- What are broadleaf weeds?<\/a><\/li>
- How to identify broadleaf weeds<\/a><\/li>
- Common broadleaf weeds<\/a>
- Broadleaf plantain (Plantago major)<\/a><\/li>
- Bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare)<\/a><\/li>
- Common chickweed (Stellaria media)<\/a><\/li>
- Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)<\/a><\/li>
- Ground ivy (Glechoma hederaceae)<\/a><\/li>
- Henbit (Lamium amplexicaule)<\/a><\/li>
- Oxalis (Oxalis stricta)<\/a><\/li>
- Prostrate knotweed (Polygonum aviculare)<\/a><\/li>
- White clover (Trifolium repens)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- How to control broadleaf weeds<\/a>
- Hand-pulling weeds<\/a><\/li>
- Post-emergent herbicides<\/a><\/li>
- Homemade weed killers<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- How to prevent broadleaf weeds<\/a>
- Pre-emergent herbicides<\/a><\/li>
- Proper lawn maintenance<\/a>
- Fertilize properly<\/a><\/li>
- Mow frequently<\/a><\/li>
- Water appropriately<\/a><\/li>
- Plant a new turfgrass<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- FAQ about broadleaf weeds<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
What are broadleaf weeds?<\/span><\/h2>
As their name suggests, broadleaf weeds are unwanted plants with wide leaves. According to Clemson University, many broadleaf weeds are dicots, which are a separate group from grasses. Many common lawn weeds<\/a> belong to this group of plants.<\/p>
When comparing broadleaf weeds to grassy weeds<\/a> such as crabgrass, broadleaf weeds have characteristics that make them easily distinguishable. Here are some characteristics of broadleaf weeds:<\/p>
- Large, wide leaves<\/li>
- Netted veins, where the main leaf vein branches out into smaller veins<\/li>
- Nodes with one or more leaves<\/li>
- Showy flowers (for some, not all)<\/li> <\/ul>
Additionally, broadleaf weed seedlings germinate with two leaves (compared to grass and grassy weeds, which sprout with one). However, sometimes these leaves remain underground.<\/p>
How to identify broadleaf weeds<\/span><\/h2>
![\"graphic](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/species-features.jpg\")
Infographic by Juan Rodriguez<\/figcaption><\/figure> Identifying broadleaf weeds in a lawn is easy compared to identifying grassy weeds<\/a> because broadleaf plants don\u2019t look like turfgrass at all. However, pinpointing which specific broadleaf weed is terrorizing your lawn requires a bit more investigative work. <\/p>
Here are some characteristics to take note of that can make weed identification easier:<\/p>
- Leaves<\/strong>
- Leaf shape: <\/strong>Broadleaf weeds have more varied leaf shapes than grassy weeds.<\/li>
- Leaf margins: <\/strong>These are the edges of a leaf. They can be smooth, serrated, and lobed, among others.<\/li>
- Phyllotaxy: <\/strong>This is the arrangement of the leaves on the stem of a plant. They can be opposite, alternate, or whorled. <\/li>
- Presence of a leaf stalk<\/strong><\/li>
- Presence of an ocrea <\/strong>(leaf sheath)<\/li> <\/ul> <\/li>
- Flowers<\/strong><\/li>
- Growth habit or pattern<\/strong><\/li> <\/ul>
To help homeowners identify a broadleaf weed, it is important to be aware of the different lifespans<\/a> of broadleaf weeds:<\/p>
- Annual weeds<\/strong> go through their whole life cycle of germination, maturation, seed production, and death within 12 months. They can be divided into summer or winter annuals, depending on when they germinate.<\/li>
- Biennial weeds<\/strong> typically bloom in the spring and go dormant in the winter. Biennial plants only live a couple of years.<\/li>
- Perennial weeds<\/strong> live for multiple years and they can grow in all seasons, depending on the type of plant. <\/li> <\/ul>
Common broadleaf weeds<\/span><\/h2>
Here are some <\/a>common types of broadleaf weeds<\/a> you might find in your lawn and their defining characteristics.<\/p>
Broadleaf plantain (Plantago major<\/em>)<\/span><\/h3>
![\"Broadleaf](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Broadleaf-plantain-Plantago-major.jpg\")
Photo Credit: skymoon13<\/a> | Canva Pro | License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Also called ripple grass, broadleaf plantain<\/a> is another incredibly common weed, possibly second only to dandelions in prevalence. Similar to dandelions, this perennial weed is edible. <\/p>
Broadleaf plantain grows in disturbed, compacted, and soggy soils. The seeds for this Eurasian native germinate in late spring, mid-summer, and sometimes even early fall. <\/p>
- Life cycle<\/strong>: Perennial<\/li>
- Spreads through<\/strong>: Seeds<\/li>
- Distinct characteristics<\/strong>:
- Leaves<\/strong>: Egg-shaped leaves grow low and in a circle (basal rosette)<\/li>
- Flowers<\/strong>: White flowers bloom in spikes on a tall, straight stalk from mid-spring to early fall<\/li> <\/ul> <\/li> <\/ul>
Broadleaf plantain is not the only weed in the Plantago <\/em>genus. Buckhorn plantain (also called narrow-leaved plantain) is another weed that can invade your lawn. The leaves of this weed are twisted and narrower than the broadleaf plantain.<\/p>
Bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare<\/em>)<\/span><\/h3>
The blooming season for bull thistle<\/a> lasts from June to September. The spiky green fruit at the top of its stalk is distinctive and easy to recognize. Bull thistle is a tall weed, growing up to 3 to 6 feet. <\/p>
For preventative measures, try applying pre-emergent herbicides to kill bull thistle weed seeds before they germinate in the spring or fall. If bull thistle has already appeared in your yard, be careful when hand-pulling the weed since its fleshy taproot can make it difficult to pull out.<\/p>
- Life cycle<\/strong>: Biennial<\/li>
- Spreads through<\/strong>: Seeds<\/li>
- Distinct characteristics<\/strong>:
- Leaves<\/strong>: Lobed leaves are thin and spiny<\/li>
- Stems:<\/strong> The stem is tall and erect<\/li>
- Flowers<\/strong>: Pink magenta flowers<\/li>
- Growth habit<\/strong>: Produces a tall stem, called a bolt, and the flower blossoms grow on top of the long stalks<\/li> <\/ul> <\/li> <\/ul>
Common chickweed (Stellaria media<\/em>)<\/span><\/h3>
![\"Common](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Common-chickweed-Stellaria-media.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Cynthia Shirk<\/a> | Canva Pro | License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Also called chickenwort and starweed, common chickweed<\/a> is a winter annual that grows relatively flat. Aside from its tendency to grow low to the ground, you can identify common chickweed through its small, white flowers. <\/p>
Like dandelions, common chickweed is another edible weed. This European native likes disturbed soils best, but it\u2019s a versatile plant that can thrive just about anywhere. <\/p>
- Life cycle<\/strong>: Winter annual<\/li>
- Spreads through<\/strong>: Seeds<\/li>
- Distinct characteristics<\/strong>:
- Leaves<\/strong>: Small and football-shaped with pinnate veins; arranged in pairs<\/li>
- Flowers<\/strong>: Clusters of small white flowers; five petals per flower, but they have deep notches that make it look like it has more<\/li>
- Growth pattern<\/strong>: Grows low to the ground, kind of like a mat<\/li> <\/ul> <\/li> <\/ul>
There are other species bearing the name \u201cchickweed\u201d that are also considered weeds. These are sticky chickweed (Cerastium glomeratum<\/em>, also called mouse-ear chickweed) and perennial mouse-ear chickweed (C. vulgatum<\/em>). The latter has stems that tend to root and grow into new plants.<\/p>
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale<\/em>)<\/span><\/h3>
![\"Dandelion](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Dandelion-Taraxacum-officinale.jpg\")
Photo Credit: emer1940<\/a> | Canva Pro | License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> <\/strong>With its sunny yellow flowers, dandelion is a common perennial weed that many homeowners can easily identify, and it\u2019s even more recognizable when its flowers turn into a puffball of white seeds. <\/a><\/p>
Although they can grow out of control, there are benefits to dandelions<\/a> on your lawn. Dandelions are quite nutritious and can be eaten, they have medicinal properties, and aside from that, they can even improve the health of your lawn.<\/p>
It can be difficult to treat dandelions<\/a> in your yard. If you\u2019re hand-pulling this weed, make sure to get all of its taproot, or else it can regrow. Dandelions aren\u2019t picky when it comes to soil preferences, and this sun-loving weed will grow just about anywhere.<\/p>
- Life cycle<\/strong>: Perennial<\/li>
- Spreads through<\/strong>: Seeds; also regrow from bits of its taproot<\/li>
- Distinct characteristics<\/strong>:
- Flowers<\/strong>: Bright yellow, around 1 to 2 inches in diameter<\/li>
- Leaves<\/strong>: Serrated<\/li>
- Seed head<\/strong>: \u201cPuffball\u201d seed head that children and adults alike often blow to make wishes<\/li> <\/ul> <\/li> <\/ul>
Ground ivy (Glechoma hederaceae<\/em>)<\/span><\/h3>
![\"Ground](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Ground-ivy-Glechoma-hederaceae.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Whiteway<\/a> | Canva Pro | License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Also known as \u201cCreeping Charlie\u201d, ground ivy<\/a> is another common broadleaf weed. Like its name suggests, it grows very low and creeps on the ground. Ground ivy loves moist soils with bad drainage.<\/p>
Aside from the popular nickname Creeping Charlie, ground ivy also goes by a lot of other names: <\/p>
- Alehoff<\/li>
- Cat\u2019s foot<\/li>
- Creeping jenny<\/li>
- Field balm<\/li>
- Gill-over-the-ground<\/li>
- Hay maids<\/li>
- Runaway robin<\/li> <\/ul>
Although it is edible for humans, it is toxic to horses. When the weed flowers, its budding stem can grow up to a foot tall. Don\u2019t mistake it for henbit, another broadleaf weed that has similar characteristics to ground ivy.<\/p>
This invasive member of the mint family can be the bane of homeowners due to how difficult it is to get rid of. Hand-pulling only works if you get all of its stolons (above-ground stems); otherwise, it will regrow. You will likely have more success with an herbicide.<\/p>
- Life cycle<\/strong>: Perennial<\/li>
- Spreads through<\/strong>: Seeds and creeping stolons<\/li>
- Distinct characteristics<\/strong>:
- Leaves<\/strong>: Opposite, heart-shaped with scalloped edges<\/li>
- Flowers<\/strong>: Blue or purple<\/li>
- Growth pattern<\/strong>: Creeping, prostrate<\/li> <\/ul> <\/li> <\/ul>
Henbit (Lamium amplexicaule<\/em>)<\/span><\/h3>
Sometimes called dead nettle, henbit<\/a> loves moist, shady lawns, so practice proper lawn care and avoid overwatering your lawn. It\u2019s a member of the mint family that germinates in spring and grows quickly. The flower stalks can grow 4 to 12 inches tall. <\/p>
- Life cycle<\/strong>: Winter annual<\/li>
- Spreads through<\/strong>: Seeds<\/li>
- Distinct characteristics<\/strong>:
- Leaves<\/strong>: Scalloped-edged <\/li>
- Stems:<\/strong> Long and a purplish brown color<\/li>
- Flowers<\/strong>: Pink or purple flowers grow in tubular whorls<\/li> <\/ul> <\/li> <\/ul>
Oxalis (Oxalis stricta<\/em>)<\/span><\/h3>
![\"Oxalis](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Oxalis-Oxalis-stricta-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: igaguri_1<\/a> | Canva Pro | License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> The mildly toxic oxalis is a perennial weed with yellow flowers. Also known as yellow woodsorrel<\/a>, oxalis looks similar to clover; however, its clover-like leaves are actually heart-shaped upon closer inspection. <\/p>
This broadleaf weed grows in a variety of environments, but it can be indicative of problems with your lawn, such as incorrect pH levels, pests, and disease.<\/p>
Oxalis is another difficult weed to get rid of. Aside from spreading through seeds, it also spreads through rhizomes that you\u2019ll need to get rid of to kill this weed fully. Mulching can also help keep it in check.<\/p>
- Life cycle<\/strong>: Perennial or annual (depending on climate)<\/li>
- Stems:<\/strong> Long and a purplish brown color<\/li>
- Spreads through<\/strong>: Seeds<\/li>
- Flowers<\/strong>: Blue or purple<\/li>
- Spreads through<\/strong>: Seeds and creeping stolons<\/li>
- Life cycle<\/strong>: Perennial<\/li>
- Leaves<\/strong>: Serrated<\/li>
- Spreads through<\/strong>: Seeds; also regrow from bits of its taproot<\/li>
- Flowers<\/strong>: Clusters of small white flowers; five petals per flower, but they have deep notches that make it look like it has more<\/li>
- Spreads through<\/strong>: Seeds<\/li>
- Stems:<\/strong> The stem is tall and erect<\/li>
- Spreads through<\/strong>: Seeds<\/li>
- Flowers<\/strong>: White flowers bloom in spikes on a tall, straight stalk from mid-spring to early fall<\/li> <\/ul> <\/li> <\/ul>
- Spreads through<\/strong>: Seeds<\/li>
- Biennial weeds<\/strong> typically bloom in the spring and go dormant in the winter. Biennial plants only live a couple of years.<\/li>
- Leaf margins: <\/strong>These are the edges of a leaf. They can be smooth, serrated, and lobed, among others.<\/li>
- Leaf shape: <\/strong>Broadleaf weeds have more varied leaf shapes than grassy weeds.<\/li>
- Leaves<\/strong>
- Mow frequently<\/a><\/li>
- Proper lawn maintenance<\/a>
- Post-emergent herbicides<\/a><\/li>
- Bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare)<\/a><\/li>
- How to identify broadleaf weeds<\/a><\/li>