Some of the most common weeds in west Texas are dandelion, purslane, and Bermudagrass. In this article, we’ll discuss the most common lawn weeds in this region so you can correctly identify, treat, and prevent them.
This article focuses on the weeds of the western part of Texas, so if you’re searching for weeds that are found statewide, visit our other article: “The Most Common Texas Weeds.”
Broadleaf weeds
Purslane
Purslane (Portulaca oleracea), also known as little hogweed, grows in temperate, warm climates and can act as an aggressive lawn weed in west Texas. Its succulent leaves have a tear-like shape, contrasting with the reddish-brown stems that grow prostrate to the ground. Purslane also produces characteristic small yellow flowers.
Purslane can be difficult to deal with because, besides spreading prolifically from seed, it also grows from stem and root fragments. To get rid of purslane, you can try hand-pulling the weed in its entirety or use a pre- or post-emergent broadleaf herbicide. (Note: Purslane also has an important role as a medicinal plant, so think twice before you spray.)
Pro Tip: Purslane can resemble a few spurge species. Learn how to differentiate each one in our article: “How to Tell Purslane and Spurge Apart.”
Annual sowthistle
Also known as common sowthistle (Sonchus oleraceus), this winter annual has spiny leaf margins. However, common sowthistle is still softer to the touch than its cousin, spiny sowthistle (Sonchus asper). Annual sowthistle releases a milky sap from its stem when cut, differentiating it from other sowthistle species.
Annual sowthistle has a shallow taproot, making it easy to pull by hand. You can also apply a pre-emergent herbicide to prevent germination and a post-emergent broadleaf herbicide to control established plants.
Pro Tip: We have a comprehensive guide on types of pre-emergent herbicides so you can choose the right one for you.
Dandelion
Another common lawn weed in west Texas, dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is easily identifiable by its bright yellow flowers with ray-like petals. The leaves are deeply lobed, and because of the lobes’ tooth-like appearance, the French named this perennial “dent de lion” (lion’s tooth).
Dandelions are one of the most troublesome weeds to get rid of, as they have extensive root systems and easily spread seeds through their “puffball” seedheads. Applying a broadleaf post-emergent herbicide might be your best option to get rid of dandelions. Read our guide on how to treat dandelions in your yard to learn more.
Western ragweed
Also known as perennial ragweed or cuman ragweed, western ragweed (Ambrosia psilostachya) is native to many Texas counties, including some in the western part of the state. This warm-season weed has thick and bristly leaves. Ragweed’s pollen causes hay fever and other allergic respiratory symptoms.
Western ragweed has shallow roots that make it easy to hand-pull. But because this plant is resistant to herbicides, if you’re dealing with a large ragweed infestation, contact a lawn care pro.
Pigweed
Twenty-three recorded pigweed species (Amaranthus sp.) are currently found in Texas. Redroot pigweed (A. retroflexus) and Palmer amaranth (A. palmeri) are native to west Texas while tumbleweed (A. albus) and prostrate pigweed (A. blitoides) were introduced to the region. This summer annual grows from a deep taproot and forms dense, upright tubular flower clusters.
Pigweed usually occurs in newly established lawns, when the turf is still thin. Routine mowing and improving turf density are the best ways to treat this weed. Our article on how to get thick grass can help achieve a healthy and dense turf that will compete with pigweed.
Grassy weeds
Bermudagrass
A popular grassy weed in Texas, Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) is also commonly used as turf due to its resistance to traffic and low mowing heights. Considered one of the most troublesome weeds in local crops, Bermudagrass grows aggressively and can easily invade and out-grow your desired turf.
If Bermudagrass has taken over your lawn or garden beds, check out our guide on how to identify and control grassy weeds for advice.
Prairie spiderwort
Prairie spiderwort (Tradescantia occidentalis) is an herbaceous, grass-like perennial that is also typically grown as an ornamental in prairie or native gardens in west Texas. However, spiderwort can easily end up spreading from your garden bed to your lawn. What differentiates prairie spiderwort from other grassy weeds is its flowers that bloom in pink, blue, or magenta.
You can learn more about getting rid of perennial weeds in our guide: “How to Control Annual Weeds vs. Perennial Weeds.”
Johnsongrass
Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense) is a perennial grassy weed that grows in clumps, forming chunks of erect, coarsely textured grass on your lawn. This weed spreads rapidly, growing broad leaves that can reach up to 7 feet tall if not controlled. These clumps of tall grass crowd out your turf and stand out among the desirable grass, making your lawn look unkempt.
A good strategy to fight this weed is close and frequent mowing, which johnsongrass does not tolerate. Additionally, post-emergent herbicide applications can help when done in the fall, while the grass is not yet completely established.
Learn more about the right time to apply post-emergent weed control in our article: “When to Apply Post-Emergent Herbicides.”
Sedges
Nutsedge
Common in the westernmost counties of Texas, yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus) and purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus) are perennial weeds that spread prolifically throughout your yard. Both species are in the sedge family, a type of weed that resembles grass and has a characteristic triangular stem.
Nutsedge (or nutgrass) is a challenging weed to manage. Luckily, we have a complete guide on how to identify and get rid of nutsedge in your lawn where you can find the best strategies to control this weed.
Learn more about Texas lawn care
If you’d like to learn more relevant information about gardening and lawn care in Texas, we have other articles that might be helpful to you:
Lawn care:
- 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 West Texas
- The Best Lawn Fertilizers for Texas
- Bermudagrass Maintenance Calendar for Texas
- St. Augustinegrass Maintenance Calendar for Texas
- Zoysiagrass Maintenance Calendar for Texas
When to call a pro
Dealing with lawn weeds can be a tricky endeavor. But you don’t have to do it all by yourself. We have experienced lawn care professionals in El Paso and throughout Texas who are eager to help. Contact a lawn care pro today and take a step towards a weed-free lawn.
Main Image Credit: Jean-Pol GRANDMONT | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY 3.0
