Types of Weeds
By definition, any plant that’s growing in a location you don’t want it to be is a weed. If your lawn grass or turfgrass intrudes into a vegetable plot or seeds from a wildflower garden sprout in your lawn, either of these can be an example of a weed.
However, for this article, we’ll focus on common, invasive lawn or grass weeds and intrusive weeds in gardens. These plants disrupt the appeal of a lawn or planting bed and consume nutrients, water and sunlight your plants need to thrive. If you don’t deal with weeds quickly, they can begin to crowd out the turfgrass, flowers and edible plants, making it even more difficult for these desirable plants to get the resources they need.
The first step to ridding a landscape of lawn or grass weeds and weeds in a garden is identifying the invasive plants. There are a couple of different ways to categorize weeds, by their features and by how they grow.
Weed Features
- Grassy weeds have long, narrow leaves and can resemble turfgrass, the grass in your lawn. The leaves or blades grow from hollow stems in an alternating pattern and the veins run parallel to the blade. Crabgrass is one of the most common types of grassy weed.
- Grass-like weeds or sedges can resemble turfgrasses and grassy weeds. A main difference is the growth of the leaves or blades. Grass-like weeds and sedges have solid, triangular stems with three leaves equally spaced around the stem. Nutsedge is a grass-like weed.
- Broadleaf weeds are often the easiest to identify. As the name suggests, these plants have wide leaves and don’t really resemble turfgrass at all. The leaves typically have a network of veins. A broadleaf weed may flower. Clover is an example of a broadleaf weed.
Weed Growth Cycles
- Perennial weeds grow from seeds, bulbs, tubers or rhizomes and survive over three or more growing seasons.
- Biennial weeds live through two growing seasons. They devote the first year to growth and the second to developing flowers and seeds.
- Annual weeds complete their life cycles in a year or less, growing, flowering and creating seeds in a singular growing season.
Weed Identification Pictures
With the different types of weeds in mind, here are some common weeds you may see in your lawn or garden. The pictures and descriptions will help you identify the problem plants so you can determine the best way to get rid of them.
Get more weed control ideas and tips by reading our guide, Control Weeds in the Lawn and Garden.
1. Dandelions
You can easily recognize a dandelion (Leontodon taraxacum) by the bright yellow flowers that transform into puffballs full of seeds. You may notice broad, heavily scalloped leaves growing close to the ground, but in a lawn the leaves may be entangled with the turfgrass and be difficult to spot.
Type of Weed
Dandelions are perennial broadleaf weeds.
Where Do Dandelions Grow?
You’ll see dandelions in lawns or planting beds and they can grow in the sun or shade. Dandelions also take root in gaps between pavers or cracks in sidewalks and driveways.
How to Get Rid of Dandelions
Digging up dandelions by the root is often the most effective way of ridding your lawn of these weeds. Remove as much of the root as possible to reduce the chance of regrowth. A forked hand weeder can make removing the taproot a bit easier while minimizing damage to your turfgrass. Dig dandelions up as soon as you see them and before the seed heads develop. If the plant already has a seed head, work carefully to avoid distributing the seeds. A broadleaf herbicide that’s safe for turfgrasses can also be effective against dandelions.
2. Crabgrass
Crabgrass (Digitaria) is most obvious by the pincer-like or finger-like seed heads that extend above your lawn or garden plants. The grassy leaves grow closely to the ground and can spread to cover garden soil or overwhelm surrounding turfgrass. You’ll likely first notice crabgrass once spring temperatures begin to turn hot. Seed heads can develop between mowings, so you need to deal with the weed as soon as possible to avoid spreading new seeds.
Type of Weed
Crabgrass is an annual grassy weed.
Where Does Crabgrass Grow?
Crabgrass can thrive in sun or shade. You may see it in lawns and planting areas, but this grassy weed may not be obvious in a lawn until the seed heads begin to be visible.
Dealing With Crabgrass
Digging up crabgrass by the roots is an effective method for removing plants that are actively growing in a lawn or garden, but be sure to get the entire plant and as much of the roots as possible. This will be easiest if you can identify established crabgrass plants in spring before they spread. You can also treat crabgrass with a non-selective herbicide, as long as there’s no danger of the herbicide contacting desirable plants. Treating a lawn with a pre-emergent herbicide in early spring can help keep crabgrass seeds from sprouting. See our article, Crabgrass Control: Prevent and Get Rid of Crabgrass for more tips.
3. Nutsedge or Nutgrass
While nutsedge (Cyperus spp.) or nutgrass appears similar to turfgrass, this weed often grows faster than lawn grass. So you may see the nutsedge blades extending above your lawn. A nutsedge leaf or blade is shiny with a yellow-green color and grows from a triangular stem. The back of the leaf has a center ridge and the leaf forms a V along this ridge. You may also notice small, reddish flowers and brown seeds.
Type of Weed
Nutsedge is a perennial grass-like or, as the name demonstrates, sedge weed.
Where Nutsedge Grows
You’ll see nutsedge growing in both sunny and shady spots in your lawn, garden or landscape.
How to Get Rid of Nutsedge or Nutgrass
Nutsedge is relatively easy to pull up by hand, but the roots develop tubers that can sprout new plants if they remain in the soil. Removing the plants when they’re young and being persistent with removal are two keys to manually controlling this weed. In a garden you may have more success with nutsedge removal by digging the weed up, being careful to remove the nut-like tubers as well. Herbicides that are effective against nutsedge are often non-selective and kill turfgrass and desirable plants as well as the weed, so pay attention to package information and apply carefully.
4. White Clover
Tight clusters of three leaves with light central markings are a distinguishing characteristic of white clover (Trifolium repens). The rounded flowers that extend above this dense ground-covering weed are another recognizable feature. You may notice bees browsing among the flowers, collecting pollen. Red clover has a very similar appearance, though, as you might guess from the name, the flowers have a reddish tint.
Type of Weed
White clover is a perennial broadleaf weed.
Where White Clover Grows
Clover spreads quickly in gardens, lawns and other landscape areas. It does well in full sun but can also grow in areas with partial shade.
How to Get Rid of White Clover
You can dig white clover in gardens but if you want to remove a large stand of clover from a lawn or landscaped area, you likely will need to control it with a broadleaf herbicide. If left untouched, clover can overtake your turfgrass over the course of a few seasons.
5. Oxalis or Wood Sorrel
Oxalis (Oxalis stricta) or common yellow wood sorrel is apparent by small, five-petal flowers that might be white, red, pink or yellow. The leaves have an upright growth and may resemble small clover leaves.
Type of Weed
Oxalis is a perennial broadleaf weed.
Where Oxalis Grows
You might see oxalis growing in both sunny and shady areas of lawns and gardens. It can also sprout in gaps in concrete or between paving stones.
How to Control Oxalis Weeds
Oxalis is relatively easy to pull up by hand. This is a good method of control with minimal risk to surrounding turfgrass or desirable plants. A broadleaf herbicide might also be helpful.
6. Ground Ivy or Creeping Charlie
You might know ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea) by several names, including creeping Charlie, catsfoot, or gill-over-the-ground. This creeping groundcover has small, rounded and scalloped leaves and will produce purple flowers in the later part of spring. You might also recognize its presence in a lawn when you mow, since the cut leaves produce an aromatic scent.
Type of Weed
Ground ivy is a perennial broadleaf weed.
Where Ground Ivy Grows
Ground ivy can grow both in gardens and in lawns and does best in shade or partial shade.
How to Eliminate Creeping Charlie or Ground Ivy
Ground ivy can spread quickly and overwhelm your turfgrass, so it’s best to pull it up when you first notice it. It will grow back if you leave any of the roots or stem, so you may need to monitor it and continue to remove it over the course of several weeks. If you prefer to use a post-emergent broadleaf pesticide, treat the weed in spring and fall, but be careful when spraying around desirable plants.
7. Henbit
Henbit (Lamium amplexicaule) is apparent due to its bright purple flowers, though you might also notice rounded leaf clusters with scalloped edges growing from long stems.
Type of Weed
Henbit is a broadleaf annual weed.
Where Henbit Grows
Henbit can grow in a lawn, landscape or garden and in sunny or shady conditions. It does best in cool spots with moist soil.
How to Get Rid of Henbit
Henbit in lawns and gardens will spread quickly so you need to remove it as soon as possible to keep it from overcrowding your grass or desirable plantings. Pull or dig henbit up before seeds develop. A broadleaf herbicide can control henbit but you’ll need to apply it carefully to protect nearby plants. A healthy area of shade-tolerant turfgrass can keep henbit from getting established in shady areas of a lawn.
8. Canada Thistle
You’ll notice Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense) by spotting coarse, lobed leaves with spiny edges and by noticing the weed’s tear-shaped, purple buds. This weed has a very extensive root system that spreads up to 15 feet outward and a taproot that might grow to a depth of 6 feet or more.
Type of Weed
Canada thistle is a perennial broadleaf weed.
Where Canada Thistle Grows
Canada thistle grows best in sunny spots. You may see it in your lawn, garden or other landscaped areas.
Canada Thistle Weed Control
If you spot Canada thistle early, you can remove it with a hoe. But, due to its large root system, a broadleaf herbicide might be necessary to control the weed. If you attempt to pull the plant out by hand, wear work gloves — the spines on the leaf edges are sharp.
9. Broadleaf Plantain
You may recognize broadleaf plantain (Plantago major) in your lawn by the large, rounded leaves that form a rosette pattern around the plant. The leaves are relatively thick and may be glossy. You’ll notice spikes or stems growing out from the center of the plant once it’s ready to produce seeds.
Type of Weed
Broadleaf plantain is a perennial broadleaf weed.
Where Broadleaf Plantain Grows
Broadleaf plantain does well in both sunny and shady areas. You’re likely to see it in areas of a lawn or garden where the soil has a good level of moisture.
Broadleaf Plantain Weed Control
Deal with broadleaf plantain before the seeds form. The best method of removal with minimal risk to surrounding plants or turfgrass is to pull or dig the plant out by the roots. Smaller plants may return, so you may need to repeat the process over several weeks. A post-emergent broadleaf pesticide can also help control this weed, but apply carefully to avoid damage to other plants.
10. Narrowleaf Plantain
Narrowleaf plantain is another type of the plantain weed. As the name suggests, narrowleaf plantain (Plantago lanceolata) features pointed leaves that are much narrower than those of broadleaf plantains. The leaves are more upright as well, so the weed may blend in with turfgrass until you see the small flowers or fruit growing on stems above your lawn. Unlike broadleaf plantain, which produces seeds along the length of a spike, narrowleaf seeds are concentrated at the head of the stem.
Type of Weed
Narrowleaf plantain is a perennial broadleaf weed.
Where Narrowleaf Plantain Grows
As with the broadleaf plantain, narrowleaf plantain can grow in lawns or gardens with moist soil and tolerates both sun and shade.
How to Get Rid of Narrowleaf Plantain Weeds
Pulling or digging up the weed by the roots can be effective in your garden. It’s a good control method in your lawn if the lawn isn’t filled with the weeds. You can use a broadleaf post-emergent herbicide to control narrowleaf plantain as well and this may be the most effective way of dealing with large areas in a lawn.
11. Prostrate Spurge
Prostrate spurge (Euphorbia prostrata) is low-growing weed that forms a thick mat on the ground. The small, oval leaves are green and grow from slender stems that are typically red. In summer you may notice the weed producing small, white flowers. The common name prostrate spurge may also refer to Euphorbia maculate, a weed with a similar appearance. The leaves of Euphorbia maculate have a red or purple marking at their centers, giving the plant another common name, spotted spurge.
Type of Weed
Prostrate spurge is an annual broadleaf weed.
Where Prostrate Spurge Grows
You can find prostrate surge growing in lawns, gardens and just about anywhere in your landscape. It performs well in dry soil and can also take root in gaps and cracks in sidewalks and driveways.
Prostrate Spurge Control
Pulling up prostrate spurge by the roots can be an effective means of getting rid of the weed, but a long taproot can make this removal method difficult, especially in driveway and sidewalk cracks. You may want to wear gloves since the weed produces a sticky white sap. Gloves will also protect your fingers if you’re removing this low-growing plant from concrete. Spot treating with a broadleaf herbicide is another alternative to controlling prostrate spurge if there’s no danger of overspray reaching desirable plants.
12. Quackgrass or Couch Grass
Quackgrass (Elymus repens) may mimic the look of your turfgrass, but a close inspection of the plant will reveal coarser blades growing in clumps, more similar to the appearance of crabgrass. The flowers quackgrass produces grow on long stems or spikes and resemble wheat.
Type of Weed
Quackgrass is a perennial grassy weed.
Where Quackgrass Grows
You might find quackgrass growing in a lawn or a garden, both in sunny and shady areas.
How to Get Rid of Quackgrass
You can dig quackgrass out of a lawn or garden and it’s best to deal with it as soon as you spot it. Be careful to not leave any of the deep-growing roots in the soil or the plant will reappear. A nonselective herbicide will kill quackgrass, but will also kill turfgrass and other desirable plants.
13. Wild Violet
Purple flowers and small, serrated leaves in the shape of hearts distinguish wild violet (Viola papilionacea), though the weed may also produce yellow or white flowers.
Type of Weed
Wild violet is a perennial broadleaf weed.
Where Wild Violet Grows
Wild violet does best in shady spots and you may see it in your lawn, garden and other landscaped areas.
Wild Violet Weed Control
While colorful wild violet can be attractive and you may want to cultivate it in a wildflower garden, it can spread quickly and overtake other plants. Pull or dig the weed up or treat it with a broadleaf herbicide to control it, but avoid applying the herbicide to your landscape plants.
14. Common Mallow or Cheeseweed
Common mallow (Malva neglecta) grows low to the ground, so mowing may miss this weed in lawns. The leaves of the plant are crinkled, with a rounded shape and serrated edges. They grow on stems that branch from a central stem. Common mallow can survive freezing temperatures.
Type of Weed
Common Mallow is a perennial broadleaf weed.
Where the Common Mallow Plant Grows
You might spot common mallow in lawns that don’t have a thick, healthy stand of turfgrass. It does well in a wide range of conditions, including dry and compacted soil.
How to Get Rid of Mallow Weeds
You can pull young common mallow plants up, but be aware that the taproot can grow quiet deep into the soil and the root system may spread a couple of feet outward. For best results in mallow weed control, remove the plant before seeds develop. Broadleaf pre- and post-emergent herbicides can also be effective at controlling common mallow, but use care applying near desirable plants.
15. Chickweed
Chickweed (Stellaria media) is a winter weed that grows in low, thick mats. Chickweed in a lawn may not be easy to spot because the turfgrass might hide the low-growing green foliage. However, dozens of small, white, star-shaped flowers will make chickweed apparent late in the fall or in winter.
Type of Weed
Chickweed is an annual broadleaf weed.
Where Chickweed Grows
Chickweed has a tolerance for sun as well as shade in lawns, gardens and landscaped areas. It prefers moist soil, but can grow in a wide variety of soil conditions.
How to Get Rid of Chickweed
It might take several years to completely remove chickweed from a lawn. With persistence, you can pull it up by hand, but it’s best to do this before the plant begins to flower. In early spring, applying a pre-emergent broad pesticide can be an effective means of controlling chickweed, just avoid applying around desirable plants.
Preventing All Types of Weeds
Often the least invasive method of controlling weeds is the easiest and best, so make preventing weed growth a priority if you want a weed-free landscape. One of the most effective ways to prevent weeds in your yard is to simply take good care of your yard and grow a healthy lawn, garden or landscape area
- Mulching vegetable and flower gardens as well as shrub and other planting beds can help prevent weed growth.
- Weed-control landscape fabric can also reduce weed growth in planting areas while allowing water to reach the roots of your desirable plants.
- Maintaining a thick, healthy lawn can prevent weeds from having a chance to develop in a yard.
- Don’t dig unless you need to. Unnecessary digging or tilling in a garden will bring dormant weed seeds to the top of the soil where they will germinate. When digging up weeds, don’t disturb the soil any more than necessary.
- Identifying weeds quickly and removing them when they’re young can keep them from spreading. In addition, you’ll be able to remove a young weed easier and with less disturbance to the surrounding area.
- Consider drip irrigation in gardens and planting beds to precisely direct water to your plants and not to weeds.