Kentucky is home to a variety of weeds that can be found in lawns, gardens, pastures, and other areas. These weeds can be invasive and cause damage to crops, gardens, and other plants. It is important to be able to identify these weeds in order to control their growth and prevent further damage.
There are several resources available for identifying weeds in Kentucky, including field guides and online resources. Understanding the types of weeds that are common in Kentucky can help individuals take the necessary steps to manage them effectively.
Table of Contents
kentucky weeds
| Name of weed | Family |
|---|---|
| Bull Thistle | Asteraceae |
| Buttercup | Annual or perennial |
| Chicory | Asteraceae |
| Cocklebur | Asteraceae |
| Common Milkweed | Apocynaceae |
| Dandelion | Asteraceae |
| Dock | Polygonaceae |
| Goldenrod | Asteraceae |
| Hemp Dogbane | Apocynaceae |
| Horsenettle | Solanaceae |
| Jimsonweed | Solanaceae |
| Marshelder | Asteraceae |
| Maypop Passionflower | Passifloraceae |
| Multiflora Rose | Rosaceae |
| Musk Thistle | Asteraceae |
| Perilla Mint | Lamiaceae or mint |
| Pigweed | Amaranthaceae |
| Plantain | Plantaginaceae |
| Plumeless Thistle | Acanthoides |
| Posion Hemlock | Apiaceae |
| Queen Anne's Lace | Apiaceae |
| Sericea Lespedeza | Fabaceae |
| Tall Ironweed | Asteraceae |
| Trumpetcreeper | Bignoniaceae |
| Velvet Leaf | Malvaceae |
| Vernal Whitlow Grass | Brassicaceae |
| White Clover | Fabaceae |
| White Heath Aster | Asteraceae |
| Yellow Nutsedge | Cyperaceae |
| Yellow Rocket | Brassicaceae |
| Yellow Sweet Clover | Fabaceae |
Bull Thistle
Bull Thistle is a biennial weed that is commonly found in Kentucky. It belongs to the Asteraceae family and is known for its prickly leaves and purple flowers. The weed can grow up to six feet tall and has a taproot that can reach up to three feet deep. Bull Thistle is often found in disturbed areas such as pastures, roadsides, and fields.
Type
Biennial
Family
Asteraceae
Control
Controlling Bull Thistle can be a challenge due to its deep taproot. One effective method is to hand-pull the weed before it goes to seed. This can be done by grasping the base of the plant and pulling it out of the ground, making sure to remove the entire root. Another method is to use a selective herbicide that targets only the Bull Thistle and not other plants in the area. The herbicide should be applied in the spring or fall when the plant is actively growing.
Buttercup
Buttercup is a weed commonly found in Kentucky, belonging to the Ranunculaceae family. It is characterized by its bright yellow flowers and glossy leaves, growing up to two feet tall and typically found in pastures, meadows, and roadsides. Due to its fast-spreading nature, controlling Buttercup can be a challenge.
Type
Annual or perennial
Family
Ranunculaceae
Control
One effective method of controlling Buttercup is by hand pulling the weed before it goes to seed, ensuring the entire root is removed. Alternatively, a selective herbicide can be used that targets only the Buttercup and not other plants in the area, applied during active growth in spring or fall.
Prevention is the best method of control, achieved by maintaining healthy turf or crops in the area and mowing before the weed goes to seed. Regular monitoring is also essential to catch any new growth of Buttercup before it becomes problematic.
Chicory
Chicory, scientifically known as Cichorium intybus, is a perennial weed commonly found in Kentucky. It belongs to the Asteraceae family and is characterized by its blue flowers and toothed leaves. Chicory can grow up to four feet tall and is often found in pastures, along roadsides, and in waste areas.
Type
Perennial
Family
Asteraceae
Control
Controlling Chicory can be challenging due to its deep taproot. One effective method is to use a selective herbicide that targets only the Chicory and not other plants in the area. The herbicide should be applied in the spring or fall when the plant is actively growing. Another method is to hand pull the weed before it goes to seed, ensuring the entire root is removed.
Preventing Chicory from taking over an area is the best method of control. This can be achieved by maintaining healthy turf or crops in the area and mowing before the weed goes to seed. Additionally, regular monitoring of the area is also important to catch any new growth of Chicory before it becomes a problem. By implementing these control measures, the spread and growth of Chicory can be effectively managed.
Cocklebur
Cocklebur is an annual weed commonly found in Kentucky, belonging to the Asteraceae family. It is characterized by its prickly burrs and toothed leaves, growing up to six feet tall and often found in pastures, along roadsides, and in waste areas. The weed produces large amounts of seeds, making it difficult to control.
Type
Annual
Family
Asteraceae
Control
Effective methods of controlling Cocklebur include using a selective herbicide that targets only the weed in its early stages of growth, or hand-pulling the weed before it goes to seed, ensuring the entire root is removed. Prevention is key, achieved by maintaining healthy turf or crops in the area and mowing before the weed goes to seed.
Regular monitoring is also important to catch any new growth before it becomes problematic. By implementing these control measures, the spread and growth of Cocklebur can be effectively managed, reducing its impact on the surrounding environment.
Common Milkweed
Common Milkweed, scientifically known as Asclepias syriaca, is a perennial weed found in Kentucky. It belongs to the Apocynaceae family and is characterized by its large leaves and clusters of pink or purple flowers. Common Milkweed can grow up to six feet tall and is often found in fields, meadows, and along roadsides.
Preventing Common Milkweed from spreading is the best method of control. This can be achieved by maintaining healthy turf or crops in the area and mowing before the weed goes to seed. Regular monitoring is also important to catch any new growth before it becomes problematic.
Type
Perennial
Family
Apocynaceae
Control
Controlling Common Milkweed can be challenging due to its deep and extensive root system. One effective method is to use a selective herbicide that targets only the weed in its early stages of growth. Another method is to hand pull the weed before it goes to seed, ensuring the entire root is removed. However, it is important to note that Common Milkweed is an important plant for pollinators, so complete eradication may not be desirable.
Dandelion
Dandelion, scientifically known as Taraxacum officinale, is a common perennial weed found in Kentucky. It belongs to the Asteraceae family and is characterized by its yellow flowers and toothed leaves. Dandelion can grow up to one foot tall and is often found in lawns, gardens, and along roadsides.
Type
Perennial
Family
Asteraceae
Control
One effective method is to use a selective herbicide that targets only the weed and not other plants in the area. The herbicide should be applied in the spring or fall when the plant is actively growing. Another method is to hand pull the weed before it goes to seed, ensuring the entire root is removed.
Preventing Dandelion from taking over an area is the best method of control, which can be achieved by maintaining healthy turf or crops in the area and mowing before the weed goes to seed. Regular monitoring of the area is also important to catch any new growth of Dandelion before it becomes a problem.
Dock
Dock, scientifically known as Rumex spp., is a perennial weed commonly found in Kentucky. It belongs to the Polygonaceae family and is characterized by its long, narrow leaves and clusters of small flowers. Dock can grow up to six feet tall and is often found in pastures, along roadsides, and in waste areas.
Type
Perennial
Family
Polygonaceae
Control
Controlling Dock can be challenging due to its deep taproot. One effective method is to use a selective herbicide that targets only the weed and not other plants in the area. The herbicide should be applied in the spring or fall when the plant is actively growing. Another method is to hand pull the weed before it goes to seed, ensuring the entire root is removed.
Goldenrod
Goldenrod is a perennial weed found throughout Kentucky. It belongs to the Asteraceae family and is known for its bright yellow flowers that bloom in late summer and early fall. Contrary to popular belief, goldenrod is not responsible for fall allergies, but rather it is the inconspicuous ragweed.
Kentucky adopted goldenrod as its official state flower in 1926, and about thirty varieties of goldenrod are found in the state, including two endangered species: White-Haired Goldenrod and Short’s Goldenrod.
Type
Herbaceous perennials
Family
Asteraceae
Control
Controlling goldenrod can be challenging, but there are a few methods to manage its growth. One way to control goldenrod is by mowing it regularly before it can flower and produce seeds. Another option is to use herbicides, but this method should be done carefully to avoid damage to other plants. Hand-pulling can also be effective for small infestations, but it can be time-consuming for larger areas. Overall, controlling goldenrod requires a combination of methods, including proper lawn maintenance, herbicides, and hand-pulling.
Hemp Dogbane
Hemp Dogbane is a perennial weed found in Kentucky and belongs to the Apocynaceae family. It is also known as Indian hemp, American hemp, and rheumatism weed. The plant can grow up to 2 meters tall and is frequently branching. The base of the plant is woody, and it grows in colonies. Hemp Dogbane is a poisonous herb, and its fiber from the bark was used by Indians for making rope.
Type
Perennial
Family
Apocynaceae
Control
Controlling Hemp Dogbane can be challenging as it is resistant to many herbicides. Glyphosate in Roundup Ready corn is perhaps the most effective approach for control of Hemp Dogbane in this crop. Glufosinate (Liberty) can suppress this weed in LibertyLink crops.
Selective broadleaf herbicides such as fluroxypyr (Starane Ultra) and dicamba (Banvel, Clarity) are somewhat effective in conventional corn. Hand-pulling can also be effective for small infestations, but it can be time-consuming for larger areas. Overall, controlling Hemp Dogbane requires a combination of methods, including proper lawn maintenance, herbicides, and aggressive hand-pulling.
Horsenettle
Horsenettle is a warm-season perennial weed found throughout Kentucky. It belongs to the Solanaceae family and is also known as Carolina horsenettle. The plant can grow up to 2 feet tall and has dark green leaves that are sharply lobed with a pointed tip. Horsenettle has large spines on the stems and leaves, and each of its mostly oval leaves has several teeth or shallow lobes on both sides. The weed has clusters of white to purple flowers.
Type
Perennial
Family
Solanaceae
Control
The best approach is to use a combination of cultural and chemical control methods. Cultural control involves mowing the weed regularly before it can flower and produce seeds. Chemical control involves using selective broadleaf herbicides such as 2,4-D, dicamba, and triclopyr. These herbicides are most effective when applied in the fall or early spring when the plant is actively growing. Hand-pulling can also be effective for small infestations, but it can be time-consuming for larger areas. Overall, controlling Horsenettle requires a combination of methods, including proper lawn maintenance, herbicides, and hand-pulling.
Jimsonweed
Jimsonweed is a summer annual weed found throughout Kentucky. It belongs to the Solanaceae family and is also known as Datura stramonium. The plant can grow up to 5 feet tall and has large white to purple trumpet-shaped flowers. Jimsonweed has a distinctive unpleasant odor from its bruised leaves, and all parts of the plant are poisonous. It is commonly found in cultivated areas, waste sites, and pastures.
Type
Annual
Family
Solanaceae
Control
Controlling Jimsonweed can be challenging due to its toxic nature. The best approach is to use a combination of cultural and chemical control methods. Cultural control involves mowing the weed regularly before it can flower and produce seeds. Chemical control involves using selective herbicides such as glyphosate, 2,4-D, and dicamba.
These herbicides are most effective when applied in the fall or early spring when the plant is actively growing. Hand-pulling can also be effective for small infestations, but it can be dangerous due to the plant’s toxicity. Overall, controlling Jimsonweed requires a combination of methods, including proper lawn maintenance, herbicides, and hand-pulling.
Marshelder
Marshelder, also known as sumpweed, is a warm-season annual weed that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is commonly found in wet and moist areas, disturbed areas, and roadsides throughout Kentucky. Marshelder can grow up to 6 feet tall and has narrow, lance-shaped leaves that are situated in pairs across from each other on the stem. The plant germinates in early spring and flowers in late summer to early fall.
Type
Annual
Family
Asteraceae
Control
Control Marshelder by mowing it regularly before it can flower, using selective broadleaf herbicides such as 2,4-D, dicamba, and triclopyr, and hand-pulling for small infestations. A combination of methods is necessary for effective control.
Maypop Passionflower
Maypop Passionflower, also known as Passiflora incarnata, is a fast-growing perennial vine that belongs to the Passifloraceae family. It is commonly found in cultivated areas, fields, pastures, roadsides, and waste sites throughout Kentucky. Maypop Passionflower has intricate, colorful flowers with prominent styles and stamens that bloom from June to September. The plant can grow up to 30 feet long and has tendrils that help it climb and trail on other vegetation.
Type
Perennial
Family
Passifloraceae
Control
To control Maypop Passionflower, mow it regularly before it can flower, use selective herbicides such as glyphosate, triclopyr, and 2,4-D, and hand-pull for small infestations. A combination of methods is necessary for effective control due to its fast growth and resistance to many herbicides. Apply herbicides in the fall or early spring when the plant is actively growing.
Multiflora Rose
Multiflora Rose, also known as Rosa multiflora, is a perennial weed that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is a thorny shrub that can grow up to 15 feet tall and is commonly found in pastures, roadsides, and forest edges throughout Kentucky.
Multiflora Rose was introduced to the United States from Japan in 1866 for use as a rootstock in grafting ornamental roses. It has since become an invasive species that can outcompete native plants and reduce biodiversity.
Type
Perennial
Family
Rosaceae
Control
Controlling Multiflora Rose can be challenging due to its thorny nature and rapid growth. The best approach is to use a combination of cultural and chemical control methods. Cultural control involves mowing the weed regularly before it can flower and produce seeds.
Chemical control involves using selective herbicides such as glyphosate, triclopyr, and 2,4-D. These herbicides are most effective when applied in the fall or early spring when the plant is actively growing. Hand-pulling can also be effective for small infestations, but it can be time-consuming for larger areas.
Musk Thistle
Musk Thistle, also known as Carduus nutans, is a biennial weed that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is commonly found in pastures, roadsides, and disturbed areas throughout Kentucky. Musk Thistle can grow up to 8 feet tall and has showy pink-purple flowers on long, multi-branched, and spiny stems. The dark green leaves are coarsely bipinnately lobed, with a sharp spine at the tip.
Type
Biennial
Family
Asteraceae
Control
Controlling Musk Thistle requires a combination of methods. The key to successful control is to prevent seed production. Apply herbicides such as Tordon, Vanquish/Clarity, or 2,4-D to Musk Thistle rosettes in spring or fall. Apply Ally or Telar up to the early flower growth stage. Combine control methods into a management system for best results. Hand-pulling can also be effective for small infestations, but it can be time-consuming for larger areas.
Perilla Mint
Perilla Mint, also known as Perilla frutescens, is an annual weed that belongs to the Lamiaceae or mint family. It is native to East Asia and is commonly found in pastures, hay fields, fencerows, and roadsides throughout Kentucky. Perilla Mint can grow up to 2 feet tall and has broad, opposite leaves that vary in color from green to purple.
Type
Annual
Family
Lamiaceae or mint
Control
Controlling Perilla Mint can be challenging due to its toxicity to livestock and resistance to many herbicides. The best approach is to use a combination of cultural and chemical control methods. Cultural control involves mowing the weed regularly before it can flower and produce seeds.
Chemical control involves using selective herbicides such as 2,4-D, dicamba, and triclopyr. These herbicides are most effective when applied in the fall or early spring when the plant is actively growing. Hand-pulling can also be effective for small infestations, but it can be time-consuming for larger areas.
Pigweed
Pigweed, also known as Amaranthus retroflexus, is an annual weed that belongs to the Amaranthaceae family. It is commonly found in gardens, croplands, and disturbed areas throughout Kentucky. Pigweed can grow up to 6 feet tall and has green or red leaves with a distinctive diamond shape. It produces small green flowers that turn into thousands of tiny seeds.
Type
Annual
Family
Amaranthaceae
Control
Controlling Pigweed requires a combination of methods. The key to successful, weed control, is to prevent seed production. Apply herbicides such as glyphosate, 2,4-D, or dicamba to Pigweed when it is small and actively growing. Hand-pulling can also be effective for small infestations, but it can be time-consuming for larger areas. Overall, controlling Pigweed requires a combination of methods, including proper lawn maintenance, herbicides, and hand-pulling.
Plantain
Plantain, also known as Plantago major, is a perennial weed that belongs to the Plantaginaceae family. It is commonly found in lawns, pastures, and disturbed areas throughout Kentucky. Plantain can grow up to 2 feet tall and has broad, oval-shaped leaves with prominent veins. It produces small green flowers that turn into thousands of tiny seeds.
Type
Perennial
Family
Plantaginaceae
Control
Controlling Plantain can be challenging due to its deep root system and tolerance to many herbicides. The best approach is to use a combination of cultural and chemical control methods. Cultural control involves mowing the weed regularly before it can flower and produce seeds. Chemical control involves using selective herbicides such as 2,4-D, dicamba, and triclopyr. These herbicides are most effective when applied in the fall or early spring when the plant is actively growing. Hand-pulling can also be effective for small infestations, but it can be time-consuming for larger areas.
Plumeless Thistle
Plumeless Thistle, also known as Carduus acanthoides, is a biennial weed that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to Europe and temperate Asia and is commonly found in pastures, roadsides, and disturbed areas throughout Kentucky. Plumeless Thistle can grow up to 6 feet tall and has spiny leaves and stems. It produces purple flowers that turn into thousands of tiny seeds.
Type
Biennial
Family
Acanthoides
Control
Controlling Plumeless Thistle requires a combination of methods. The key to successful control is to prevent seed production. Apply herbicides such as Tordon, Vanquish/Clarity, or 2,4-D to Plumeless Thistle rosettes in spring or fall. Apply Ally or Telar up to the early flower growth stage. Combine control methods into a management system for best results. Hand-pulling can also be effective for small infestations, but it can be time-consuming for larger areas. Overall, controlling Plumeless Thistle requires a combination of methods, including proper lawn maintenance, herbicides, and hand-pulling.
Posion Hemlock
Poison Hemlock, also known as Conium maculatum, is a biennial weed that belongs to the Apiaceae family. It is native to Europe and is commonly found in pastures, roadsides, and disturbed areas throughout Kentucky. Poison Hemlock can grow up to 10 feet tall and has fern-like leaves and white flowers that grow in umbrella-shaped clusters.
Type
Biennial
Family
Apiaceae
Control
The key to successful control is to prevent seed production. Apply herbicides such as glyphosate, 2,4-D, or dicamba to Poison Hemlock when it is small and actively growing. Hand-pulling can also be effective for small infestations, but it should be done with caution as all parts of the plant are poisonous. Overall, controlling Poison Hemlock requires a combination of methods, including proper lawn maintenance, herbicides, and hand-pulling.
Queen Anne’s Lace
Queen Anne’s Lace, also known as Daucus carota, is a biennial weed that belongs to the Apiaceae family. It is native to Europe and is commonly found in fields, meadows, and roadsides throughout Kentucky. Queen Anne’s Lace can grow up to 4 feet tall and has delicate white flowers that form a flat-topped cluster. The leaves are fern-like and the stems are hairy.
Type
Biennial
Family
Apiaceae
Control
Controlling Queen Anne’s Lace can be challenging due to its deep taproot and ability to reseed. The best approach is to use a combination of cultural and chemical control methods. Cultural control involves mowing the weed regularly before it can flower and produce seeds. Chemical control involves using selective herbicides such as 2,4-D, dicamba, and triclopyr.
Sericea Lespedeza
Sericea Lespedeza, also known as Lespedeza cuneata, is a perennial weed that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is native to Asia and was introduced to the United States in the late 1800s. Sericea Lespedeza is commonly found in pastures, roadsides, and other disturbed areas throughout Kentucky. It can grow up to 6 feet tall and has small, yellow flowers that bloom from July to September.
Type
Perennial
Family
Fabaceae
Control
The best approach is to use a combination of cultural and chemical control methods. Cultural control involves mowing the weed regularly before it can flower and produce seeds. Chemical control involves using selective herbicides such as glyphosate, 2,4-D, or dicamba.
These herbicides are most effective when applied in the fall or early spring when the plant is actively growing. Hand-pulling can also be effective for small infestations, but it can be time-consuming for larger areas. Overall, controlling Sericea Lespedeza requires a combination of methods, including proper lawn maintenance, herbicides, and hand-pulling.
Tall Ironweed
Tall Ironweed, also known as Vernonia altissima, is a perennial weed that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is commonly found in fields, pastures, and along roadsides throughout Kentucky. Tall Ironweed can grow up to 10 feet tall and has dark green leaves and purple flowers that bloom from July to September.
Type
Perennial
Family
Asteraceae
Control
Controlling Tall Ironweed requires a combination of methods. The key to successful control is to prevent seed production. Apply herbicides such as glyphosate, 2,4-D, or dicamba to Tall Ironweed when it is small and actively growing. Mowing can also be effective for reducing the height of the plant and preventing seed production. Hand-pulling can also be effective for small infestations, but it can be time-consuming for larger areas.
Trumpetcreeper
Trumpet creeper, also known as Campsis radicans, is a woody vine that is native to the southeastern United States. It belongs to the Bignoniaceae family and is a perennial plant that can grow up to 40 feet in length. Trumpet creeper produces large, trumpet-shaped flowers that are red or orange in color and bloom in the summer. It is commonly used as an ornamental plant due to its attractive flowers and ability to attract hummingbirds.
Type
Perennial vine
Family
Bignoniaceae
Control
To get rid of Trumpet creeper, it is recommended to use herbicides such as glyphosate or triclopyr. These herbicides are most effective when applied to the foliage of the plant during its active growth period, which is typically in the summer. It is also possible to control Trumpet creeper by cutting it back to the ground and repeatedly removing any new growth that appears. However, this method may not be as effective as herbicides and may require multiple applications over several years to fully eradicate the plant.
Velvet Leaf
Velvetleaf, also known as Abutilon theophrasti, is an annual weed that belongs to the Malvaceae family. It is native to China and India but has spread to other parts of the world, including North America, where it is considered a noxious weed. Velvetleaf can grow up to 7 feet tall and has heart-shaped, densely pubescent leaves that may reach lengths of 10 inches. It produces yellow flowers that mature into distinctive seed capsules approximately an inch in diameter.
Type
Annual
Family
Malvaceae
Control
To get rid of Velvetleaf, it is recommended to use herbicides such as glyphosate or 2,4-D. These herbicides are most effective when applied during the plant’s active growth period, which is typically in the summer. It is also possible to control Velvetleaf by hand-pulling or mowing, but this method may not be as effective as herbicides. It is important to remove the plant before it goes to seed to prevent it from spreading further.
Vernal Whitlow Grass
Vernal Whitlow Grass, also known as Draba verna, is a small, spring-flowering annual weed that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. It is widely dispersed around the world and can be found on walls, pavements, and patches of bare ground. It has a complex taxonomy that is not yet fully understood. Vernal Whitlow Grass has a small rosette of oblong leaves that are covered with fine hairs. It produces small white flowers with four deeply lobed petals that bloom on upright stems.
Type
Annual
Family
Brassicaceae
Control
To get control Vernal Whitlow Grass, it is recommended to use herbicides such as glyphosate or 2,4-D. These herbicides are most effective when applied during the plant’s active growth period, which is typically in the spring. It is also possible to control Vernal Whitlow Grass by hand-pulling or mowing, but this method may not be as effective as herbicides. It is important to remove the plant before it goes to seed to prevent it from spreading further.
White Clover
White Clover, also known as Trifolium repens, is a perennial weed that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is a low-growing plant with white or pink flowers that can be found in lawns, pastures, and gardens throughout the United States. It is typically considered a desirable plant due to its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil and its use as a forage crop for livestock.
Type
Perennial
Family
Fabaceae
Control
To get rid of White Clover, it is recommended to use herbicides such as 2,4-D or glyphosate. These herbicides are most effective when applied during the plant’s active growth period, which is typically in the spring or fall. It is also possible to control White Clover by hand-pulling or mowing, but this method may not be as effective as herbicides. It is important to remove the plant before it goes to seed to prevent it from spreading further.
White Heath Aster
White Heath Aster, also known as Symphyotrichum ericoides, is a branching perennial weed that can grow up to 5 1/2 feet in height. It has white and yellow flowers and can be found in pastures, forages, and noncrop areas across the United States, from New England to northern Florida, and west to Minnesota, Nebraska, Kansas, and Louisiana. It belongs to the Asteraceae family and produces abundant flowers with white petals and yellow centers from August to September.
Type
Perennial
Family
Asteraceae
Control
To get rid of White Heath Aster, it is recommended to use herbicides such as 2,4-D, dicamba, or triclopyr. These herbicides are most effective when applied during the plant’s active growth period, which is typically in late summer to early fall. It is also possible to control White Heath Aster by mowing or hand-pulling, but this method may not be as effective as herbicides. It is important to remove the plant before it goes to seed to prevent it from spreading further.
Yellow Nutsedge
Yellow Nutsedge, also known as Cyperus esculentus, is a perennial weed that belongs to the Cyperaceae family. It is native to North America and is commonly found in lawns and gardens throughout Kentucky. Yellow Nutsedge can grow up to 3 feet tall and has yellow-green leaves and brown seed heads that resemble spikes.
Type
Perennial
Family
Cyperaceae
Control
Controlling Yellow Nutsedge can be challenging due to its extensive root system and ability to re-grow from small pieces of root left in the soil. The best approach is to use a combination of cultural and chemical control methods. Cultural control involves improving soil drainage and reducing watering frequency.
Chemical control involves using selective herbicides such as sulfentrazone, halosulfuron, or imazaquin. These herbicides are most effective when applied in the late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Hand-pulling can also be effective for small infestations, but it should be done with caution as all parts of the plant are poisonous.
Yellow Rocket
Yellow Rocket, also known as Barbarea vulgaris, is a biennial or winter annual weed that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. It is native to Europe and Asia and was introduced to the United States in the 1700s. Yellow Rocket is commonly found in fields, gardens, and other disturbed areas throughout Kentucky. It can grow up to 2 feet tall and has yellow flowers that bloom from April to June.
Type
Biennial
Family
Brassicaceae
Control
Controlling Yellow Rocket requires a combination of methods. The key to successful control is to prevent seed production. Apply herbicides such as glyphosate, 2,4-D, or dicamba to Yellow Rocket when it is small and actively growing. Mowing can also be effective for reducing the height of the plant and preventing seed production. Hand-pulling can also be effective for small infestations, but it can be time-consuming for larger areas.
Yellow Sweet Clover
Yellow Sweet Clover, also known as Melilotus officinalis, is a biennial weed that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is native to Europe and Asia and was introduced to the United States in the 1700s. Yellow Sweet Clover is commonly found in fields, roadsides, and other disturbed areas throughout Kentucky. It can grow up to 6 feet tall and has yellow flowers that bloom from May to September.
Type
Biennial
Family
Fabaceae
Control
Controlling Yellow Sweet Clover requires a combination of methods. The key to successful control is to prevent seed production. Apply herbicides such as glyphosate, 2,4-D, or dicamba to Yellow Sweet Clover when it is small and actively growing. Mowing can also be effective for reducing the height of the plant and preventing seed production. Hand-pulling can also be effective for small infestations.
