Crabgrass, dandelion, and henbit are some of the most common weeds in north Texas. Sadly, they are not the only ones: Here we bring you 11 common weeds that can invade your north Texas lawn.
In this article, we’ll focus only on the most common weeds in the northern part of Texas (which includes north Texas, around DFW, and the Panhandle area). For information on the most common weeds in the entire state, visit our article: “The Most Common Texas Weeds.”
Broadleaf weeds
Henbit
Occurring in north Texas and some counties in the Panhandle region, henbit (Lamium amplexicaule) is a winter annual with a characteristic square stem. A member of the mint family, henbit has mint-like leaves that clasp around its stem. Pinkish or purplish flowers appear in early spring.
The best time to treat henbit on your lawn is during the fall, when seedlings are still immature. If you wait until spring, it might have already taken over your lawn. You can get rid of henbit by hand-pulling or growing shade-tolerant ground covers on your lawn.
Common chickweed
Another winter annual, common chickweed (Stellaria media) is a mat-forming weed that loves moist and cool environments. Chickweed forms dense mats of vegetation during spring and is resistant to mowing. You can identify this weed by its long stems with opposite, oval to elliptic leaves and its tiny white flowers.
Early fall applications of pre-emergent herbicides can effectively control common chickweed. For control during winter and spring, when the weed has already sprouted, you can apply post-emergent herbicides. To learn more, check out our article: “What is Chickweed and How to Get Rid of It.”
Dandelion
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is a perennial herbaceous plant with a strong, thick taproot. This weed spreads easily through its fluffy seed heads that are blown in the wind each spring. Dandelion is particularly problematic in Kentucky bluegrass lawns in northern Texas, where its bright yellow flowers contrast with the dormant lawns in the summer.
Dandelion is a tricky weed to hand-pull because if the roots remain in the soil, the plant will regenerate. Post-emergent herbicides can get rid of dandelion’s seedlings when applied in the fall or early spring, before flowering begins.
Check out our guide on how to treat dandelions in your yard, where you can find more in-depth information about dandelion treatment and prevention. And if you have a Kentucky bluegrass lawn, you might be interested in our guide: “Kentucky Bluegrass: How to Grow and Care for It.”
Spurge
Prostrate spurge (Euphorbia supina) and spotted spurge (Euphorbia maculata) are both common spurges in north Texas. These warm-season annuals grow to form clumps or mats and release a milky sap if you cut their stem. Both species have a purple spot in the middle of their leaves, but spotted spurge usually grows more erect than prostrate spurge.
Both spurge species are more efficiently treated with post-emergent herbicides when plants are still immature, in early summer. In our article on how to get rid of spurge weed, we have comprehensive information about what goes into treating this weed.
Bitterweed
Also known as sneezeweed, bitterweed (Helenium amarum) is found in roadsides and un-mowed fields in Texas. This annual broadleaf weed is in the sunflower family, and just like its “cousin,” its flowers have bright yellow, ray-like petals. When not in bloom, its long, narrow leaves can be mistaken for grass.
Bitterweed can be managed with a post-emergent herbicide application before it flowers. See more weed control tips for broadleaf weeds for more information on controlling this weed type.
Grassy weeds
Dallisgrass
Dallisgrass (Paspalum dilatatum) is a perennial, warm-season grass with aggressive rhizomes that penetrate deep into the soil, making it very hard to control. Dallisgrass invades turfgrasses in north Texas, forming clumps much coarser in texture than the surrounding turf.
Dallisgrass can be controlled with early spring applications of post-emergent herbicides containing MSMA. For St. Augustinegrass and centipedegrass lawns, you can use both spot treatments with glyphosate and pre-emergence herbicides. Learn more about dealing with dallisgrass in our article: “How to Identify and Control Grassy Weeds.”
Crabgrass
Both native and introduced crabgrass species (Digitaria spp.) are found throughout Texas. While smooth crabgrass (Digitaria ischaemum) is more often found in east Texas, hairy crabgrass (Digitaria sanguinalis) populates north Texas. This persistent weed grows prolifically even under drought, heat, and infertile soils.
Crabgrass is usually the first summer annual weed to emerge, so pre-emergent herbicides can help you prevent crabgrass germination. We have a comprehensive guide on getting rid of crabgrass where you can find everything you need to control this weed.
Rescuegrass
Commonly found in the Panhandle region and counties of north Texas, rescuegrass (Bromus catharticus) is a winter annual with hairy sheaths and leaf blades. This common weed can be found on roadsides, open woodlands, and home lawns.
You can treat rescuegrass by applying a post-emergent herbicide to newly sprouted weeds from January to early March. You can find more detailed information about weed control applications in our guide on how and when to apply post-emergent herbicides.
Annual bluegrass
Annual bluegrass (Poa annua) is a typical fall invader in lawns of north Texas, loving moist soils and cool temperatures. This tricky winter annual is especially problematic in closely mowed, irrigated turf. Annual bluegrass produces abundant seeds that germinate throughout the fall, winter, and spring, making it difficult to manage with chemical control.
However, with the right timing, it is possible to effectively control annual bluegrass with pre-emergent herbicides (which should be applied before germination, in the fall). Learn more about controlling annual weeds in our article: “How to Control Annual Weeds vs. Perennial Weeds.”
Sedges
Nutsedge
Nutsedges are also common in north Texas, with yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus) being more common than purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus). Both species are warm-season perennials, emerging in late spring to early summer. Sedges can look very similar to grasses, but they have a characteristic triangular stem.
Nutsedge can be difficult to control due to its underground tubers and rhizomes. Luckily, we have a comprehensive guide on how to identify and get rid of nutsedge in your lawn, where you can learn more about managing nutsedge.
Learn more about Texas
We have other useful resources for Texas homeowners who are interested in gardening, lawn care, and landscaping. Check out our articles:
Texas lawn care:
- The Best Grass for North Texas Lawns
- The Best Time to Plant Grass Seed in Texas
- When to Aerate Your Lawn in Texas
- When to Dethatch Your Lawn in Texas
- When to Fertilize Your Lawn in North Texas
- The Best Lawn Fertilizers for Texas
Texas maintenance calendars:
- Bermudagrass Maintenance Calendar for Texas
- St. Augustinegrass Maintenance Calendar for Texas
- Zoysiagrass Maintenance Calendar for Texas
When to call a pro
Dealing with weeds can be a tiresome task. But you don’t have to do it alone — we have help at arm’s reach. We have trusted lawn care pros in Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, and throughout Texas. Contact a Texas lawn care pro for a qualified lawn care service at an affordable price.
Main Photo Credit: Salicyna | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY-SA 4.0
