- What is a Weed?<\/a><\/li>
- Types of Weeds<\/a><\/li>
- Common Ohio 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>
- Henbit (Lamium amplexicaule)<\/a><\/li>
- Common Blue Violet (Viola sororia)<\/a><\/li>
- Common Chickweed (Stellaria media (L.) Vill.)<\/a><\/li>
- Japanese Knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Common Ohio Shrub Weed<\/a>
- Bush Honeysuckles (Diervilla ssp.)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Common Ohio Grassy Weeds<\/a>
- Crabgrass (Digitaria spp.)<\/a><\/li>
- Giant Foxtail (Setaria faberi)<\/a><\/li>
- Annual Bluegrass (Poa annua)\u00a0<\/a><\/li>
- Yellow Nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus)<\/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 plants, like poison ivy, definitely aren\u2019t wanted anywhere. But beneficial plants, like mint, can quickly become unwanted if they overtake your vegetable garden or lawn. Generally, a weed:<\/p>
- Is considered a nuisance.<\/li>
- Grows quickly.<\/li>
- Can harm animals and people through contact or ingestion.<\/li>
- Steals nutrients, sunlight, and water from wanted plants.<\/li> <\/ul>
Types of Weeds<\/h2>
Weeds can be classified by their looks or their life cycle.<\/p>
Appearance<\/h3>
Broadleaf.<\/strong> Most have wide leaves with netlike veins. They may have tap roots (think dandelions) or fibrous roots. <\/p>
Grasses. <\/strong>These are tough to spot early since they look like part of your lawn. They may grow in bunches, have coarser leaves that spread out, or may produce flowers.<\/p>
Life Cycle<\/h3>
Annual.<\/strong> These weeds grow, flower, and go to seed within a year or less.<\/p>
Biennials.<\/strong> These complete their growth over two years.<\/p>
Perennials<\/strong>. These weeds grow for many years. Some spread by seed, others through an extensive root system that makes them hard to eradicate<\/p>
Here\u2019s a look at 15 common weeds you may find in your Ohio lawn or garden:<\/p>
Common Ohio 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> In spring, dandelions<\/a> pop up in lawns across the U.S. They are tenacious weeds, due in part to their deep taproots. They reproduce by seeds (the white puffballs seen at maturity). However, they also reproduce through remnants of roots left in the soil. If you try to get rid of dandelions<\/a> by digging, make sure you get all the taproots.<\/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 attached to a leafless, hollow stem and jagged basal leaves. At maturity, the flower becomes a white, fluffy seed head.<\/p>
How to get rid of dandelions<\/strong>: Use a pre-emergent<\/a> or post-emergent herbicide. Alternatively, dig them up, or snip flowers and 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 pop up anywhere, thanks to birds that eat its berries. It grows as a shrub, vine, or ground cover. It propagates through seeds or creeping roots; stems root as they lay on the ground. It\u2019s known for the misery that its oil inflicts on the allergic: a severe, blistering, itchy rash. Wear protective clothing when removing poison ivy<\/a> from your yard. <\/p>
Life cycle:<\/strong> Perennial<\/p>
Weed type:<\/strong> Broadleaf <\/p>
Where it thrives:<\/strong> Prefers soil with high calcium content.<\/p>
How to identify poison ivy:<\/strong> Usually identified by its \u201cleaves of three\u201d \u2014 alternate leaves consisting of three leaflets. The glossy leaflets may or may not be jagged, and may be elliptical or egg-shaped. <\/p>
How to get rid of poison ivy: <\/strong>Consider using herbicides with glyphosate or triclopyr. Alternatively, hand pull, or cut. Do not burn:<\/strong> Smoke from poison ivy can cause breathing problems for those sensitive to the toxin.<\/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> It\u2019s no comfort if you\u2019re allergic to its pollen, but ragweed is a food source for birds, bees, and other insects. Ragweed<\/a> produces thousands of seeds that can remain viable for years, making it tough to eradicate. It also has properties that can prevent the growth of neighboring plants, making it a serious problem for farmers.<\/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 6 feet tall, with green to purple stems and triangular, hairy leaves.<\/p>
How to get rid of common ragweed:<\/strong> Use pre- or post-emergent herbicides<\/a>. (Note: some varieties in Ohio are glyphosate-resistant.) Mowing before the plant 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> This aggressive weed creeps along the soil, forming a thick mat that crowds out your grass or other plants. (Hence its other name, creeping Charlie.) Ground-ivy<\/a> does seed but mostly reproduces through its creeping stems, which root in soil. It can be confused with other weeds, like henbit or common mallow.<\/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 kidney-shaped leaves with scalloped edges and purplish-blue flowers.<\/p>
How to get rid of ground ivy:<\/strong> A post-emergent herbicide will kill established plants; pre-emergents have little effect on seeds left in the soil. Pulling it by hand or using a power rake<\/a> may bring better results.<\/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 lives up to its name. Touch it, and tiny hairs on the stem and the underside of its leaves will shoot toxins into your skin (or your pet\u2019s). The result: pain, redness, swelling, and itching. Stinging nettle<\/a> has a large underground network of stems that allow it to repopulate and spread, making it a difficult weed to control.<\/p>
Life cycle:<\/strong> Perennial<\/p>
Weed type:<\/strong> Broadleaf<\/p>
Where it thrives:<\/strong> Prefers sun and damp, nutrient-rich soil.<\/p>
How to identify stinging nettle:<\/strong> Grows 3 to 6.5 feet tall, with bright to dark green sawtooth leaves. It produces clusters of tiny, greenish-white flowers.<\/p>
How to get rid of stinging nettle:<\/strong> One option is to use an herbicide that attacks the root system. (However, some effective herbicides are for professional use only.) Other options include digging or pulling plants. (Use protection and don\u2019t leave plants lying in the yard.) Frequent mowing can thin the colony.<\/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>) can indicate that your yard has drainage issues. It is a late-germinating weed that may pop up after other broadleaf weeds are dispatched. Like other oxalis plants, it contains 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 looks like clover, with three heart-shaped leaves. However, it produces small yellow flowers with five petals. Check out our article on clover vs. oxalis<\/a> for more information.<\/p>
How to get rid of yellow woodsorrel:<\/strong> Herbicides containing triclopyr and fluroxypyr are effective. Young plants can be hand-picked before they flower. A layer of mulch in garden beds will help prevent seed germination.<\/p>
Henbit (Lamium amplexicaule<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"Purple](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/henbit-gce4914970_1280-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: JamesDeMers<\/a> \/ Pixabay \/ License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> While henbit<\/a> provides pollen and nectar for bees and hummingbirds, this member of the mint family can quickly invade thin areas of turf. While it tends to be dormant in winter, it can start to grow during any warm period during the season. It is commonly confused with another weed, purple deadnettle.<\/p>
Life cycle:<\/strong> Winter annual<\/p>
Weed type:<\/strong> Broadleaf<\/p>
Where it thrives:<\/strong> Prefers shade and cool, moist areas.<\/p>
How to identify<\/strong> henbit<\/strong>: Can grow to 16 inches high. Green to purple square stems; egg-shaped leaves with blunt-tooth edges; reddish-purple flowers.<\/p>
How to get rid of henbit:<\/strong> Proper lawn maintenance is the best preventative: A dense turf will discourage henbit. Post-emergent herbicides work best when plants are seeding or flowering. Plants also can easily be pulled when small. <\/p>
Common Blue Violet (Viola sororia<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"Blue](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/800px-Viola_sororia_in_Wisconsin-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James Steakly<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Common blue violet is one of several wild violet species found in the Midwest. The others are wooly blue violet (Viola papilionacea<\/em>), and confederate violet (Viola sororia f. priceana<\/em>). While some people welcome the plant as a ground cover, it can spread and compete for resources with turfgrass.<\/p>
According to the University of Minnesota, common blue violets are edible<\/a>. The flowers are used in salads or to infuse vinegars or syrups. Novice foragers are advised not to eat the leaves; while they\u2019re edible, they can be confused with non-edible plants. Use caution:<\/strong> Be sure the area has not been treated with herbicides, fertilizers, or pesticides.<\/p>
Life cycle:<\/strong> Perennial<\/p>
Weed type:<\/strong> Broadleaf<\/p>
Where it thrives:<\/strong> Prefers partial sun and most soil.<\/p>
How to identify<\/strong> common blue violets: <\/strong>Grows about 4 inches high, has heart-shaped leaves with rounded teeth, and produces purple-blue flowers.<\/p>
How to get rid of common blue violets:<\/strong> If caught early, common blue<\/a> (or any wild violet) can be hand-pulled. Post-emergent broadleaf herbicides containing Triclopyr should be applied in the fall.<\/p>
Common Chickweed (Stellaria media<\/em> (L.) Vill.)<\/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> Consider common chickweed<\/a> to be a stealth weed. Plants produce seeds in spring, then die off. The seeds germinate in the fall, and the plants overwinter then pop up in the spring. Early treatment will help eradicate common chickweed, but plants produce hundreds of seeds, so it may be a years-long process.<\/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>: Pre-emergent herbicides should be applied in late fall; post-emergents are most effective on seedlings. Proper lawn maintenance can help control common chickweed, as can mulching and hand weeding.<\/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 overrun gardens and yards, crowding out other plants. It can grow through cracks in concrete and damage sidewalks. Japanese knotweed<\/a> is persistent and hardy, so patience is needed in eradication efforts.<\/p>
It is considered a noxious weed<\/a> in some states.<\/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 can grow to 13 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> Due to its massive underground system of rhizomes, knotweed<\/a> is hard to eradicate. Digging and hand-pulling can leave rhizomes behind to start anew. <\/p>
- Giant Foxtail (Setaria faberi)<\/a><\/li>
- Common Ohio Grassy Weeds<\/a>
- Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans)<\/a><\/li>
- Types of Weeds<\/a><\/li>