- Broadleaf weeds<\/a>
- Dandelion<\/a><\/li>
- Common purslane<\/a><\/li>
- Bull thistle<\/a><\/li>
- Poison ivy<\/a><\/li>
- Common chickweed<\/a><\/li>
- White clover<\/a><\/li>
- Broadleaf plantain<\/a><\/li>
- Ground ivy<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Grassy weeds<\/a>
- Yellow nutsedge<\/a><\/li>
- Crabgrass<\/a><\/li>
- Quackgrass<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
Broadleaf weeds<\/span><\/h2>
Broadleaf weeds are weeds with wider leaves, a major vein that runs down the center of the leaf, and secondary veins that branch off from there. Some examples of broadleaf weeds include dandelion, purslane, plantain, and creeping Charlie.<\/p>
Dandelion<\/span><\/h3>
![\"Closeup](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/AdobeStock_318279556-1.jpeg\")
zhang yongxin<\/a> | Adobe Stock Free | License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)<\/em> is a weed that comes back year after year, much to the frustration of Wisconsin homeowners. In the spring, bright yellow flowers pop up all over the grass, eventually turning into fluffy seed balls. The leaves form a rosette arrangement at the base of the plant.<\/p>
Kids love to blow on the puff balls and watch the seeds float away like little parachutes, but homeowners see them as a nuisance taking over their lawns. Those seeds will then land wherever the wind takes them to emerge next year. <\/p>
If you want to keep dandelions at bay and need help starting your own lawn care routine, check out our article: \u201cMonth-to-Month Wisconsin Lawn Care Calendar<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>
Note:<\/strong> If you dream of a dandelion-free lawn, check out our article: \u201cHow to Treat Dandelions in Your Yard<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>
Common purslane<\/span><\/h3>
![\"Yellow](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/28842193977_227d7ee169_c-1.jpg\")
Andreas Rockstein<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Purslane (Portulaca oleracea)<\/em> is a low-growing herbaceous annual with succulent reddish stems and smooth dark green leaves. Its habit is primarily prostrate: The stems originate from a single taproot, forming a dense mat up to 3 feet wide. <\/p>
Purslane loves water, and it stores it throughout the plant. Inconspicuous yellow flowers bloom for a short time when the plant has stored a sufficient amount of water. The yellow flowers are approximately 1\/4 \u2013 1\/2 inch wide and have five (sometimes four) notched petals. <\/p>
Note:<\/strong> Purslane has been used as food and medicinally for more than 4,000 years and is still used today for its health benefits. But if purslane is causing your lawn\u2019s health to suffer, learn how to get rid of purslane<\/a> in our article.<\/p>
Bull thistle<\/span><\/h3>
![\"Closeup](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/29891382392_cd26fa44ff_c-1.jpg\")
Logan Ward<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare<\/em>) is a biennial weed that has 1- to 2-inch purple flowers that look like gumdrops. Below the petals, spines form. Bull thistle rosettes develop in the first year; in the second year, flowers form, and it sets seeds.<\/p>
This plant begins to bloom in July or August (two to three weeks after other thistles). Bull thistle is often confused with other biennial thistles since Wisconsin has several native thistles. (Bull thistle is not native, though.)<\/p>
Note: <\/strong>Is bull thistle standing in the way of your dream lawn? We have the answers you need. Check out how to get rid of bull thistle<\/a> in our article.<\/p>
Poison ivy<\/span><\/h3>
![\"poison](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/2620415235_e83cf540d6_c.jpg\")
cygnus921<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans)<\/em> is a bushy or climbing vine with aerial rootlets and shiny green leaves in groups of three. In Wisconsin, homeowners must watch out for this common weed, which can cause allergic reactions on your skin.<\/p>
The leaves can vary in size and shape, ranging from rounded or shallow lobed edges to serrated edges, making the plant tricky to identify. In the fall, the leaves turn red or reddish yellow, and the vine is woody with dark gray bark.<\/p>
Note:<\/strong> Poison ivy can reach heights of 60 to 150 feet by scaling trees, walls, fences, or traveling along the ground. To eradicate this invader, see our article: \u201cHow to Get Rid of Poison Ivy in Your Yard<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>
Common chickweed<\/span><\/h3>
![\"closeup](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/1024px-Stellaria_media_3_RF.jpg\")
Robert Flogaus-Faust<\/a> | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY 4.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Chickweed (Stellaria media)<\/em> is a cool-season annual with a sprawling habit. It can grow 4 to 20 inches high and 4 to 12 inches wide. It branches abundantly near its base but very little toward the tips of the stems. The flowers are white with five deeply notched petals. The notches are so deep that visually, the flowers appear to have 10 petals instead of five. <\/p>
The flowers of common chickweed have an interesting behavior \u2014 they open in the morning for approximately 12 hours. At night, the leaves fold up, protecting the delicate buds of new shoots. The blooming period occurs sporadically for one to two months.<\/p>
Note:<\/strong> Did you know you can prevent common chickweed by aerating and dethatching your lawn? If you\u2019d like to learn when to perform these lawn care chores, check out our articles:<\/p>
- The Best Time to Aerate Your Lawn in Wisconsin<\/a><\/li>
- The Best Time to Dethatch Your Lawn in Wisconsin<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
If you\u2019d like to eliminate chickweed entirely, our article \u2014 \u201cWhat is Chickweed and How to Get Rid of It<\/a>\u201d \u2014 will help you learn how.<\/p>
White clover<\/span><\/h3>
![\"white](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/white-clover1.jpg\")
Kathrine Birch<\/a> | Pexels | License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> White clover, also known as Trifolium repens<\/em>, is a low-growing herbaceous perennial that forms a dense mat, spreading up to 12 inches wide. Two specific features will help you spot this weed in your yard: the leaflets and the flowers.<\/p>
First, look for the three leaflets with a distinct white or light green V-shaped pattern. This marking is often called a watermark and is found on each leaflet. Secondly, white flower heads, sometimes with a pinkish tinge, rise above the leaves and typically reach 4 to 6 inches.<\/p>
Clover doesn\u2019t have to ruin your lawn. If you\u2019d like to learn how to get rid of clover<\/a>, let our article be your guide.<\/p>
Note:<\/strong> If you\u2019d like to learn more about clover and alternative applications in your Wisconsin yard, check out these articles:<\/p>
- Should You Plant a Clover Lawn in Wisconsin?<\/a><\/li>
- When to Plant Clover in Wisconsin<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
Broadleaf plantain<\/span><\/h3>
![\"Closeup](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/AdobeStock_486152607.jpg\")
orestligetka<\/a> | Adobe Stock Free | License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Broadleaf plantain (Plantago major)<\/em> is a low-growing perennial weed with 12-inch-long thick, leathery leaves arranged in a rosette pattern. In the middle of the rosette, you’ll find flower stalks, also known as scapes, which are leafless, upright stems that produce a spike containing a cluster of small, inconspicuous yellow-white flowers.<\/p>
Broadleaf plantain primarily propagates through seeds. Each plant has the potential to yield up to 14,000 seeds, which can stay viable in the soil for 50 to 60 years.<\/p>
If pulling weeds by hand makes you crazy, don\u2019t forget there are other ways besides hand-pulling to get rid of broadleaf plantain<\/a>.<\/p>
Note:<\/strong> Sometimes, when you are pulling weeds in your lawn, you might uncover grubs. Don\u2019t be alarmed. Read our article \u2014 \u201cWhen to Apply Grub Control in Wisconsin<\/a>\u201d \u2014 to learn how to prevent pesky intruders from taking over your lawn.<\/p>
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> Ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea L.), <\/em>also known as creeping Charlie, is a perennial weed with creeping stems. Its sprawling habit can overtake other plants because it grows up to 30 inches long and creates a tangled mat. You’ll find square stems and pairs of kidney-shaped leaves with scalloped edges at each node. <\/p>
Creeping Charlie has pretty purple-blue flowers that are arranged in whorls of 2 to 6. When you crush ground ivy, it gives off an unpleasant minty odor. While the plant produces seeds, its primary reproduction method is through creeping stems. Our article will teach you how to get rid of creeping Charlie<\/a> in your yard.<\/p>
Note:<\/strong> Ground ivy makes a good ground cover if it\u2019s controlled. \u00a0If you\u2019d like to use creeping Charlie as a groundcover, read our article \u2014 \u201cThe Best Ground Cover Plants for Wisconsin<\/a>\u201d \u2014 to help you learn more.<\/p>
Grassy weeds<\/span><\/h2>
Grassy weeds look similar to your turfgrass because they also have long, narrow leaves. However, in a well-maintained lawn, they stand out because they look different from the other cool-season grasses in terms of their color, size, growth pattern, and texture.<\/p>
Yellow nutsedge<\/span><\/h3>
![\"close-up](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Yellow-nutsedge-1.jpg\")
Homer Edward Price<\/a> | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus) <\/em>is a perennial weed with yellow-green grassy leaves that terminate in a sharp point. It can be identified by its triangular stem, distinguishing it from grasses. The flower structure (inflorescence) of yellow nutsedge is straw-colored. <\/p>
Yellow nutsedge germination starts in May, followed by the flowers from July to September. It is spread by underground tubers, which can stay alive for as long as 10 years. This plant usually does well in sandy soils with good drainage and wet areas.<\/p>
Note:<\/strong> Perennial sedges are considered among the most challenging weed species worldwide. Even though yellow nutsedge can be a challenge, you can still tackle it by learning how to identify and get rid of nutsedge<\/a> in your lawn.<\/p>
Crabgrass<\/span><\/h3>
![\"closeup](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/1024px-Smooth_crabgrass_18654293279.jpg\")
NY State IPM Program at Cornell University<\/a> | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Crabgrass (Digitaria spp.) is a summer annual weed that spreads rapidly and has light green blades that extend from a central root system, resembling crab legs. Besides the crab leg-shaped habit, look for the light green leaves standing against darker green bluegrass turf starting as early as May 10th. New plants can continue to germinate through July. <\/p>
This annual grass grows from the seeds of the previous year, produces new seeds during the summer, and dies off by September. Crabgrass seeds are frequently dispersed by wind and animals. Understanding how to get rid of crabgrass<\/a> is key to achieving a healthy lawn.<\/p>
Preventive Tip: <\/strong>To prevent crabgrass from taking over in the first place, check out our article on when to apply crabgrass preventer in Wisconsin<\/a> to nip this weed in the bud.<\/p>
Note:<\/strong> A good indicator of crabgrass emergence in Wisconsin is to watch when the forsythia bushes bloom. Forsythia is the first shrub to bloom in Wisconsin, displaying yellow flowers before the foliage appears, coinciding with the period when crabgrass seeds emerge from dormancy.<\/p>
Quackgrass<\/span><\/h3>
![\"green](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/quackgrass-1.jpg\")
Ayotte, Gilles, 1948-<\/a> | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Quackgrass (Elytrigia repens)<\/em>, also called couch grass, is a cool-season perennial with an upright habit that grows from 1 to 4 feet high. Quackgrass has \u201cclasping auricles\u201d (a pair of narrow, small clasping outgrowths) where the grass blade wraps around the lower stem. Additionally, it produces runners, or rhizomes, which can extend for 5 feet or more underground.<\/p>
Note:<\/strong> Quackgrass has prominent white or tan rhizomes that spread the plant horizontally underground. When digging up the plant, quackgrass and its roots are much tougher to remove than crabgrass. If digging up quackgrass isn\u2019t your jam, read our article to learn how to get rid of quackgrass<\/a> to find your weed eradicator groove.<\/p>
More lawn care and landscaping resources for Wisconsin<\/p>
- The Best Time to Plant Grass Seed in Wisconsin<\/a><\/li>
- When Does Grass Stop Growing in Wisconsin?<\/a><\/li>
- The Best Grass Seed for Wisconsin Lawns<\/a><\/li>
- When to Apply Weed and Feed in Wisconsin<\/a><\/li>
- The Best Ornamental Grasses for Wisconsin<\/a><\/li>
- The Best Weed and Feed for Wisconsin Lawns<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
Call in the pros<\/span><\/h2>
So, you\u2019ve put off your lawn care chores for another day because the Packers are playing, and you want to sport your new foam cheesehead hat at the game. Why not let Lawn Love’s Wisconsin weed control pros<\/a> take care of the weeds while you quench your thirst with a can of \u201cCarry the G\u201d? <\/p>
\t\t\t\t\t\tResources:<\/p> \t\t\t
<\/span><\/div> \t\t<\/div> \t\t\tNC State Extension<\/a><\/p>
North Dakota State Library<\/a><\/p>
North Dakota State University<\/a><\/p>
Penn State Extension<\/a><\/p>
Purdue University<\/a><\/p>
The Ohio State University: Ohio Perennial and Biennial Weed Guide<\/a><\/p>
UMass Extension Turf Program<\/a><\/p>
University of Wisconsin Extension: Lawn Weed Prevention and Control<\/a>, Crabgrass<\/a>, Bull Thistle<\/a>, Purslane<\/a><\/p>
WV Extension: Broadleaf Plantain<\/a><\/p> <\/div> \t\t<\/div> <\/div>
Main Image Credit: Erik<\/a> | Adobe Stock Free | License<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The most common weeds in Wisconsin include dandelion, purslane, chickweed, and yellow nutsedge. Learn to identify these common weeds in your yard.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":111,"featured_media":32845,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[177],"tags":[968],"class_list":["post-32837","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-wisconsin","tag-lawn-care-wi"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/AdobeStock_307922547-1.jpeg","author_info":{"display_name":"Harley Grandone","author_link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/author\/harley-grandone\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32837","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/111"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=32837"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32837\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/32845"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=32837"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=32837"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=32837"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
- When Does Grass Stop Growing in Wisconsin?<\/a><\/li>
- When to Plant Clover in Wisconsin<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
- The Best Time to Dethatch Your Lawn in Wisconsin<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
- Crabgrass<\/a><\/li>
- Common purslane<\/a><\/li>
- Dandelion<\/a><\/li>