List of Plant Weeds Names Found in US Gardens

You know how sometimes you're trying to tend to your garden, and it feels like the weeds are taking over? It's frustrating, but it's not just you - many common plant weeds can be found in US gardens.

Dandelions are one of the most recognizable weeds, with their bright yellow flowers and feathery leaves.

They're not just a nuisance, either - dandelions are edible and can be used in salads or as a coffee substitute.

Plantain is another common weed that can be found in many US gardens.

Here's an interesting read: Common Lawn Weeds in Illinois

There are over 250,000 plant species, but only about 1,000 of them are considered weeds.

A weed is a plant that's considered undesirable in a particular situation. Think of crabgrass, giant foxtail, or common lambsquarters - they're all weeds because they're in the wrong place.

Weeds can be grouped into different categories, including noxious weeds and invasive weeds. These terms are often used interchangeably, but technically, a noxious weed is one that's considered harmful to the environment or animals.

Additional reading: Noxious Weeds Wisconsin

Here's a quick rundown of the different types of weeds:

It's worth noting that many invasive weeds are also labeled as noxious. This is because they can cause significant harm to the environment and ecosystems.

Common ragweed is a nondescript annual weed found in yards, brush, and empty patches of garden. It's a good idea to learn to identify common ragweed and pull it before it flowers and releases the seeds that perpetuate the weed and the pollen that causes hay fever.

Weeds can grow like wildfire, and there are many types of weeds that you may see, including dandelions, crabgrass, and chickweed. It's essential to identify which type of weed is growing in order to get rid of it.

Field bindweed is a hardy perennial vine that can be a big problem in warm weather, spreading ruthlessly and becoming difficult to control even with herbicides.

For your interest: Tansy Ragwort vs Common Tansy

Dandelions are a common weed that can grow like wildfire in your lawn. They're easy to identify by their bright yellow flowers and feathery seeds that blow away in the wind.

Crabgrass is another type of weed that thrives in compacted soil. It's characterized by its coarse texture and lime-green color, and can be identified by its spreading stems.

Common ragweed is a nondescript annual weed that's found in many areas, including yards, brush, and empty patches of garden. Its pollen is the cause of most cases of hay fever.

Purslane is a low-growing succulent that spreads in a circle, filling any empty space with its small leaves and stems. It propagates through seeds, which can lie dormant underground for years before sprouting.

Chickweed is another type of weed that can be found in many areas. It's a small, delicate plant with small white flowers and a spreading habit.

A different take: Invasive Weeds That Look like Small Trees

Pigweed (Amaranthus spp.) is a tough competitor that can take up more space than other annual vegetables or grains growing nearby.

It appears in late spring or early summer and likes warm weather.

Pigweed can be pulled out before it flowers, which is the best way to control it.

Some weed seeds require light for germination, and pigweed is one of those, so pulling it out before it produces seeds is crucial.

To prevent pigweed in the future, cover your garden plot with a winter mulch.

This will help prevent seed germination and make it harder for pigweed to grow back.

Pigweed has developed traits that make it competitive with broadleaf crops like soybeans and cotton for nutrients in the soil.

Common Broadleaf Weeds are a pain to deal with, but identifying them is the first step to getting rid of them.

Dandelions are one of the most common broadleaf weeds, and they can grow just about anywhere. They have a deep taproot that must be dug out completely to eradicate the plant.

Dandelions are also edible and packed with essential vitamins and minerals. You can eat the greens, make fritters, or even wine from them.

Another common broadleaf weed is Creeping Charlie, also known as ground ivy. It forms a thick mat that crowds out your grass and spreads by creeping stems that root in the soil.

If you try to dig out Creeping Charlie and leave behind a fragment of rhizome (root), even a tiny piece can grow up as a new plant!

Here are some common broadleaf weeds you might find in your yard:

Chickweed is a winter annual that grows in well-watered areas and can produce approximately 800 seeds. It takes 7 to 8 years to eradicate, so it's a good idea to monitor your lawn closely for any signs of new growth.

Shepherd's Purse is another common broadleaf weed that produces heart-shaped seed pods after flowering. It likes cool weather and its yellowish-brown seeds are long-lived in the ground.

Keep an eye out for these weeds and pull them by hand before they begin to seed. Be sure to remove the entire root to prevent them from coming back.

Explore further: Butterfly Weed Plant Seed Pods

Crabgrass is a low-growing, summer annual that can spread by seed and from cuttings of nodes that lie on the soil. It can grow to 2 feet tall and appears from mid-spring through summer when the ground is warm.

This weed thrives in compacted lawns, so aeration can help control it. Perennial ryegrass is the best competition for crabgrass, providing some insect control.

Crabgrass is a common type of weed that can be found in many lawns. It's essential to identify it correctly to get rid of it effectively.

To control crabgrass, controlling it before it sets seed is crucial, as the seeds can remain viable for at least 3 years in soil. Proper lawn maintenance, such as fertilizing in the spring and fall, can also help manage crabgrass.

Goosegrass resembles crabgrass but emerges later in the spring. It likes compacted soil, so its arrival means your lawn needs aeration. Overfertilizing can also encourage goosegrass growth.

A unique perspective: How Long after Weed and Feed Can I Plant Seed

Proper lawn maintenance is the best defense against goosegrass, as is aerating your yard. Small patches can be hand-pulled, and pre-emergent herbicides can be applied in early spring.

Quackgrass is a creeping, persistent perennial grass that reproduces by seeds. Its long, jointed, straw-colored rhizomes form a heavy mat in soil, from which new shoots may also appear.

Dig up this fast-growing grass as soon as you see it in your garden, being sure to dig up the entirety of the plant including the roots. Dispose of it in a waste bin rather than a compost pile to prevent new shoots from growing later.

Annual bluegrass grows in clumps and can form a dense mat. It produces two types of seeds: one germinates in summer, the other in fall.

Be careful not to overwater, as this can encourage annual bluegrass growth. Overseeding in the fall can help hold off annual bluegrass, and small patches can be dug up.

Broaden your view: Weed Plant Growing Kit

Dandelions are a common weed found in many lawns and gardens. They can grow like wildfire if not controlled.

Crabgrass is another type of weed that can be a problem in lawns. It's a grass-like weed that thrives in full sun and moist soil.

Chickweed is a common weed that can be found in gardens and lawns. It's a sign of overwatering or poor drainage, and can be controlled with proper lawn maintenance.

Yellow woodsorrel, also known as oxalis, is an aggressive weed that can pop up anywhere. It contains soluble oxalate, which can be toxic to dogs and cats if eaten in large quantities.

Yellow nutsedge is a particular problem for agriculture in New York, but can also pop up in lawns. It can be controlled with herbicides or by digging out young plants.

Stinging nettle is a weed that wants to be left alone. Touch it, and you'll experience pain, redness, swelling, and itching that lasts for hours.

It prefers shade in hot areas, but will grow in sun and damp, nutrient-rich soil. This makes it a challenging weed to control.

You can identify stinging nettle by its height of 6 to 8 feet tall, thin, green-toothed leaves, and clusters of tiny, light green or tan flowers.

To get rid of stinging nettle, herbicides are one option, but some products are for professional use only. Alternatively, you can dig or pull the plants, using leather gloves to protect yourself from the hairs that can penetrate cloth. Frequent mowing can also thin the plants, making it easier to manage the weed.

Yellow woodsorrel is a prolific weed that can quickly establish itself in any empty space in your garden beds. It propagates itself through seeds, which readily stick to garden tools, mower blades, clothes, and pets.

This weed thrives in full sun and moist soil, making it a common sight in many gardens. It can be mistaken for red or white clover or a shamrock, though it has three heart-shaped leaves.

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To get rid of yellow woodsorrel, herbicides containing glyphosate are best for spot treatment before the young plants flower. Mulching garden beds will also help prevent seed germination.

All parts of yellow woodsorrel are edible, and the leaves and flowers make a tangy and attractive addition to salads. However, be aware that the plant contains soluble oxalate, which can be toxic to dogs and cats if eaten in large quantities.

Broaden your view: Bottom Leaves Turning Yellow on Weed Plant