- Broadleaf weeds<\/a>
- Ground ivy<\/a><\/li>
- Henbit<\/a><\/li>
- Ragweed<\/a><\/li>
- Pigweed<\/a><\/li>
- Thistle<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Grassy weeds<\/a>
- Crabgrass<\/a><\/li>
- Goosegrass<\/a><\/li>
- Wild onion<\/a><\/li>
- Prairie spiderwort<\/a><\/li>
- Bermudagrass<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Sedges<\/a>
- Annual sedge<\/a><\/li>
- Green kyllinga<\/a><\/li>
- Nutsedge<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Learn more about Texas lawn care<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
Broadleaf weeds<\/span><\/h2>
Ground ivy<\/span><\/h3>
![\"Creeping](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/18246488094_8e2ed64c94_k-1.jpg\")
New York State IPM Program at Cornell University<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Also known as creeping Charlie, ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea<\/em>) is present throughout Texas. This herbaceous perennial produces heart-shaped leaves with round, toothed margins and tiny purple flowers. A curious fact about this weed is that it smells like mint when mowed or crushed since it is a member of the mint family. <\/p>
Ground ivy appears in moist, shady areas, such as under shrubs and trees. See how you can eliminate this weed in our guide: \u201cCommon Types of Weeds<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>
Henbit<\/span><\/h3>
![\"Henbit](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/52721752329_edd773e112_c-2.jpg\")
sonnia hill<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Henbit (Lamium amplexicaule<\/em>) is a winter annual broadleaf weed found mostly in central Texas and a few other counties throughout the state. Henbit is identifiable by its square stems and triangular leaves with toothed margins that form a rosette around the stem. It also blooms with small pink or purple flowers.<\/p>
Like ground ivy, henbit loves moisture and shade, but it can also grow under full sun. You can get rid of henbit by hand-pulling the flowering ones before they set seed.<\/p>
Ragweed<\/span><\/h3>
![\"Common](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/1024px-Ambrosia_artemisiifolia_15-p.bot-ambro.arte-50.jpg\")
Laval University<\/a> | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Found in most counties in Texas, ragweed (Ambrosia<\/em> spp.) exists as both a perennial and summer annual in the state. Western ragweed is the perennial species (A.<\/em> psilostachya<\/em>) while common ragweed (A.<\/em> artemisifolia<\/em>) is the annual variety. Ragweed grows on dry soils and is identifiable by its lobed leaves that resemble ferns or even arugula.<\/p>
But don\u2019t make a salad with ragweed \u2014 its pollen can cause allergic symptoms that include wheezing, a congested nose, and bothersome itchy eyes. For that reason, the best you can do is get rid of this weed by hand-pulling it. Since it is resistant to a handful of herbicides, contact a lawn care pro<\/a> when dealing with a large infestation.<\/p>
Pigweed<\/span><\/h3>
![\"Redroot](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/1024px-Amaranthus_retroflexus_-_inflorescence_18121655983.jpg\")
Redroot pigweed<\/em>
NY State IPM Program at Cornell University<\/a> | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>Widespread across Texas with 23 recorded species in the state, pigweed (Amaranthus<\/em> spp.) is a summer annual. Some of the most common pigweed species found in Texas are:<\/p>
- Tumbleweed (Amaranthus<\/em> albus<\/em>)<\/li>
- Prostrate pigweed (Amaranthus blitoides<\/em>)<\/li>
- Redroot pigweed (Amaranthus<\/em> retroflexus<\/em>)<\/li>
- Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus<\/em> palmeri<\/em>) <\/li>
- Water hemp (Amaranthus rudis<\/em>)<\/li> <\/ul>
Pigweed grows from a deep taproot. Its flowers are inconspicuous and green, and its tiny clusters form a spike pointing upwards. Mow regularly to prevent it from seeding over your lawn, or apply a post-emergent herbicide to eliminate pigweed. <\/p>
Visit our article to learn more about post-emergent herbicide applications: \u201cHow and When to Apply Post-Emergent Herbicides<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>
Thistle<\/span><\/h3>
![\"Texas](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/53744455543_a11be91438_c-1.jpg\")
sonnia hill<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Ten thistle (Cirsium<\/em> spp.) species are currently found throughout Texas, and the Texas thistle (C. texanum<\/em>) is one of the most common species in the state. They can grow on dry or moist soils and first appear as a rosette during the winter; in the spring, a flowering stalk blooms.<\/p>
Thistles are prickly to the touch, so if you opt for hand-pulling them, remember to wear a protective glove. You can also apply a post-emergent herbicide to get rid of this weed. Opt for those that contain dicamba, glyphosate, and triclopyr to successfully eliminate thistle.<\/p>
Pro Tip: <\/strong>Check out our guide on types of post-emergent herbicides<\/a>, where we share more relevant information on this topic.<\/p>
Grassy weeds<\/span><\/h2>
Crabgrass<\/span><\/h3>
![\"close-up](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/51344088845_cc43407ac3_c.jpg\")
F. D. Richards<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> The three crabgrass species that haunt Texas lawns are smooth crabgrass (Digitaria ischaemum<\/em>), large crabgrass (Digitaria sanguinalis<\/em>), and Texas crabgrass (Digitaria texana<\/em>). This aggressive weed loves sunny areas and compacted soils and spreads horizontally, forming a mat that suffocates your turf.<\/p>
Crabgrass seed needs plenty of sunlight to germinate. Because of this, the best way to prevent this weed from creeping into your lawn is to cultivate a dense turf that can shade the soil. <\/p>
In Texas, crabgrass is normally the first summer annual among the other grassy weeds to germinate, so if you\u2019ve already dealt with an infestation in the previous season, the most efficient way to eliminate crabgrass is with pre-emergent herbicides<\/a>. Learn more about this weed in our articles:<\/p>
- What is Crabgrass?<\/a><\/li>
- How to Get Rid of Crabgrass<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
Goosegrass<\/span><\/h3>
![\"Goosegrass](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/1024px-Goosegrass_18843732861.jpg\")
NY State IPM Program at Cornell University<\/a> | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> A summer annual weed, goosegrass (Eleusine indica<\/em>) loves compacted soils and high-traffic areas, growing in clumps on home lawns, golf courses, and athletic fields. One of its key characteristics is its spike-like inflorescences (which are clusters of flowers) that resemble a zipper, and the white color of the stems at the center of the plant.<\/p>
To control goosegrass<\/a> on warm-season grasses (which are among the best grass types for Texas<\/a>), consider a pre-emergent herbicide. For Bermudagrass, however, you can also control goosegrass with a post-emergent herbicide.\u00a0<\/p>
Wild onion<\/span><\/h3>
![\"Wild](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/3115697481_b68bcbf0c1_k-1.jpg\")
Frank Mayfield<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> There are 14 species of wild onion (Allium<\/em> spp.) throughout Texas, both biennials and perennials. The most commonly found wild onion species on turfgrass is Allium canadense<\/em>, a perennial that is easily mistaken for wild garlic (Allium vineale<\/em>). An easy way to tell them apart is by cutting one of the leaves: If it is hollow, it\u2019s wild garlic.<\/p>
Wild onions can grow in virtually any soil and are found throughout Texas. Check out the ways you can get rid of grassy weeds in our guide: \u201cHow to Get Rid of Weeds in Grass<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>
Prairie spiderwort<\/span><\/h3>
![\"Prairie](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/49777229688_68fe8cbfa5_c-1.jpg\")
Amy Washuta<\/a> | Flickr | Public Domain<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Another common grass-like weed in Texas is the prairie spiderwort (Tradescantia occidentalis<\/em>). Native to Texas, prairie spiderwort can be cultivated as a specimen plant in native gardens and wildflower gardens, or used in borders. <\/p>
But because prairie spiderwort propagates by seed, it can end up infiltrating your lawn. This herbaceous perennial blooms in the spring with purple, blue, or pink flowers.<\/p>
Bermudagrass<\/span><\/h3>
![\"closeup](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/bermudagrass.jpg\")
Forest & Kim Starr<\/a> | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY 3.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Bermudagrass is a warm-season grass that grows fast due to its aggressive stolons and rhizomes. While improved varieties of Bermudagrass are used as turf due to their high traffic tolerance, Bermudagrass can also behave as a problematic weed.<\/p>
Because of its aggressive growth, Bermudagrass can invade garden beds and other types of turf. Apply our tips to control grassy weeds<\/a> and eliminate unwanted Bermudagrass on your lawn or landscape.<\/p>
Sedges<\/span><\/h2>
Annual sedge<\/span><\/h3>
![\"Closeup](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/06e721074b74529e995a9739f96558fe736b7a97-1.jpeg\")
Riri Chaidir Siregar<\/a> | PlantNet | CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Annual sedge (Cyperus compressus<\/em>) is a summer annual weed from the sedge family, which is visually very similar to common grass. Nutsedges are usually identifiable by their triangular stems. Annual nutsedge (unlike other sedges) has no rhizomes or tubers, and a flat seed head. <\/p>
Sedges growing on your lawn generally indicate excessive soil moisture. Annual sedge persists even on mowed lawns, so your best bet is to improve soil drainage, fix irrigation problems, and apply selective herbicides.<\/p>
Pro Tip: <\/strong>You can improve your soil drainage problems by aerating your soil. The best time to aerate in Texas<\/a> depends on what grass you have. Warm-season grasses should be aerated in late spring or early summer and cool-season grasses, in the fall. For more details, dive into our step-by-step tutorial in our article: \u201cHow to Aerate Your Lawn<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>
Green kyllinga<\/span><\/h3>
![\"Green](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/1024px-Kyllinga_brevifolia_3-1.jpeg\")
Dalgial<\/a> | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Green kyllingas (Kyllinga brevifolia<\/em>) are another sedge species that grows on Texas lawns, and if you find them on your turf, the bad news is that they are generally harder to deal with than other sedges. This mat-forming perennial has reddish rhizomes and a small, round flower cluster. <\/p>
Like other sedges, green kyllinga also appears on chronically moist soils. However, it is typically much smaller than other sedge species, resisting mowing heights as low as 1 inch or less. <\/p>
Nutsedge<\/span><\/h3>
![\"purple](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/PNS_7-1.jpg\")
Casey Reynolds<\/a> | Texas A&M AgriLife Extension<\/figcaption><\/figure> Other commonly found sedges in Texas are purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus<\/em> L.) and yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus <\/em>L.). These perennial sedges tend to appear in plant beds, wet areas, or ditch banks. As the name suggests, yellow nutsedge has yellow inflorescences (clusters of tiny flowers) while purple nutsedge has (you guessed it) purple inflorescences. <\/p>
Another way to differentiate between the two is to observe the leaves:<\/p>
- Yellow nutsedge <\/strong>has a narrow and pointy leaf tip.<\/li>
- Purple nutsedge<\/strong> has a broad and blunt leaf tip.<\/li> <\/ul>
While you can hand-pull yellow nutsedge, purple nutsedge has deeper tubers and rhizomes that are difficult to remove completely. Hand-pulling purple nutsedge can even worsen your problem: It can stimulate dormant tubers to germinate. <\/p>
Learn how to control nutsedges in our article: \u201cHow to Identify and Get Rid of Nutsedge in Your Lawn<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>
Learn more about Texas lawn care<\/span><\/h2>
If you\u2019re interested in learning more about lawn care in Texas, visit our other article:<\/p>
- The Best Time to Plant Grass Seed in Texas<\/a><\/li>
- When to Dethatch Your Lawn in Texas<\/a><\/li>
- Bermudagrass Maintenance Calendar for Texas<\/a><\/li>
- Zoysiagrass Maintenance Calendar for Texas<\/a><\/li>
- St. Augustinegrass Maintenance Calendar for Texas<\/a><\/li>
- When to Fertilize Your Lawn in Texas<\/a><\/li>
- The Best Lawn Fertilizers for Texas<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
When to call a pro<\/span><\/h2>
Tired of hand-pulling weeds that never seem to go away? Unsure about applying herbicides yourself? Know that you don\u2019t have to battle weeds alone: You can count on Lawn Love to help you out. Contact our trusted lawn care experts<\/a> so you can once again enjoy a perfect, weed-free lawn.<\/p>
\t\t\t - When to Dethatch Your Lawn in Texas<\/a><\/li>
- Purple nutsedge<\/strong> has a broad and blunt leaf tip.<\/li> <\/ul>
- How to Get Rid of Crabgrass<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
- Prostrate pigweed (Amaranthus blitoides<\/em>)<\/li>
- Green kyllinga<\/a><\/li>
- Goosegrass<\/a><\/li>
- Henbit<\/a><\/li>
- Ground ivy<\/a><\/li>