Identifying and Controlling Common Weeds in Lawns and Gardens

Weeds are like those uninvited guests that show up and refuse to leave, wreaking havoc in our lawns and gardens. But fear not, for armed with knowledge and the right tools, you can take control and maintain a beautiful, weed-free landscape. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore 42 of the most common weeds you may encounter in your outdoor spaces. From poison ivy to dandelions and everything in between, we will identify these pesky plants, discuss their characteristics, and provide effective methods for eradication.

Table of Contents

The Importance of Weed Identification

Being able to identify different types of weeds is crucial in order to address them effectively. Many common weeds have distinct features that set them apart from your desired plants. By familiarizing yourself with these characteristics, you can take the necessary steps to control or eliminate them from your lawn and garden.

Why Weed Control is Essential

Weeds are not just unsightly; they can also compete with your desirable plants for water, nutrients, and sunlight. Left unchecked, weeds can quickly overtake your garden beds and lawns, leading to a decline in the health and appearance of your landscaping. By implementing a weed control strategy, you can protect your plants and create a more visually appealing outdoor space.

Identifying and Controlling Common Weeds

Let’s dive into a detailed look at 42 common weeds, including their characteristics and control methods:

1. Poison Sumac (Toxicodendron vernix)

Characteristics: Shrub or small tree that grows in wet areas.
Control Method: Dig and pull, smother, or use herbicide. Wear protective gear when handling.

2. Japanese Knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum)

Characteristics: Highly invasive plant that spreads via rhizomes.
Control Method: Requires constant mowing and herbicide application.

3. Crabgrass (Digitaria)

Characteristics: Creeping grassy weed that appears in hot weather.
Control Method: Use pre-emergent herbicide to prevent seed germination.

4. Dandelions (Leontodon taraxacum)

Characteristics: Bright yellow flowers that appear in lawns.
Control Method: Dig out from the roots to effectively remove dandelions.

5. Plantain Plants (Plantago major)

Characteristics: Tolerant of heavy foot traffic and compacted soil.
Control Method: Pull or dig up plantain weeds before they produce seeds.

6. Common Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia)

Characteristics: Easily identified by deeply dissected leaves.
Control Method: Maintain a healthy lawn to keep ragweed at bay.

7. Giant Ragweed (Ambrosia trifida)

Characteristics: Summer weed that grows up to 15 feet tall.
Control Method: Maintain healthy lawns to prevent giant ragweed takeover.

8. Hedge Bindweed (Convolvus arvensis)

Characteristics: Attractive bloom with invasive tendencies.
Control Method: Prevention of seed production and deep tillage of root system.

9. Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea)

Characteristics: Common lawn weed with pretty flowers.
Control Method: Broadleaf herbicides can help eradicate ground ivy.

10. Purslane (Portulaca olearacea)

Characteristics: Succulent with crispy texture and peppery flavor.
Control Method: Hand pulling and post-emergent herbicides on young plants.

11. Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica)

Characteristics: Contains barbs that cause stinging on contact.
Control Method: Hand pulling and close mowing to prevent fruit development.

12. Curly Dock (Rumex crispus)

Characteristics: Found all across the United States with invasive potential.
Control Method: Apply post-emergent herbicide in the fall for effective removal.

13. Wild Madder (Galium mollugo)

Characteristics: Creeping perennial with fragrant flowers.
Control Method: Prevent seed production, mow before seeding, and till soil to disrupt growth.

14. White Clover (Trifolium repens)

Characteristics: Low-growing nitrogen-fixing perennial.
Control Method: Hand-pulling and cultivation in home gardens, herbicides in landscaped areas.

15. Orange Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis)

Characteristics: Shallow-rooted plant useful as a home remedy for poison ivy.
Control Method: Hand-pulling or post-emergent herbicides for young plants.

16. Bittersweet (Celastrus)

Characteristics: Three different types, including invasive and poisonous varieties.
Control Method: Pull out vines and roots, or use herbicides on fresh cuts.

17. Horsetail Weed (Equisetum arvense)

Characteristics: Thoroughly weedy-looking plant that spreads rapidly.
Control Method: Change soil conditions drastically to eliminate horsetail weed.

18. Chickweed (Stellaria media)

Characteristics: Low-growing winter annual that thrives in acidic soils.
Control Method: Hand-pulling before flowering and use of organic mulch to prevent seed germination.

19. Canada Thistle (Cirsium arvense)

Characteristics: Aggressive perennial weed with creeping rootstocks.
Control Method: Hoe or hand-pull before the plant becomes established.

20. Quackgrass (Elymus repens)

Characteristics: Creeping, persistent perennial grass with deep rhizomatous roots.
Control Method: Dig out grass and roots, use herbicide for larger infestations.

21. Shepherd’s Purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris)

Characteristics: Winter broadleaf annual with heart-shaped seedpods.
Control Method: Hand-pulling before flowering or using herbicides in early spring.

22. Woodsorrel (Oxalis stricta)

Characteristics: Tender perennial native to North America.
Control Method: Hand-weeding and mulching to prevent seed germination.

23. Common Mallow (Malva neglecta)

Characteristics: Winter annual weed that resembles a cheese wheel.
Control Method: Maintaining a thick lawn to prevent establishment.

24. Lambsquarters (Chenopodium album)

Characteristics: Fast-growing annual with long-lasting seeds.
Control Method: Pull out before seed formation to prevent spread.

25. Pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus)

Characteristics: Erect summer annual with fleshy red taproot.
Control Method: Remove before flowering, cover garden with mulch to prevent germination.

26. Nutsedge (Cyperus spp.)

Characteristics: Perennial grass-like weed with triangular stems.
Control Method: Remove plants early to prevent tuber development.

27. Dayflower (Commelina spp.)

Characteristics: Groundcover plant that regrows quickly from broken stems.
Control Method: Mulch garden beds to prevent germination.

28. Velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti)

Characteristics: Tall annual weed with velvety leaves and orange-yellow flowers.
Control Method: Pull out single plants before seeding, mulch to prevent germination.

29. Wild Violet (Viola papilionacea)

Characteristics: Broadleaf perennial groundcover with heart-shaped leaves.
Control Method: Mulch garden beds and encourage dense lawn growth to prevent violet spread.

30. Smartweed (Polygonum pensylvanicum)

Characteristics: Annual plant with purple chevron-like blotches on the leaves.
Control Method: Hand-pull or use post-emergent herbicides to prevent seed dispersal.

31. Quickweed (Galinsoga parviflora)

Characteristics: Broadleaf annual in the daisy family that spreads quickly.
Control Method: Use mulch or herbicides to prevent seed production.

32. Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana)

Characteristics: Tall plant with dark purple berries and large taproot.
Control Method: Prevent pokeweed by deep mulching and hand-pulling.

33. Black Nightshade (Solanum nigrum)

Characteristics: Poisonous plant with small edible fruits.
Control Method: Mulch garden beds and hand-pull or treat with herbicides.

34. Black Medic (Medicago lupulina)

Characteristics: Low-growing weed that thrives in poor soil.
Control Method: Prevent by maintaining a thick lawn and hand-pulling young plants.

35. Poison Ivy (Rhus radicans)

Characteristics: Toxic plant with distinctive three leaves.
Control Method: Prevent contact with the plant, hand-pull, or use herbicides.

36. Barnyard Grass (Echinochloa crus-galli)

Characteristics: Summer annual with tall stems and white seedheads.
Control Method: Hand-pull before it goes to seed, maintain a lush lawn.

37. Goosegrass (Eleusine indica)

Characteristics: Similar to crabgrass but with lighter-colored stripe.
Control Method: Apply pre-emergent herbicide in spring to prevent germination.

38. Annual Bluegrass (Poa annua)

Characteristics: Cool-season grass with bright green blades.
Control Method: Remove by digging in small patches or apply herbicides for larger areas.

39. Hairy Bittercress (Cardamine hirsuta)

Characteristics: Winter annual that overwinters and blooms in spring.
Control Method: Prevent seed production to control the spread of this weed.

40. Henbit (Lamium amplexicaule)

Characteristics: Mint family member with rounded leaves.
Control Method: Hand-pull before flowering to prevent seed dispersal.

41. Lawn Burweed (Soliva sessilis)

Characteristics: Low-growing weed with burs that stick to shoes.
Control Method: Prevent seed production through herbicides in fall or winter.

42. Bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum)

Characteristics: Perennial grass with rhizomes and Y-shaped seedhead.
Control Method: Remove rhizomes to eliminate Bahiagrass or use herbicides in large infestations.

Conclusion

With this comprehensive guide to 42 common weeds found in lawns and gardens, you now have the knowledge and tools to effectively identify and control these pesky plants. Remember, early detection and proactive measures are key to maintaining a healthy and weed-free outdoor space. By implementing the appropriate control methods outlined in this guide, you can protect your plants and enhance the beauty of your landscaping. So get out there, roll up your sleeves, and take control of those weeds!