What's That Weed?
Lawn weeds! These pesty plants may be one of the main reason that you hired us, or looking to hire a professional Lawn Care company. Whether you're trying to figure out which weeds you're dealing with or just curious, feel free to refer to these common weeds. Have a weed that's not listed here? Just send us a picture to [email protected] and we'll do our best to add it on. We will continue to add pictures and information so check back often! All photographs taken by EPLS personnel in Central Florida.
Alexandergrass - Also known as Creeping Signalgrass or Tropical Signalgrass. This summer annual is similar in growth and spread to Crabgrass. In fact, it is often mistaken for Crabgrass. Although classified as a summer-annual, this weed often perennializes (doesn't die off seasonally) and continues to thrive year-round. Left unchecked, Alexandergrass quickly chokes-out lawns. Currently there are no selective herbicides that will kill Alexandergrass growing in St. Augustinegrass and Bahiagrasss lawns. Management options are available for Alexandergrass growing in Zoysiagrass, Bermudagrass, and Seashore Paspalum. Baking soda can be used to "burn off" Alexandergrass growing in the lawn with minimal damage to the lawn.
Alexandergrass
Alligator Weed - Alligator Weed is a perennial weed found in Central Florida lawns. This weeds is a significant problem in lakes and waterways. We typically see Alligator Weed as a pest that comes in with new sod. This weed readily-spreads through cuttings and seeds. Once established, Alligator Weed is difficult to control. Several selective herbicide products are effective in management of Alligator Weed, but heavy-infestations should be hand-pulled.
Alligator Weed
Basketgrass - Basketgrass is a common annual weed that often infests shady areas. It is very common under trees, where turfgrass has difficulty growing. Basketgrass grows mid-spring through fall, and dies in the winter. It reproduces by seeds. There is no practical way to manage Basketgrass using selective herbicides. Similarly to Crabgrass, Basketgrass can be successfully-managed by using baking soda.
Basketgrass
Beggarweed, Creeping - Creeping Beggarweed is one of two common Beggarweed species commonly found in Central Florida. This one possesses larger leaves than Threeflowered Beggarweed. Creeping Beggarweed is difficult to manage once established. It grows from a large, deep taproot and roots where stems touch the ground. It spreads easily by seed, stems, and cuttings. Seed capsules of Creeping Beggarweed stick to clothing and pet hair, and can be tedious to remove.
Beggarweed, Threeflowered - Threeflowered Beggarweed is one of two common Beggarweed species commonly found in Central Florida. This one possesses much smaller leaves than Creeping Beggarweed. Threeflowered Beggarweed is often found in lawns that drain poorly and in low-pH soils. The seeds of this weed tend to stick to clothing and pet hair. This weed is difficult to manage, as it is resistant to many postemergent herbicides. However with persistence and patience, management is possible.
Threeflowered Beggarweed
Bermudagrass - Bermudagrass is one of the most common weeds in lawns. It is a perennial that easily spreads through seeds and cuttings, as well as above- and below-ground stems. This is NOT the same Bermudagrass used on golf courses and athletic fields. Bermudagrass usually browns out in dormancy during the cooler times of the year. While dormant, the plants is NOT dead and will regrow when temperatures warm in spring. the Currently, the best management option for Bermudagrass infesting lawns is to kill it using a nonselective herbicide such as RoundUp and resodding. Note that nonselective herbicides do not kill seeds - therefore resurgence of Bermudagrass in new sod is possible.
Bermudagrass
Camphor - Camphor Trees are common in Central Florida. This tree is classified as invasive by the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council (FLEPPC) list of invasive species. Camphor trees produce a plethora of black seeds that fall off the tree or spread by birds. The seeds sprout readily in most environments. Homeowners are often alarmed by the "forest" of Camphor seedlings that continuously sprout in spring through summer. The best way to manage seedlings in lawns is to simply mow them off. An easy way to identify this weed is to crush and smell a leaf, which smells strongly like camphor.
Camphor Seedling
Clover, White - White Clover is the only perennial of several Clover species found in Florida (the others are annuals). This weed bears white flowers tinted with pink that are quite attractive. Most selective herbicides used in Lawn Care are quite effective against White Clover. Interestingly, each cluster of three leaflets is actually a single leaf composed of three leaflets.
Crabgrass, Blanket - Blanket Crabgrass is one of five Crabgrass species commonly found in Central Florida. This is a spring-through-fall annual weed that quickly grows to overtake lawns. During warmer winter seasons (which have become commonplace), Crabgrass perennializes (doesn't die off seasonally) and continues to thrive into the following season. Currently there are no selective herbicides that will kill crabgrass growing in St. Augustinegrass and Bahiagrasss lawns. Management options are available for Crabgrass growing in Zoysiagrass, Bermudagrass, and Seashore Paspalum. Baking soda can be used to "burn off" Crabgrass growing in the lawn with minimal damage to the lawn.
Creeping Indigo - This creeping weed is common in disturbed or poorly-draining soils. It is a perennial that forms a taproot up to three feet long into the ground. Once established, Creeping Indigo spreads easily through seeds. This plant contains toxins that are poisonous to horses and livestock.
Note: Other common weeds, such as Lespedeza and Beggarweed, resemble Creeping Indigo to the untrained eye. They differ in the number of leaflets per leaf, flower position on the stem, and growth habits.
Note: Other common weeds, such as Lespedeza and Beggarweed, resemble Creeping Indigo to the untrained eye. They differ in the number of leaflets per leaf, flower position on the stem, and growth habits.
Creeping Indigo
Dichondra - Often confused with Dollarweed, Dichondra leaves are more kidney-shaped and split at the attachment to to petiole (stalk below the leaf). Dichondra is a perennial that forms low-growing mats that can overtake lawns. It reproduces by seeds, cuttings, and stems. In some parts of the country, Dichondra is used as groundcover and lawn.
Dichondra
Dollarweed - This very common perennial weed often infests lawn areas that typically stay too wet. Contrary to popular belief, however, Dollarweed also infests areas that do not have a moisture-retention problem. Dollarweed spreads through seeds, rhizomes (stems), and tubers (underground structures). We commonly treat Dollarweed as part of our Lawn Care services. Due to its aggressive growing habit, we expect to see resurrection of Dollarweed in lawns from time to time.
Dollarweed
Florida Betony - Also known as Rattlesnake Weed, this weed is native to Florida and one of only a handful of weeds that are biennial. As such, individual Florida Betony plants flower and die naturally following a second-year of development. This is in contrast to annual plants that complete their life cycle and die within one year. This plant grows from underground tubers that resemble a rattlesnake's rattle. The tubers of Florida Betony reproduce prolifically underground. This weed is primarily observed in the cooler times of the year. While manageable, it is practically impossible to eradicate this weed due to its extensive tuber structures.
Florida Betony
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Florida Pusley - This is a common weed in Central Florida. It is a summer-annual that branches out of a central root, making it quite-easy to pull out of the ground. Florida Pusley can be managed quite well in lawns using selective herbicides. This weed spreads by seeds, which overwinter and sprout the following summer. Persistent infestations of this weed may indicate plant-parasitic nematode issues in the lawn.
Florida Pusley
Heartleaf Drymary - This common annual weed is commonly seen in warmer months of the year. The sticky seeds of Heartleaf Drymary commonly attach to clothing and pet hair, making this weed particularly-annoying. Luckily, we have excellent selective herbicides that provide good management for this weed.
Heartleaf Drymary
Largeleaf Marshpennywort - This is a relatively uncommon weed. In fact, we've only noticed it three times since the early 2000's, in Orange and Seminole Counties (specifically in Apopka, Altamonte Springs, and Longwood). We're putting this one in here as a point of interest. Largeleaf Marshpennywort is a relative of Dollarweed. Not much is known about the growing habits of this perennial weed. It has only been documented a handful of times in Florida. If you notice this weed in your landscape, please let us know!
Largeleaf Marshpennywort
Nutsedge, Globe - Globe Nutsege is one of many common Nutsege weeds in Central Florida lawns. It thrives in wet as well as well-drained lawns. Unlike other common Nutsege species, Globe Nutsedge mainly reproduces by seeds and does not form long underground stems (rhizomes). We have excellent products for management of Globe Nutsedge.
Globe Nutsedge
Nutsedge, Green Kyllinga - Green Kyllinga Nutsedge is a common perennial Nutsedge in lawns. This Nutsedge grows up to six inches tall, so it often blends-in with the grass. Green Kyllinga spreads through seeds and underground stems. It tends to thrive in overly-wet areas and can overtake areas of lawn. This Nutsedge is quite manageable if soil drainage issues are alleviated.
Green Kyllinga Nutsedge
Nutsedge, Surinam - Surinam Nutsedge is one of many Nutsedge species that occur in Central Florida. Like all Nutsedges, the stems of this Sedge is triangular. We typically see Surinam Sedge infest new sod that was harvested from very wet sites. This Sedge typically does not survive long in well-drained soils that are ideal for lawns.
Surinam Sedge
Old World Diamond Flower - this is a common summer annual in Central Florida lawns. This weed thrives in moist areas but we frequently see it in well-drained lawns as well. It reproduces by seed prolifically. Seeds deposited in late summer sprout the following year as temperatures warm. Old World Diamond Flower is very manageable in lawns. However we fully expect a "weed explosion" of this weed in mid- to late-summer as seeds germinate.
Old World Diamond Flower
Skunkvine - Skunkvine is a noxious invasive plant in Florida. A single plant may grow up to 35 feet long and choke-out vegetation around it, including lawns, landscape shrubs, and trees. Skunkvine is often seen growing out of lawns near wooded areas, where it grows untamed. This weed is very difficult to manage, partly because it is not affected by selective herbicides.
Skunkvine
Spurge, Garden - Garden Spurge is one of five spurge species commonly-found in Central Florida. This common weed grows from a thick taproot, making it easy to pull out of the ground. Garden Spurge thrives in lawn areas that experience intermittent lack of water and/or are commonly-stressed. It also indicates possible plant-parasitic nematode issues in the lawn. The milky-white secretion produced by spurges may irritate the skin.
Garden Spurge
Spiderwort - This native perennial plant is seen as a weed by some and an ornamental by others. Spiderwort typically comes up in early- to mid-spring. The purple flowers last only one day but the plant continuously produces flowers for 1-2 months. Spiderwort management is primarily by digging up the plant or mowing it down. The plant exudes sticky sap when cut, so wear gloves when you handle this one.
Spiderwort
Wild Petunia - This is a Florida-native, and is considered a desirable ornamental groundcover by some. It is even available for purchase from native ornamental growers. This perennial comes up in spring and goes dormant in winter. If you have this plant growing in your lawn, consider digging it up and moving it to a plant bed, where it can grow as an attractive groundcover. Wild Petunia (Ruellia caroliniensis) is a close relative to a common invasive ornamental - Mexican Petunia (Ruellia brittoniana). The latter should not be used due to its invasive habits.
Wild Petunia
Woodsorrel, Cuban Purple - Often referred to as "Purple Oxalis", this weed is usually referred to as "clover" by most homeowners. Two species of Woodsorrel are common in Central Florida landscapes - this one bears purple flowers on tall stalks (the other bears yellow flowers). Cuban Purple Woodsorrel can be difficult to manage because it grows from clusters of bulbs in the soil. A significant infestation of this weed may warrant the painstaking task of digging up the bulbs (may be a good chore for the kids...). Removing the flower stalks is important in managing this weed, as it easily spreads through seeds and bulbs.
Woodsorrel, Yellow - Often referred to as "Yellow Oxalis", this weed is usually referred to as "clover" by most homeowners. Two species of Woodsorrel are common in Central Florida landscapes - this one bears yellow flowers on short stalks. Treatments targeting Yellow Woodsorrel are often more successful than those targeting Cuban Purple Woodsorrel. Yellow Woodsorrel reproduces readily from seeds and also roots wherever stems touch the ground. Seeds eject from seed capsules to a distance of several feet.
Yellow Woodsorrel