- Common chickweed<\/a><\/li>
- Crabgrass<\/a><\/li>
- Dandelions<\/a><\/li>
- Ground ivy<\/a><\/li>
- Henbit<\/a><\/li>
- Purple deadnettle<\/a><\/li>
- Purslane<\/a><\/li>
- Annual bluegrass<\/a><\/li>
- Dallisgrass<\/a><\/li>
- Yellow nutsedge<\/a><\/li>
- Purple nutsedge<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
Common chickweed: Stubborn winter weed<\/span><\/h2>
![\"common](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/43243317925_acc54e4fbe_c.jpg\")
Harry Rose<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> This is a fast-spreading winter annual broadleaf weed. It grows close to the ground, forming low, dense green mats, with stems branching out new roots plunking down into the soil. <\/p>
Where does the name come from? Chickens are actually fond of this weed and devour it wherever they see it. Maryland\u2019s weed identification is confusing, but with chickweed, you only have to look for its tiny little flowers to confirm something\u2019s off with your lawn. <\/p>
Scientific name: <\/strong>Stellaria media<\/a><\/p>
Plant type: <\/strong>Broadleaf annual<\/p>
Identification: <\/strong>Produces many little white, star-shaped flowers <\/p>
Preferred habitat: <\/strong>Shaded areas and moist soil <\/p>
Active season: <\/strong>This winter annual weed germinates in the fall, makes its debut in the winter, and spreads its seeds in the spring<\/p>
Uses: <\/strong>Often used for microgreens or tea<\/p>
How to get rid of chickweed: <\/strong>Use a pre-emergent broadleaf herbicide early in spring<\/a> or remove manually (entire root system) <\/p>
If left unchecked: <\/strong>Chickweed can attract moths, mites, and some vegetable diseases if left unchecked <\/p>
Is it dangerous? <\/strong>No, chickweed is edible <\/p>
What is chickweed telling you about your lawn? <\/strong>Chickweed in a lawn indicates poor soil drainage or overly moist soil. <\/p>
What to do about it: <\/strong>Cut back on irrigation<\/a> and add organic matter to the soil to make it more porous and improve its drainage. Aerating the lawn will help to relieve soil compaction and allow water, air, and fertilizer to penetrate the soil, making it strong and resilient against weeds. <\/p>
Crabgrass: Most invasive<\/span><\/h2>
![\"Crabgrass](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/1024px-Crabgrass.jpeg\")
Richard Arthur Norton<\/a> (1958- ) at English Wikipedia | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY 2.5<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Often referred to as the Mother of all Maryland Summer Weeds, crabgrass appears early in summer and takes over yards of every shape and size. You might also know this weed as hairy crabgrass. <\/p>
Crabgrass loves hot, dry climates and grows super aggressively, killing off existing grass and eventually dying and spreading its seed to continue the infestation for years. <\/p>
Scientific name: <\/strong>Digitaria sanguinalis<\/a><\/p>
Plant type: <\/strong>Summer annual weed<\/p>
Identification: <\/strong>Has a crab-like appearance due to its wide, flat blades. The plant spreads across the ground<\/p>
Preferred habitat: <\/strong>Disturbed lawns <\/p>
Active season: <\/strong>Germinates in early spring and spreads quickly, till late July<\/p>
Uses: <\/strong>It is edible and used as a grain or in some cereals and porridge. <\/p>
How to get rid of crabgrass: <\/strong>Best handled with pre-emergent herbicides as a preventative measure. However, breakouts need to be controlled with post-emergent weed control.<\/p>
If left unchecked: <\/strong>This aggressive weed will choke out desirable grass and leave thin, bare areas behind after it dies out. These patches will fill with more weeds later. <\/p>
Is it harmful? <\/strong>Not for humans, but is toxic in large amounts for pets. <\/p>
What is crabgrass telling you about your lawn? <\/strong>Your lawn is thin and stressed, either due to low mowing or insufficient nutrition, water, and drainage. A lawn filled with crabgrass could also indicate high soil fertility. <\/p>
According to Debbie Dillion<\/a>, a horticulture extension agent at North Carolina State University, high soil fertility could be a sign that you are over-fertilizing and putting too much nitrogen on your lawn. <\/p>
What to do about it:<\/strong> <\/em><\/strong>\u201cYou should test your soil to see what nutrients it needs\u201d Dillon suggests. Generally, maintaining healthy turf will prevent crabgrass invasion. <\/p>
Dandelions: Pretty but destructive<\/span><\/h2>
![\"person](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/yellow-dandellion.jpg\")
Pexels<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Found all over the world, this is one of the most common spring weeds in Maryland. Dandelions develop a hollow stem and have deep, long taproots. It emits a milky sap when you break a branch. <\/p>
As pretty as they look, dandelions are still lawn weeds and need to be taken care of before they can take charge of your turf. Dandelions develop a resilient, shallow taproot system that makes them competitive for soil nutrients and space for growth. <\/p>
An average plant produces 15,000 seeds<\/a> \u2013 the part of the pappus with noticeable feathery white hairs that disperse through wind and germinate upon landing. With this spreading and germination speed, dandelions overtake existing lawns and get out of hand in no time. <\/p>
Scientific name: <\/strong>Taraxacum officinale<\/a><\/p>
Plant type: <\/strong>Broadleaf weed<\/p>
How to identify: <\/strong>Recognize this weed from its yellow flowers and tooth-like leaves around the top. These flowers turn into white puffballs when they mature and you\u2019d see their seeds disperse through the wind. <\/p>
Preferred habitat: <\/strong>Moist areas in full sun <\/p>
Active season:<\/strong> Flowers are easiest to spot during spring but often grow year-round in mild climates. <\/p>
Uses: <\/strong>A common source of nectar and pollen for bees and butterflies. <\/p>
How to get rid of dandelions:<\/strong> They are notoriously challenging to remove. Hand pulling only works if you go deep enough to remove the entire taproot system. Make sure you chop the remaining roots into pieces and dispose of them. You can spot-treat<\/a> with a liquid, post-emergent, selective, broadleaf weed killer when weeds are actively growing. <\/p>
If left unchecked: <\/strong>Their puffy tops might look good but dandelions will completely take over your lawn if left untreated. Under the soil and atop. They may also host yellow aster disease and excess minerals that will damage mowing equipment. <\/p>
Is it toxic? <\/strong>No, it\u2019s used for tea and as an ingredient in several cuisines.<\/p>
What are dandelions telling you about your lawn?<\/strong> You may be cutting your grass too short because dandelions breed in weak and disturbed lawns. Also, your lawn may have acidic soil with low calcium levels and excessive potassium because dandelions thrive in this environment. <\/p>
What to do about it:<\/strong> <\/em><\/strong>Keep the grass trimmed at the recommended height, test your soil\u2019s pH levels, and treat the soil as needed. <\/p>
Ground ivy: Most common summer weed<\/span><\/h2>
![\"Ground](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/14006013423_e385e9218a_c_800.jpg\")
Andrew Coombes<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY-ND 2.0<\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure> This is another common invasive Maryland weed that has the potential to choke out your lawn if left unchecked. Flowering ground ivy or creeping Charlie features clusters of purple flowers and scalloped leaves that make your lawn look nice in the summer but ultimately kill it.<\/p>
This broadleaf weed<\/a> is a low-growing, creeping plant that will root at nodes and give off a distinct, minty odor when crushed. <\/p>
Scientific name: <\/strong>Glechoma hederacea<\/a><\/p>
Plant type: <\/strong>Broadleaf perennial<\/p>
How to identify: <\/strong>Clusters of purple flowers, square stems, and a minty fragrance <\/p>
Preferred habitat: <\/strong>Loves damp, shady areas and moist soil but will also grow in full sun<\/p>
Active season: <\/strong>Fall and spring<\/p>
Uses: <\/strong>It\u2019s edible and used to treat coughs and other respiratory illnesses<\/p>
How to get rid of ground ivy: <\/strong>Use a weeding tool or hand-pull ground ivy, but this is neither a practical nor a long-term solution because this weed spreads by creeping stems. In case of a serious infestation, apply a broadleaf weed killer during active growth.<\/p>
If left unchecked: <\/strong>Will grow dense mats that crowd out other plants. <\/p>
Is it dangerous? <\/strong>Not poisonous to humans but is toxic to pets.<\/p>
What is ground ivy telling you about your lawn? <\/strong>It\u2019s a sign that the soil pH balance is off in your lawn. It could also be because of poor drainage, excessive watering, or too much shade. <\/p>
What to do about it:<\/strong> <\/em><\/strong>Maintain your lawn\u2019s pH levels, increase sunlight exposure, and keep up with a solid fertilization schedule (make sure you check and comply with Maryland\u2019s fertilizer law)<\/p>
Henbit: Fond of disturbed lawns<\/span><\/h2>
![\"beautiful](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/henbit-2.jpg\")
David~O<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Another winter annual with broad leaves, henbit germinates and vegetates over fall and winter and produces flowers in the spring. These flowers and seeds later die out as the temperatures rise. <\/p>
Henbit is a member of the mint family and has a fast-spreading habit. However, despite the quick growth, this weed does not typically compete for soil nutrients. <\/p>
Scientific name: <\/strong>Lamium amplexicaule<\/a><\/p>
Plant type: <\/strong>Broadleaf annual<\/p>
How to identify: <\/strong>Produces pink and purple flowers that sit atop hairy, square stems and whorl petals. <\/p>
Preferred habitat: <\/strong>Cool, moist conditions, and disturbed lawns (from heavy foot traffic, weather, or improper lawn care practices)<\/p>
Active season: <\/strong>Seeds germinate in fall or winter <\/p>
Uses: <\/strong>Commonly used in medicinal teas for its anti-rheumatic and anti-inflammatory properties. Also treats several skin ailments.<\/p>
How to get rid of henbit: <\/strong>Handpick the weeds with an appropriate weeding tool. Herbicide treatments may also help in serious infestations<\/p>
If left unchecked: <\/strong>Henbit attracts spider mites and tomato wilting disease when left untreated <\/p>
Is it harmful? <\/strong>No, henbit is edible but exercise caution to prevent misidentifying similar plants<\/p>
What is henbit telling you about your lawn?<\/strong> Your grass is thin or super weak, meaning, you\u2019re either mowing your lawn too short or not using the right fertilizer for your lawn. <\/p>
What to do about it:<\/strong> <\/em><\/strong>Maintain healthy, dense turf by making your lawn strong. Keep an aerated turf and provide adequate moisture. <\/p>
Purple deadnettle: Likes neglected lawns<\/span><\/h2>
![\"closeup](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/rsz_lamium-purpureum-846425_1280.jpg\")
Needpix<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> This close cousin to henbit is a winter annual weed that\u2019s noticeable in early spring when its light purple flowers bloom. Purple deadnettle flowers then dies late in spring when the weather warms up. Deadnettle is a popular source of pollen for bees. <\/p>
Belonging to the mint family, deadnettle has an aggressive and rapid growth pattern that can become hard to contain. It develops a fibrous root system that spreads underground and produces seeds in spring. <\/p>
Scientific name: <\/strong>Lamium purpureum<\/a><\/p>
Plant type: <\/strong>Broadleaf annual<\/p>
How to identify: <\/strong>Deadnettle has square stems with triangular, overlapping, pointed leaves near the top. It produces pinkish-purple-lipped flowers. <\/p>
Preferred habitat: <\/strong>Disturbed soil, especially along buildings and moist parts of the lawn<\/p>
Active season: <\/strong>It begins to develop in the fall and completely forms flowers and seeds in spring.<\/p>
Uses: <\/strong>It\u2019s used as a medicinal herb in teas and broths for its anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial properties<\/p>
How to get rid of deadnettle: <\/strong>Hand-pull or use an appropriate tool to mechanically remove the weeds, if they are young. If you\u2019re dealing with a widespread infestation, go for a broadleaf weed killer to counter active growth<\/p>
If left unchecked: <\/strong>Will completely take over your lawn<\/p>
Is it dangerous? <\/strong>It\u2019s not poisonous or dangerous to touch <\/p>
What is deadnettle telling you about your lawn?<\/strong> You have a thin lawn, low-nutrient soil, or you\u2019re mowing your lawn too short. <\/p>
What to do about it:<\/strong> <\/em><\/strong>Maintain healthy grass that is strong enough to compete with and prevent deadnettle invasion. Feed your lawn the proper nutrients and keep up with aeration and watering schedules. Take help from this detailed guide for monthly lawn maintenance.<\/p>
Purslane: Flower and garden bed weed<\/span><\/h2>
![\"Common](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/1024px-Portulaca_oleracea_MHNT.jpg\")
Mus\u00e9um de Toulouse<\/a> | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> This succulent weed thrives in Maryland\u2019s hot, humid climate. It spreads rapidly, making it difficult to control. <\/p>
Purslane is a fast-growing, invasive weed that can outcompete just about any other weed. It will create dense, low mats (less than 1 ft. tall), stems, and thick, succulent, light green to maroon-colored leaves on the undersides. <\/p>
Scientific name: <\/strong>Portulaca oleracea<\/a><\/p>
Plant type: <\/strong>Annual herbaceous, succulent weed<\/p>
How to identify: <\/strong>Look for succulent leaves<\/p>
Preferred habitat: <\/strong>Warm weather and will thrive in a wide range of soils. Loves to invade newly seeded turf and thrives in crevices between cracked cement and bricks. <\/p>
Active season: <\/strong>Purslane is most active from spring to late summer<\/p>
Uses: <\/strong>Some varieties are edible and coveted in high-end restaurants<\/p>
How to get rid of purslane: <\/strong>Hand-pull weeds or spot-treat with a selective, broadleaf weed killer to manage infestation effectively.<\/p>
If left unchecked: <\/strong>The aggressive growth will quickly take over large sections of your lawn and deplete it of essential nutrients and water.<\/p>
Is it dangerous? <\/strong>It\u2019s considered safe for human consumption but is toxic for animals because it contains soluble calcium oxalates (not safe for animals)<\/p>
What is purslane telling you about your lawn? <\/strong>Purslane is an opportunist, it loves to invade new lawns with well-draining soils just as much as poorly maintained lawns. So even if you\u2019re doing things right, you still might fall prey to this weed. <\/p>
What to do about it:<\/strong> <\/em><\/strong>Keep up with regular mowing and maintain proper soil drainage.<\/p>
Annual bluegrass: Most aggressive grassy weed<\/span><\/h2>
![\"Annual](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/1024px-Poa_annua_15-p.bot-poa.annua-01-1.jpg\")
Laval University<\/a> | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> This short-lived weed grows in winter, dies out in the summer, and resembles grass. It grows in bunches and produces white tips on its stem. Bluegrass has boat-shaped leaves with seed clusters that produce more than 350 seeds<\/a>. <\/p>
Annual bluegrass is often mistakenly introduced into lawns by reseeding using a seed mixture contaminated with
- Crabgrass<\/a><\/li>