There are a number of weeds that are common in Massachusetts. Some of these weeds can be quite harmful, while others are simply unsightly. In order to help you identify these plants, I have compiled a list of the 26 most common weeds in the state.
Table of Contents
Massachusetts Weeds
| Name of Weed | Family |
|---|---|
| Barnyardgrass | Paniceae |
| Bindweed | Convolvulaceae |
| Campion | Caryophyllaceae |
| Chickweed (carpet weed) | Caryophyllaceae |
| Clover | Apiaceae |
| Crabgrass | Poaceae |
| Dallisgrass | Poaceae |
| Dandelions | Asteraceae |
| Doveweed (spurges) | Spurges |
| Jimsonweed | Solanaceae |
| Johnsongrass | Poaceae |
| Lambsquarters | Amaranthaceae |
| Morning Glory | Convolvulaceae |
| Mustard | Brassicaceae |
| Nutsedge | Cyperaceae |
| Oxalis | Oxalidaceae |
| Plantain | Plantaginaceae |
| Purslane | Portulacaceae |
| Ragweed | Asteraceae |
| Smartweed | Polygonaceae |
| Velvetleaf | Abutilonaceae |
| Wild Violet | Violaceae |
Barnyardgrass
Barnyardgrass, a widespread weed in the United States, is an annual grass that can be found in both cultivated and non-cultivated areas. It prefers moist soils but can also tolerate dry conditions. Young plants have brown and red stripes near the bottom of their leaves.
They form tufts, spikes, or dense clusters that can grow up to 120 cm in height. The panicles are relatively long, maxing out at 20 cm in length. These structures are often bristly and contain awns that can be either short or long. Barnyardgrass seeds are very durable and can remain viable for up to 15 years, making them difficult to get rid of once it becomes established.
Type
Grass
Family
Paniceae
Control
The best way to remove barnyardgrass is to pull it up by hand, making sure to remove the entire root system. It can also be controlled with herbicides, however, frequent and careful application of these chemicals is necessary in order to ensure that the weed does not return.
Bindweed
Bindweed, an invasive perennial vine found in the eastern United States, is a fast-growing weed that can quickly overtake any area. Its leaves are arrowhead-shaped and have white patches on their underside. They spread by means of long rhizomes which can grow up to 4 feet in length and form thick mats underground
The flower has five petals and can range from pinkish-white to purple in color. It also produces small round seeds that are easily dispersed through water or wind currents. Bindweed is particularly difficult to control because its roots go deep into the soil and it can regrow from even small pieces of root left behind after removal.
Type
Vine
Family
Convolvulaceae
Control
The only way to get rid of bindweed for good is by using a glyphosate-based weedkiller. This chemical, when applied to the leaves of the plant, will penetrate down into the roots and kill them. However, care must be taken not to spray it onto other plants or areas where it is not wanted.
Campion
Campion, a common weed of agricultural and disturbed areas in Massachusetts, is an annual that prefers moist soils. Its leaves are oval or lanceolate with serrated edges and its stems have thick, sticky hairs on them. It produces small white flowers with five petals that usually form a single head at the end of each stem
The plant can grow up to 100cm tall and has deep taproots which make it difficult to pull out by hand. Campion is often mistaken for other similar-looking weeds such as oxeye daisy, so careful identification is important when attempting to control it.
Type
Annual
Family
Caryophyllaceae
Control
To ensure the plant does not return, it is essential to fully uproot the taproot. This can be done either by hand or with the use of a hoe. Herbicides can also be effective, but repeated applications are necessary in order to prevent regrowth from any remaining roots.
Chickweed
This weed species is a low-growing, prostrate annual that forms mats of foliage and has small white flowers. It thrives in moist areas with poor drainage, often invading lawns and gardens. Chickweed can be difficult to control due to its ability to spread quickly and germinate from even the smallest amount of soil disturbance.
Chickweed prefers cool weather, so it is most active during the spring and fall. It can be identified by its small white flowers and succulent leaves with a faint sheen or frosty appearance.
Type
Annual
Family
Caryophyllaceae
Control
Chickweed is most rampant in lawns that are kept moist and mowed low to the ground. If you want to prevent its growth, avoid over-watering your lawn in the fall season and raise your mower blade.
Clover
This weed species is an annual with a creeping growth habit and small white flowers. It often invades gardens, lawns, and other areas of the landscape where it can be difficult to control due to its rapid germination capabilities. Clover can be identified by its small, round leaves that have a distinctive clover-like odor when crushed.
It prefers moist soil and grows in full sun or partial shade conditions. The best way to reduce the spread of clover is by preventing it from taking hold in the first place through proper maintenance practices such as mowing regularly and removing dead foliage
Type
Perennial Broadleaf
Family
Apiaceae
Control
Applying a pre-emergent application in the fall is the best way to control clover growth. A healthy, fertilized lawn will also help prevent clover from growing in your lawn. If clover does take hold, post-emergent herbicides can help control it. You may also consider using a mulching mower to grind the weed down and reduce its spread. Additionally, certain nematodes can be applied to lawns to help naturally manage clover infestations.
Crabgrass
This weed species is an annual grass that has a low, spreading growth habit and grows in thin blades. It can be difficult to control due to its ability to rapidly spread and germinate from even small amounts of soil disturbance. Crabgrass prefers warm weather and full sun conditions, so it is most active during the summer months. The weed gets its name from the crab-like legs protruding from the stem.
Type
Annual Grass
Family
Poaceae
Control
Crabgrass is opportunistic and will colonize any thin or bare areas in your lawn. Applying a pre-emergent herbicide in the spring is the best way to prevent it from taking hold. If crabgrass does develop, post-emergent herbicides can help control it.
Be sure to mow your lawn regularly to keep the weed in check and allow plenty of sunlight into thin areas so that it is less likely to take hold. Additionally, core aeration helps reduce soil compaction which can also inhibit the growth of crabgrass.
Dallisgrass
This weed species is a perennial grass with a coarse, upright growth habit. It often invades lawns and gardens where it can be difficult to control due to its aggressive growth and ability to spread rapidly.
Dallisgrass is a weed that commonly appears in clumps, has grayish-green leaves with a smooth texture, and features a striking vein down the center of each leaf.
Type
Perennial Grass
Family
Poaceae
Control
Dallisgrass is a really tricky weed to eradicate. Multiple post-emergent weed control applications are required, and it is important to make sure that the weedkiller is labeled for use on dallisgrass.
A pre-emergent herbicide application in the spring can help prevent its growth, as can regular mowing and removing dead foliage from your lawn. Additionally, core aeration helps reduce soil compaction which can also inhibit the growth of dallisgrass.
Dandelions
This weed species is a perennial with a low-growing growth habit and bright yellow flowers. It is one of the most common lawn weeds, and can be difficult to control due to its aggressive root system and quick germination capabilities
Dandelions are easily identified by their deep taproots, round leaves with jagged edges, and bright yellow flower heads that turn into white puffballs of seeds when mature.
Type
Perennial Broadleaf
Family
Asteraceae
Control
They must be pulled from the taproot up to effectively be exterminated. Pre-emergent herbicides are not effective on dandelions, as they germinate quickly and can easily reestablish from seed. Post-emergent applications will help reduce their spread if applied correctly.
Doveweed
This weed species is an annual with a low-growing growth habit and almost hairless leaves. It usually appears in thin turf areas where it can spread quickly and be difficult to control. Doveweed prefers warm weather conditions, so it’s most active during the summer months. The leaves are smooth and a deep green, while the flowers grow in clusters and are vibrant purple.
Type
Annual Grass
Family
Spurges
Control
Doveweed is best controlled by regularly mowing your lawn as well as removing dead foliage from the area. Watering and fertilization requirements should also be kept up to date as doveweed is opportunistic and will colonize any thin or bare areas.
Jimson Weed
This weed species is a biennial with a tall, erect growth habit and angular, prickly leaves. It is often found in open fields and lawns where it can quickly spread if not controlled.
Jimsonweed has prickly stems covered with small white hairs and large, spiky leaves that are pale green or purplish-green in color. Its flowers are trumpet shaped and usually white or purple.
Type
Biennial Broadleaf
Family
Solanaceae
Control
For effective control of this weed, consider using selective broadleaf herbicides like 2,4-D (in various formulations). Alternatively, you can use tank mixtures containing both 2,4-D and either dicamba (Weed Master) or triclopyr (Crossbow).
Johnsongrass
Don’t be fooled by its likeness to a young corn seedling – johnsongrass can easily be distinguished by the presence of its dark, reddish-brown or black football-to-egg shaped seed which remains attached upon plucking it from soil. Additionally, the first leaf blade is positioned parallel with the ground.
Type
Perennial Grass
Family
Poaceae
Control
I tend to spray it with 2% roundup which kills the weed but also kills non-target plants. A better solution is to use a combination of glyphosate, triclopyr and MSMA which have been proven to be effective in controlling johnsongrass. If physical removal is preferred, make sure to remove all parts of the plant, including its roots and seeds so that it does not re-establish itself.
Lambsquarters
This weed species is an annual with a low to medium growth habit and small, white flowers. It is often found in gardens and lawns where it can quickly spread if not controlled.
Lambsquarters has diamond-shaped leaves that are smooth on the upper surface and whitish beneath, as well as small greenish-white flowers that are grouped together in clusters.
Type
Annual Broadleaf
Family
Amaranthaceae
Control
For effective control of this weed, consider using selective broadleaf herbicides such as 2,4-D or dicamba (Weed Master). If physical removal is preferred, make sure to remove all parts of the plant, including its roots.
Morning Glory
This weed species is an annual with a trailing growth habit and large, trumpet-shaped flowers. It is often found in gardens and lawns where it can quickly spread if not controlled.
Morning glory has bright green leaves that are heart shaped and slightly velvety to the touch; they also have a distinct white midrib down the center. The flowers, which come in shades of white, pink, purple or blue, are five petaled and large compared to other weeds.
Type
Annual Vine
Family
Convolvulaceae
Control
To effectively control this weed, use powerful select broadleaf herbicides like 2,4-D or dicamba (Weed Master). If physical removal is preferred, be sure to take out every part of the plant – including its roots.
Wild Mustard
This weed species is an annual with a low to medium growth habit and small yellow flowers. It is often found in gardens and lawns where it can quickly spread if not controlled.
All the leaves on this plant are connected to a main stem, some with an additional stalk and others joined directly. Furthermore, they all have tiny hairs, serrated edges as well as being mainly lobed in shape.
Type
Annual Broadleaf
Family
Brassicaceae
Control
To effectively control this weed, use select broadleaf herbicides like 2,4-D or dicamba (Weed Master). If physical removal is preferred, make sure to remove all parts of the plant.
Nutsedge
Nutsedge, also commonly known as Nutgrass, is a perennial weed with bright green leaves and sharp edges. It grows in clumps with yellow flowers that emerge from spikes or “nuts” located at the top of the plant. Nutsedge prefers moist soil and can spread rapidly throughout lawns.
Nutsedge might go unnoticed at first because its seeds look like out-of-season Bermuda grass and thatch.
Type
Perennial Grass
Family
Cyperaceae
Control
Regular maintenance is key when controlling Nutsedge. To achieve a healthy lawn, it is important to have proper mowing and watering schedules. Additionally, post-emergent herbicides can help target established weeds like Nutsedge. Be sure to apply the herbicide during the early stages of growth and follow up with another application as needed.
If you want to learn more about weeds that grow in the State of Georgia then make sure you give an article I wrote earlier which covers this.
Oxalis
Oxalis, also known as Yellow Woodsorrel or Sourgrass, is a low-growing weed with three leaflets that resemble clovers. Its flowers are white and can be seen in the summer months. Oxalis thrives in moist areas of your lawn and prefers full sun.
Type
Perennial Broadleaf
Family
Oxalidaceae
Control
Oxalis love compacted soil, so make sure to Core Aerate your lawn every year. The best time to apply post-emergent weed control is while the weed is actively growing.
Plantain
This low-growing weed has wide, green leaves that grow in a circular arrangement. Leafless stalks grow upright from the base, with seeds on the end. Plantain is a tough weed that can survive in almost any condition and prefers heavily trafficked areas.
Type
Perennial Broadleaf
Family
Plantaginaceae
Control
Compacted soil is an ideal condition for Plantain to grow and spread. To control this weed, it is important to core aerate your lawn every year. Additionally, applying post-emergent herbicides targeting broadleaf weeds can help with controlling this stubborn weed.
Purslane
Tasty and succulent, purslane (or Portulaca oleracea) is a leafy green vegetable with red stems, small green leaves, and an impressive 93% water content. It can be enjoyed raw or cooked in various dishes under many of its other names such as pigweed, little hogweed, fatweed, and pusley.
It is considered a weed by many but is a healthy, nutritious plant. Purslane contains more omega-3 fatty acids than any other leafy vegetable, plus vitamins B and C, iron, magnesium, calcium and potassium.
Type
Annual Broadleaf
Family
Portulacaceae
Control
Eliminating purslane can be achieved by both manual extraction or chemical control methods. Rainfall and irrigation can help conserve soil moisture, which will reduce its spread. Additionally, broadleaf herbicides such as 2,4-D or dicamba (Weed Master) can also be used to effectively control it.
Ragweed
Ragweed is one of the most common and unpleasant weeds in lawns. This tall, annual weed has long stems with small, yellowish-green flowers that produce lots of pollen which is a major cause for hay fever and allergies.
Ragweed grows best in warm, sunny areas such as roadsides, fields, gardens and lawns. It can spread easily from one area to another as its seeds are dispersed by wind or animals.
Type
Annual Broadleaf
Family
Asteraceae
Control
Prevention is the best way to control ragweed. Regular mowing will help keep the plant from growing too tall and going to seed. Hand-pulling can be effective if done when the plant is young but be sure to dispose of the weeds properly as ragweed can easily re-sprout.
Smartweed
Smartweed is a low-growing annual weed that has long, narrow leaves and pinkish-purple flowers. It prefers moist areas and can be found in lawns, gardens, and along roadsides. This weed spreads through its small seeds which are easily dispersed by wind or animals. Smartweed can quickly overtake a garden or lawn if not controlled properly.
Type
Annual Broadleaf
Family
Polygonaceae
Control
Smartweed may be tackled with a variety of post-emergent herbicides, such as Grazon Next HL, Metsulfuron, Chapparal and Milestone. While 24-D on its own doesn’t endow optimal results like these other products do; blending metsulfuron with 24-D is exceptionally effective in producing desired control outcomes.
Velvetleaf
Velvetleaf, also known as buttonweed, is an annual weed that grows in clumps of broad, velvety leaves. This low-growing weed can easily overtake a garden and lawn if not controlled properly. It has yellow flowers with four petals that form at the tips of long stalks which later become seedpods.
Type
Annual Broadleaf
Family
Abutilonaceae
Control
Pulling them by hand is the most effective way to control velvetleaf weed. It is important to pull them before they mature and go to seed, as the seeds can remain viable in the soil up to 25 years. Pre-emergent herbicides such as Treflan or Preen can also be used to prevent velvetleaf from germinating. Additionally, post-emergent herbicides such as 2,4-D, triclopyr, or Glyphosate may be used for existing plants.
Wild Violets
Wild Violets are a perennial weed with heart-shaped leaves and small flowers that range in color from purple, blue to white. These weeds grow low along the ground and prefer moist soil conditions.
Type
Annual or Perennial Broadleaf
Family
Violaceae
Control
Wild violets can be difficult to control due to its spreading underground roots. To prevent these weeds from growing, use a pre-emergent herbicide in early spring or fall. Additionally, regularly mowing your lawn will help keep it healthy and strong enough to outcompete invasive weeds like Wild Violets.
