Some of the most common weeds in Ohio lawns include dandelions, poison ivy, common blue violet, and many more.
In this article, we’ll delve into the world of these green invaders that creep along your carefully maintained lawn in the Buckeye State.
Common Ohio weeds
Dandelion
A common lawn weed throughout the U.S., dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) may be Ohio’s most prevalent flowering plant. So it is no surprise that it might appear on your lawn.
Dandelions are easy to recognize, as this weed produces bright yellow flowers. Their seed heads produce feathery puffballs that can be blown in the wind, which some say may grant you a wish (but it definitely will grant you an infestation in your lawn or garden).
Learn how to deal with this weed in our guide: “How to Treat Dandelions in Your Yard.”
Poison-ivy
Poison-ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) can currently be found in every county in Ohio, growing alongside roads, fence rows, at the base of trees, and other disturbed sites. It favors soils with high calcium, although it can be found in various soil conditions.
Poison-ivy can cause rashes, itching, swelling, and blistering. So upon finding this plant on your lawn, it is best to get rid of it as soon as possible. Visit our guide to learn how: “How to Get Rid of Poison Ivy in Your Yard.”
Mouse-ear chickweed
Mouse-ear chickweed (Cerastium vulgatum) is found throughout Ohio and has a mat-forming growth habit that crowds out your turf. It is often confused with common chickweed (Stellaria media), but mouse-ear chickweed has hairy stems, while common chickweed has a single line of hairs in its stems.
Mouse-ear chickweed is also identifiable by its tiny white flowers. Learn more about mouse-ear chickweed and common chickweed in our guide: “What is Chickweed and How to Get Rid of It.”
Canada thistle
This prickly Ohio weed is naturalized in 58 of the 88 counties. It is capable of growing even in sterile sites, such as sand dunes. A member of the sunflower family, the Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense) has tiny purple flowers that bloom in groups of 2 to 5. It has a creeping root system that spreads horizontally as well as downwards.
Visit our guide to learn more about Canada thistle and how to get rid of it: “Common Types of Weeds.”
Japanese knotweed
Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum) was first introduced in America as an ornamental plant, but it escaped gardens and became adapted to other disturbed areas. Japanese knotweed is on Ohio’s noxious weeds list due to its invasive nature.
This broadleaf, semi-woody weed grows in dense clumps, forming large patches that crowd out the grass. Also called “fleece flower,” this invasive weed blooms from July to September with greenish-white flowers. You can get rid of Japanese knotweed with broadleaf herbicide applications in fall and spring.
Crabgrass
This grassy annual weed is common in lawns and gardens in Ohio. It loves heat and targets, especially heat-stressed and compacted lawns. You can distinguish crabgrass from your turf by its slightly wider blades and yellowish to light green color. It forms clumps with branches that grow from the center and resemble crab legs, hence the name.
Learn how to treat this weed in our article on how to get rid of crabgrass.
Yellow nutsedge
Considered one of the world’s worst weeds, yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus) is found throughout Ohio, especially in poorly drained areas. This grassy perennial has a characteristic triangular stem and shiny, yellowish-to-green leaves. It also blooms in golden-brown flowers and forms shallow, horizontal underground stems (rhizomes).
Learn how you treat this weed in our article: “How to Identify and Get Rid of Nutsedge in Your Lawn.”
Hairy bittercress
Appearing to say hello in early spring, hairy bittercress (Cardamine hirsuta) blooms around April in northwest Ohio. A member of the mustard family, its leaves are actually edible and said to taste peppery. This common Ohio weed produces clusters of small white flowers.
One of the main ways to control hairy bittercress is to use a pre-emergent herbicide or hand-pull this weed.
Henbit
Henbit (Lamium amplexicaule) is a winter annual commonly occurring in Ohio’s turfgrass lawns and farm fields. A member of the mint family, henbit resembles another common Ohio weed, purple deadnettle (Lamium purpureum), as they both produce purple flowers.
You can distinguish one from another by the leaves: While henbit has spaced leaves, purple deadnettle has dense, close-to-each-other leaves that “drop” (resembling tiny pagodas).
Learn how to get rid of henbit by reading our weed control tips for annual weeds.
Common blue violet
One among the many violet species in Ohio, the common blue violet (Viola sororia), as the name suggests, is one of the most easily found in the state. This plant can be grown as a groundcover or specimen plant in your garden, but it easily spreads, choking out your turf or other desirable plants.
Dealing with common blue violet is tricky: When hand-pulling, they easily break near the rhizome and, if it’s not removed, it will sprout again. Mowing more frequently can reduce their numbers. You can also apply a post-emergent herbicide containing triclopyr, but it may take multiple treatments. Learn more in the article: “How to Get Rid of Weeds in Grass.”
FAQ about common weeds in Ohio
What are the best grass seeds for Ohio?
The best grass seeds for Ohio lawns are cool-season grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, tall fescue, and fine fescue. Learn more about each grass and its use in Ohio lawns in our guide: “Best Grass Seed for Ohio.”
When should I plant grass seed in Ohio?
The best time to plant cool-season grasses in Ohio is during the fall. Read more in our guide: “When to Plant Grass Seed in Ohio.”
What should I do if I touch poison ivy?
If you come in contact with poison ivy or other poisonous plants, the FDA recommends removing the plant oil as soon as possible by washing the area with soap and cool water.
To relieve the itchiness, the FDA recommends:
- Make a cold compress or soak the area in cool water.
- Apply over-the-counter topical corticosteroids.
- Apply over-the-counter skin protectants such as zinc oxide, zinc acetate, zinc carbonate, or calamine.
- For homemade solutions, you can use baking soda or colloidal oatmeal to relieve the irritation.
If your symptoms persist, don’t hesitate to consult a doctor.
When to call a pro
Struggling with weeds in your lawn? The bad news is that getting rid of lawn weeds can be a long process. But the good news is that you can count on a pro to help you manage your lawn. Contact an Ohio lawn care pro and get your lawn free of pesky weeds.
Main Photo Credit: WikimediaImages | Needpix
