- 13 most common lawn weeds<\/a>
- 1. Annual bluegrass (Poa annua)<\/a><\/li>
- 2. Bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare)<\/a><\/li>
- 3. Chickweed (Stellaria media)<\/a><\/li>
- 4. Crabgrass (Digitaria)<\/a><\/li>
- 5. Creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea)<\/a><\/li>
- 6. Dandelion (Taraxacum)<\/a><\/li>
- 7. Lambsquarters (Chenopodium album)<\/a><\/li>
- 8. Oxalis (Oxalis stricta)<\/a><\/li>
- 9. Quackgrass (Elymus repens)<\/a><\/li>
- 10. Ragweed (Ambrosia spp.)<\/a><\/li>
- 11. Spotted spurge (Euphorbia maculata)<\/a><\/li>
- 12. White clover (Trifolium repens)<\/a><\/li>
- 13. Yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Why should you care about weeds?<\/a><\/li>
- How to get rid of weeds by hand or herbicide<\/a>
- Hand Weeding<\/a><\/li>
- Weed control chemical treatments<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- FAQ about the most common lawn weeds<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
13 most common lawn weeds<\/span><\/h2>
For anyone who loves a tidy lawn, the challenge of weed management often takes center stage. But before pulling out these little plants, you need to understand their characteristics and how you can stop them from taking over your green lawn.<\/p>
1. Annual bluegrass (Poa annua)<\/em><\/span><\/h3>
![\"Annual](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Annual-bluegrass-Poa-annua.jpg\")
Ian_Redding<\/a> | Canva Pro | License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> One of the most common weeds found in lawns and gardens, annual bluegrass is known for its bright green leaves with pointed, boat-shaped tips. The seed head of this low-growing grassy weed<\/a> is a cluster of tiny green or purplish flowers resembling a crow\u2019s foot.<\/p>
This versatile intruder typically germinates in the fall and thrives during the cool seasons, becoming prominent in early spring. Its rapid growth and prolific seed production contribute to its invasiveness, often outcompeting desirable grass types like fescue, bermudagrass, and Zoysiagrass.<\/p>
Plant type:<\/strong> Annual cool-season grassy weed<\/p>
USDA hardiness zone:<\/strong> 4-8<\/p>
Habitat:<\/strong> Grows well in moist, fertile soil<\/p>
Danger:<\/strong> No safety hazards<\/p>
Best way to get rid of annual bluegrass:<\/strong> Use a post-emergent herbicide or manually remove the weeds by hand and overseed with desirable grass species. For prevention, apply a pre-emergent herbicide to forestall germination in the fall.<\/p>
2. Bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare)<\/em><\/span><\/h3>
![\"closeup](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Bull-Thistle.jpg\")
Ron Clausen<\/a> | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Notorious for its robust nature and remarkable ability to multiply quickly, bull thistle poses a persistent challenge in turf management. Producing a staggering 10,000 seeds per plant each season<\/strong> that remain viable in the soil for years, it\u2019s no wonder bull thistle is a common sight in lawns. It tends to dominate and displace desirable plants in grassy landscapes.<\/p>
With its spiky rosettes, fringed purple flowers, and thorny spines enveloping its stem, this weed can be a threat to humans and animals. Its propagation occurs through wind-borne seeds or root fragments, making it hard to control once firmly established.<\/p>
Plant type:<\/strong> Broadleaf biennial<\/p>
USDA hardiness zone:<\/strong> 3-8<\/p>
Habitat:<\/strong> Moist to dry soil<\/p>
Danger:<\/strong> Its sharp spines can hurt<\/p>
Best way to get rid of bull thistle:<\/strong> Apply post-emergent herbicides during early to late spring when the weed starts flowering. For manual removal, extract the entire taproot and securely dispose of the seed head to prevent further seed dispersal.<\/p>
3. Chickweed (Stellaria media)<\/em><\/span><\/h3>
![\"white](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/chickweed.jpg\")
Alain de Maximy<\/a> | Canva Pro | License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> An annual weed adorned with petite, star-shaped flowers, chickweed<\/a> makes its debut in winter. This resilient weed forms dense, low green mats close to the ground, making it a robust contender against mowing efforts.<\/p>
A clue on how chickweed got its name: chickens are fond of devouring it. Plus, chickweed leaves have a unique behavior \u2014 they fold up at night or in anticipation of rain, adding a touch of botanical intrigue to this common weed.<\/p>
Plant type: <\/strong>Broadleaf annual or perennial (depending on the region)<\/p>
USDA hardiness zone: <\/strong>4-11<\/p>
Habitat: <\/strong>Shaded areas, moist soil<\/p>
Danger: <\/strong>Low \u2014 chickweed is edible<\/p>
Best way to get rid of chickweed: <\/strong>Use a pre-emergent broadleaf herbicide in early spring<\/a>. For those opting for manual removal, extracting the roots is essential. Given its shallow root system, this task is more manageable before the weed achieves dense coverage.<\/p>
4. Crabgrass (Digitaria)<\/em><\/span><\/h3>
![\"close-up](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/rsz_18217952904_2cc10027b3_c.jpg\")
NY State IPM Program at Cornell University<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Crabgrass is an unwelcome guest that sprouts in lawns in early summer. This grassy annual weed, aptly named for its tenacious growth habit, is likely a familiar sight in many lawns, including yours.<\/p>
Despite its grass-like appearance, crabgrass stands out with its characteristic Y-shaped seed head and wide, flat blades. It tends to grow in clumps, forming unsightly patches. This opportunistic plant can take advantage of thin or stressed lawns and spread through the shedding of seeds.<\/p>
While crabgrass meets its demise with the arrival of the first fall frost, it leaves a parting gift \u2014 seeds that lie in wait for a chance to stage a comeback in the following spring.<\/p>
Plant type: <\/strong>Annual grass<\/p>
USDA hardiness zone: <\/strong>2b-11<\/p>
Habitat: <\/strong>Thin spots in lawns, dry soil<\/p>
Danger: <\/strong>Low<\/p>
Best way to get rid of crabgrass: <\/strong>To effectively banish this intruder, use a selective pre-emergent herbicide<\/a> or crabgrass preventer in the spring.<\/p>
5. Creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea)<\/em><\/span><\/h3>
![\"green](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Creeping-Charlie.jpg\")
Andreas Rockstein<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> This broadleaf weed<\/a> dons scalloped leaves and clusters of purple flowers that grace the landscape in spring, accompanied by a subtle minty fragrance.<\/p>
But while these attributes may sound delightful, the reality is quite the opposite. Also known as ground ivy, creeping Charlie has the potential to carpet your lawn in a dense green invasion that will choke out your grass if left unchecked.<\/p>
To prevent this weed from invading your lawn, you must maintain proper pH levels, apply lawn fertilizers, and increase sunlight exposure.<\/p>
Plant type:<\/strong> Broadleaf perennial <\/p>
USDA hardiness zone:<\/strong> 3-10<\/p>
Habitat:<\/strong> Shaded areas, moist soil<\/p>
Danger:<\/strong> Toxic to horses in large amounts<\/p>
Best way to get rid of creeping Charlie:<\/strong> Apply a post-emergent broadleaf herbicide in the spring or fall.<\/p>
6. Dandelion (Taraxacum)<\/em><\/span><\/h3>
![\"Dandelion](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Dandelion-Taraxacum-officinale.jpg\")
emer1940<\/a> | Canva Pro | License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Dandelion, often the whimsical delight of children who scatter its seeds<\/a> with hopeful puffs, transforms into a formidable foe for diligent yard-tending parents. As a broadleaf weed, it stands out in the grass with its distinctive flowers and leaves, easily distinguishable from the turf.<\/p>
Initially adorned with cheerful yellow flowers in early spring, dandelions quickly turn into a lawn nuisance when their parachute-like seeds become light and puffy, dispersing effortlessly across your yard and germinating into new plants.<\/p>
Getting rid of dandelions<\/a> can be challenging due to their long taproot, which can penetrate up to 15 feet (but usually 6 to 18 inches<\/a> deep) into the soil.<\/p>
Plant type:<\/strong> Broadleaf perennial herb<\/p>
USDA hardiness zone:<\/strong> 3-10<\/p>
Habitat:<\/strong> Most soils<\/p>
Danger:<\/strong> Medium \u2014 dandelion is edible but can cause contact dermatitis<\/p>
Best way to get rid of dandelion:<\/strong> Since a mere plucking at the top won\u2019t suffice, the most effective approach involves using a broadleaf herbicide tailored to tackle the dandelion menace.<\/p>
7. Lambsquarters (Chenopodium album)<\/em><\/span><\/h3>
![\"closeup](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Lambsquarters.jpg\")
Andreas Rockstein<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Lambsquarters can be a harbinger of crop diseases, making this weed a concern for your vegetable garden beds. Recognizable by its diamond-shaped leaves with a distinctive white, mealy coating underneath, this summer annual proliferates through black seeds that germinate and sprout from late spring to early summer.<\/p>
Commonly found in gardens, cultivated fields, and disturbed areas, lambsquarters can grow up to several feet in height. It produces small, greenish flowers in dense clusters. While some people consider it a nutritious edible plant, it can become invasive, as its seeds can hold out in the soil for a long time.<\/p>
Plant type:<\/strong> Broadleaf annual<\/p>
USDA hardiness zone:<\/strong> 3-9<\/p>
Habitat:<\/strong> Well-drained or compacted soil with high nitrites<\/p>
Danger:<\/strong> While edible, it contains oxalic acid, which is poisonous to certain animals in large quantities. It also hosts several viral crop diseases.<\/p>
Best way to get rid of lambsquarters:<\/strong> Remove by hand while its leaves are still young and tender. If you allow them to mature and grow taller, you might need to use a shovel. For those pressed for time, a targeted approach would be to use a post-emergent herbicide during its seedling to flowering stage.<\/p>
8. Oxalis (Oxalis stricta)<\/em><\/span><\/h3>
![\"yellow](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Oxalis-stricta.jpg\")
Waldemar Seehagen<\/a> | Canva Pro | License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Commonly known as yellow wood sorrel<\/a>, oxalis graces warmer months with its presence, displaying charming yellow, heart-shaped flowers. The leaves are usually arranged in groups of three and can be green or tinged with red or purple, depending on the species.<\/p>
But despite its outwardly sweet appearance resembling clover, this weed is unwelcome in most yards. It can cause insect infestations, thinning, lawn diseases, or incorrect pH levels in the soil. If you want to keep oxalis at bay, you can try adding mulch around your garden or utilizing landscape barriers.<\/p>
Plant type:<\/strong> Broadleaf annual<\/p>
USDA hardiness zone:<\/strong> 6-11<\/p>
Habitat:<\/strong> Prefers dry soil but also can crop up in moist, well-fertilized soils<\/p>
Danger:<\/strong> Toxic in large amounts due to oxalic acid<\/p>
Best way to get rid of oxalis:<\/strong> A post-emergent herbicide can help eliminate oxalis once it has taken root. For preemptive action, use a pre-emergent herbicide to control it before germination.<\/p>
9. Quackgrass (Elymus repens)<\/em><\/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> This perennial grass weed has distinctive features, including long, flat, and coarse leaves with a bluish-green tint. Bearing a striking resemblance to wheat, quackgrass spreads through underground rhizomes that can penetrate hardened soils, disrupt plant growth, and even infiltrate potato tubers.<\/p>
Quackgrass, with its aggressive nature, is well-adapted to various conditions, making it resilient and hard to eradicate once established. It forms dense clumps and possesses toxins, giving it a competitive edge over other grass varieties. It\u2019s also known for its ability to regrow from small root fragments, making thorough removal crucial to prevent its resurgence.<\/p>
Plant type:<\/strong> Perennial grass<\/p>
USDA hardiness zone:<\/strong> 3-10<\/p>
Habitat:<\/strong> Grows well in most soils but thrives in loamy, sandy soil<\/p>
Danger:<\/strong> It can destroy crops<\/p>
Best way to get rid of quackgrass:<\/strong> Pull by hand, but remove all roots to prevent them from returning as new plants. Spot-treating with a post-emergent herbicide and smothering quackgrass with black landscape plastic<\/a> also can help quell its growth.<\/p>
10. Ragweed (Ambrosia spp.)<\/em><\/span><\/h3>
![\"closeup](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Ragweed.jpg\")
Artur-Felixovich<\/a> | Canva Pro | License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Often accused by allergy sufferers as the culprit behind seasonal sneezing and itchy eyes during hay fever episodes, ragweed lives up to its noxious reputation. A single ragweed plant has the disconcerting ability to release a staggering billion pollen grains into the air, causing widespread misery.<\/p>
This broadleaf annual weed has distinctive fern-like leaves, elongated yellow flowers, and straight stems. Regular mowing can be effective in thwarting it. But those sensitive to pollen should consider wearing a dust mask during lawn maintenance. You also can enhance soil nutrients through compost addition as a preventive measure.<\/p>
Plant type:<\/strong> Broadleaf annual herb<\/p>
USDA hardiness zone:<\/strong> 6-10<\/p>
Habitat:<\/strong> Nutrient-poor, dense soil<\/p>
Danger:<\/strong> Its pollen can cause allergies<\/p>
Best way to get rid of ragweed:<\/strong> A targeted approach is to apply post-emergent broadleaf herbicide<\/a> in mid-spring to early summer.<\/p>
11. Spotted spurge (Euphorbia maculata)<\/em><\/span><\/h3>
![\"closeup](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Spotted-Spurge.jpg\")
Melissa McMasters<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Its name sounds like a contagion better left in the neighbor\u2019s yard. And it is. Spotted spurge is a weed zombie \u2014 killing it isn\u2019t enough. Its deep taproots and resilient seeds keep this low-growing annual weed coming back to life. It grows fast and spreads in a matted web of green leaves.<\/p>
Recognizable by its oval-shaped leaves with a reddish spot at the center, spotted spurge is a prostrate plant that sprawls close to the ground. It thrives in warm-season climates and produces small, inconspicuous flowers. Its ability to produce plenty of seeds contributes to its widespread distribution.<\/p>
Plant type:<\/strong> Broadleaf annual<\/p>
USDA hardiness zone:<\/strong> 5-9<\/p>
Habitat:<\/strong> Nutrient-poor, compacted soil<\/p>
Danger:<\/strong> Its sap can irritate the skin<\/p>
Best way to get rid of spotted spurge:<\/strong> A preemptive strike with a pre-emergent herbicide can prevent its germination. For existing weeds, manual removal is necessary. You also can apply post-emergent herbicides in late spring or early summer when the weed sprouts with flowers.<\/p>
12. White clover (Trifolium repens)<\/em><\/span><\/h3>
![\"closeup](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/white-clover.jpg\")
Roel_Meijer<\/a> | Canva Pro | License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> An assertive broadleaf perennial, white clover can creep quickly through sparse turf. But it doesn\u2019t know how to be low-profile, as you can identify white clover<\/a> by its round white flower heads that appear in the summer. This low-growing plant is also known for its distinctive three-lobed leaves.<\/p>
This broadleaf perennial likes soils with low nitrogen, so remember to maintain balanced soil nutrients if you don\u2019t want it in your garden. It\u2019s resilient and can thrive in areas with moderate foot traffic. Plus, it can attract pollinators like bees to your lawn.<\/p>
Plant type:<\/strong> Broadleaf perennial<\/p>
- Weed control chemical treatments<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- 2. Bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare)<\/a><\/li>
- 1. Annual bluegrass (Poa annua)<\/a><\/li>
![Ayotte, Gilles, 1948-<\/a> | Wikimedia Commons |](\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Elymus_repens_15-p.bot-agro.repens-20.jpg\"){kind=link}