicides containing glyphosate or triclopyr can be effective. You can hand pull or dig, but be sure to get all the root; otherwise, it will come back. (And don\u2019t throw it in your compost pile.) <\/p>
Japanese Knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"closeup](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Japanese-Knotweed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Japanese Knotweed has its uses; it attracts bees and stabilizes soil. However, this invasive plant can invade and overrun gardens and yards, crowding out other plants. This aggressive and persistent plant is considered a prohibited invasive species in New York and is not allowed to be sold or brought into the state.<\/p>
Life cycle:<\/strong> Perennial<\/p>
Weed type:<\/strong> Broadleaf<\/p>
Where it thrives:<\/strong> Full sun, though can tolerate shade. Moist soil. <\/p>
How to identify<\/strong> Japanese knotweed: <\/strong>Occasionally mistaken for bamboo, Japanese Knotweed<\/a> can grow to 15 feet. It has oval leaves that are pointed at the tip and produces clusters of whitish-green flowers. <\/p>
How to get rid of Japanese knotweed:<\/strong> As knotweed spreads via seeds, shoots, and rhizome fragments, it\u2019s difficult to kill. Digging and hand-pulling can leave shoots behind. Some sites recommend mowing. (Bag all parts and clean equipment to prevent spread.) Applying herbicides with glyphosate and triclopyr to freshly cut stems can bring results. <\/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> A quick-growing succulent, purslane can pop up anywhere: lawns, gardens, or sidewalk cracks. But it doesn\u2019t mean that your yard is lacking anything. Purslane<\/a> is opportunistic and likes the same soils as your lawn. However, purslane has a natural enemy: cold. It is very sensitive to frost and may die out with the first cold snap.<\/p>
Note:<\/strong> Purslane is edible, and can be used in soups, salads, stir-fries, and other dishes. Pick later in the day for the best taste, and pick it from a moist spot to get the best texture. (It becomes chewy if dried out.) While purslane grows in many places, be sure that the areas you pick from are free of toxins.<\/p>
Life cycle:<\/strong> Annual<\/p>
Weed type:<\/strong> Broadleaf<\/p>
Where it thrives:<\/strong> Full sun and sandy soils. Very drought tolerant.<\/p>
How to identify purslane: <\/strong>Highly branched, with fleshy stems and green, hairless leaves. Produces yellow flowers with five leaves.<\/p>
How to get rid of purslane:<\/strong> Hand-pull young plants. Mulch also controls purslane, as it dislikes shade. Large plants are harder to control; try burial to deprive them of light and discourage seed germination.<\/p>
Field Bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis L.)<\/h3>
![\"close](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Field_Bindweed_Convolvulus_arvensis_24270675111.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Peter O’Connor aka anemoneprojectors<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Field bindweed looks<\/em> harmless with its trumpet-like flowers that resemble morning glories (hence one of its names, perennial morning glory). But this aggressive vine can climb shrubs and trees, and choke out grasses and other plants. Field bindweed<\/a> sends out roots up to 10 feet long in all directions, so eradicating it will take time and patience.<\/p>
Life cycle:<\/strong> Perennial<\/p>
Weed type:<\/strong> Broadleaf vine<\/p>
Where it thrives:<\/strong> Full sun and moderate moisture.<\/p>
How to identify bindweed: <\/strong>Trailing branched stems that sometimes form tangled mats. Bears white or pink flowers that resemble morning glories. <\/p>
How to get rid of bindweed:<\/strong> Consider applying herbicide containing 2,4-D or glyphosate in spring. Till or hand-pull. Mulching or covering with black plastic can also be effective.<\/p>
Common New York Grassy Weeds<\/h2>
Crabgrass (Digitaria spp<\/em>.)<\/h3>
![\"Crabgrass\"](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/rsz_crabgrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Richard Arthur Norton (1958- )<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC-BY-2.5<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Smooth and large crabgrass are commonly found in the Northeast, with large crabgrass more prevalent. Its appearance may mean that your lawn needs aeration, as
- Yellow Nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus)<\/a><\/li>
- Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans)<\/a><\/li>
- Types of Weeds<\/a><\/li>