Weeds are a common problem throughout South Carolina and can cause significant damage to crops, lawns, gardens, and other areas. Knowing which weeds you’re dealing with is essential for proper control measures, so it’s important to identify them correctly. In this article, we will discuss some of the most common South Carolina weeds and what you can do to manage them effectively:
Table of Contents
Maryland weeds
| Name of weed | Family |
|---|---|
| Black henbane | Solanaceae |
| Buffalo bur | Asteraceae (Compositae) |
| Canada Thistle | Asteraceae |
| Common burdock | Asteraceae |
| Common cocklebur | Asteraceae |
| Common mullein | Scrophulariaceae |
| Common St. Johnswort | Clusiaceae |
| Curly dock | Polygonaceae |
| Dalmatian toadflax | Plantaginaceae |
| Diffuse knapweed | Asteraceae |
| Downt brome | Poaceae |
| Dyer's woad | Brassicaceae |
| Field bindweed | Convolvulaceae |
| Houndstongue | Boraginaceae |
| Japanese brome | Poaceae |
| Leafy spurge | Euphorbiaceae |
| Medusahead rye | Poaceae |
| Musk thistle | Asteraceae |
| Ox-eye daisy | Asteraceae |
| Palmer Amarant | Amaranthaceae |
| Perennial pepperweed | Brassicaceae |
| Perennial sowthistle | Asteraceae |
| Plumeless thistle | Asteraceae |
| Poison hemlock | Apiaceae |
| Puncturevine | Zygophyllaceae |
| Purple Loosestrife | Lythraceae |
| Quackgrass | Poaceae |
| Ripgut brome | Poaceae |
| Russian knapweed | Asteraceae |
| Russian olive | Elaeagnaceae |
| Saltcedar | Tamaricaceae |
| Scotch thistle | Asteraceae |
| skeleton leaf bursage | Asteraceae |
| Spotted knapweed | Asteraceae |
| Sulfur cinquefoil | Rosaceae |
| Ventenata | Poaceae |
| Western Water Hemlock | Apiaceae |
| Wild licorice | Fabaceae |
| Yellow starthistle | Asteraceae |
| Yellow Toadflax | Scrophulariaceae |
Black henbane
Black henbane can be identified by its yellowish flowers with purple centers and foliage that is foul-smelling and covered with sticky hairs. It is a highly invasive weed that invades meadows, pastures, and roadsides. It forms dense stands, replacing other native vegetation and decreasing forage production and biodiversity.
Type
Annual/biennial
Family
Solanaceae
Control
Digging and hand-pulling before seed germination are quite effective for controlling black henbane. As the plant is toxic, personal protective gear should be worn at times of mechanical removal. Herbicide treatment also proves to be beneficial. Several herbicides containing the active ingredients dicamba, chlorsulfuron, picloram, glyphosate, and metsulfuron can control black henbane infestations.
Buffalo bur
Buffalo bur is an annual weed that invades disturbed areas, gardens, fields, and roadsides. It has hairy stems and leaves with irregularly shaped margins. It produces small yellow flowers in the fall followed by egg-shaped burs with one to three sharp spines each. The spines help spread the seed far and wide.
Type
Annual
Family
Asteraceae (Compositae)
Control
Proper cultural practices such as mowing or grazing can prove effective in controlling buffalo bur infestations. Hand-pulling is also recommended but should be done carefully due to the spiny nature of its fruits. Herbicides containing glyphosate or 2,4-D can be used for more effective control.
Canada Thistle
Canada thistle is a type of weed that is classified as a perennial and is prevalent across regions throughout Canada and the United States. What distinguishes this weed from other types of perennial weeds is its thick, erect stems that feature sharp spines along the edges. Clusters of small, purple-hued flowers grow at the top of each stem on spikes. This weed also has deep, underground roots that spread via rhizomes.
Type
Perennial weed
Family
Asteraceae
Control
Preventing the spread of Canada thistle is the most effective way to control it. Early removal of the plants by pulling or digging can reduce their numbers. In cases of large infestations, herbicides containing 2,4-D can eliminate Canada thistle. Moreover, mowing before flowering can prevent the plant from seeding. Nevertheless, it should be noted that getting rid of Canada thistle completely is a difficult task, so repeated treatments may be required.
Common burdock
Burdock is a large plant with spiky purple flowers. Its stem is subtle, striped and whitish pink with big, broad leaves. It blooms during the spring season. In the autumn, the flowers become burred seed pods that often stick to surfaces they come into contact with. The weed species can be found along roadsides, old fields, ditch banks, and waste and neglected areas. Burdock affects the development of native plants by causing root rot and hosting powdery mildew.
Type
Perennial
Family
Asteraceae
Control
To kill burdock, cut the root just below the soil surface, and then you can hand-pull the plant, extracting a large part of the tap root. A dandelion digging tool can be used to remove small plants.
Using a broadleaf herbicide when the plant still remains in the rosette stage is known to effectively kill the burdock plant.
Common cocklebur
Cocklebur is a tap-rooted weed that normally grows to about 4 feet tall. It can be identified by its single, stout, green stem that is often speckled with purple, finely grooved, hairy side branches. The weed species can be found in waste places, on low ground, and along roadsides. Cocklebur is self-compatible, reproduces from seed, and is wind pollinated.
Type
Annual
Family
Asteraceae
Control
An effective way to control cockleburs is to mow or disc them during the flowering stage. As resprouting may take place after mowing, secondary treatment is often necessary. Sometimes, cut-off plants with immature burs can develop viable seeds.
Applying a pre-emergent herbicide in the spring before the weed comes up is recommended. Herbicides should be used appropriately by following the directions on the label.
Common mullein
Common mullein (Verbascum thapsus) is a biennial weed species that can grow up to 6 feet tall. It has thick, hairy leaves and yellow flowers with five petals each. The plant produces large amounts of seed, which grow in oval-shaped burrs. Common mullein is often found in pastures, fields, waste areas, and roadsides.
Type
Biennial
Family
Scrophulariaceae
Control
The first line of defense when trying to control common mullein is manual removal or mowing prior to flowering. It is important to discard the removed plants properly as they can still spread viable seeds if not done correctly. To prevent reestablishment of this weed species, deep tillage can be done to bury and destroy seedlings.
Common St. Johnswort
St. Johnswort (Hypericum perforatum) is a perennial weed species native to Europe and Asia, but it can also be found in North America, where it has become an invasive species. It grows up to 1-2 meters tall with numerous branches and leaves that have transparent dots on the edges. St. Johnswort produces many yellow flowers with five petals that bloom from June to August. Although this weed species is not poisonous, it affects pastures by outcompeting other plants for light and nutrients, thus reducing crop yield.
Type
Perennial
Family
Clusiaceae
Control
Manual removal of common St. Johnswort is recommended if only a few plants are present. For larger infestations, herbicide treatment can be used. Systemic broadleaf herbicides such as glysophate are most effective when the weed is in its early vegetative stages. Regular mowing of the weeds also helps prevent seed production and spread. Proper disposal of the plant material should be done to prevent further spread of this weed species.
Curly dock
A type of broadleaf weed, curly dock grows up to 5 feet in height and produces long leaves with wavy margins arranged in a rosette. The thick, unbranched stem generally has a reddish tint and bears long clusters of flowers that result in dense panicles. The weed seeds are characterized by small wing-like structures and mature into a dark brown color. With taproots that can penetrate deep into the soil, curly dock is most widespread during the spring season.
Type
Perennial
Family
Polygonaceae
Control
Given its ability to tolerate fluctuations in soil moisture, Curly dock presents challenges in terms of eradication. One approach is to weaken the weed by regularly cutting it down during mowing. Digging out the taproot offers another way to control it. However, experts recommend using broadleaf herbicide applications to effectively get rid of this troublesome weed.
Dalmatian toadflax
Also known as wild snapdragon or common toadflax, Dalmatian toadflax (Linaria vulgaris) is a perennial weed species native to Europe and Asia. It grows up to 2 feet tall and produces long, narrow leaves with yellow flowers that bloom from July to October. The plant has an extensive root system and can spread rapidly due to its ability to reseed itself.
Type
Perennial
Family
Plantaginaceae
Control
Manual removal of Dalmatian Toadflax should be done when feasible. For larger infestations, applying an appropriate herbicide can help control the growth of this weed species. Be sure to follow label instructions for proper application and always wear protective gear whenever handling herbicides. Mowing can also be used to control this weed but must be done regularly before it goes to seed. Proper disposal of the removed weeds is important for preventing further spread and re-establishment.
Bighead knapweed
Bighead knapweed is a large herb with yellow, globe-shaped flower heads growing singly on the tops of stems. It grows up to 5.6 feet tall and is perhaps the tallest knapweed in Washington. The tap-rooted perennial grows a rosette in the first year and flowering stems in the following years. This weed species grows well in open grassy areas, including fields and pastures.
Type
perennial
Family
Asteraceae
Control
Small plants can be hand-pulled, whereas it is not possible to pull out large infestations. The flowering stem should be dug out along with the tap root. Otherwise, a new stem will develop from the woody crown, giving rise to another flower head. Repeated mowing is recommended to reduce seed production and eventually weaken the root reserves.
Downt brome
Downt brome (Bromus tectorum) is an invasive annual grass that can be found in pastures and rangelands. It grows up to 4 feet tall and features narrow, rolled leaves with pointed tips. The weed produces a small spike-like seed head topped by several seeds that are dispersed via the wind. Downt brome is capable of outcompeting native plants for nutrients and light, making it difficult for them to survive.
Type
Annual
Family
Poaceae
Control
Manual removal of downt brome can be done if only a few plants are present. For larger infestations, herbicide treatment may be necessary to effectively control this weed species. Systemic broadleaf herbicides are recommended for controlling Downt brome, as they can be absorbed by the leaves and translocated to other parts of the plant. Mowing before the seeds mature is also important in limiting its spread. Regular monitoring and maintenance should be done afterward to ensure that the weed doesn’t return.
Dyer's woad
Dyer’s woad (Isatis tinctoria) is an invasive biennial weed that can be found in agricultural fields, pastures, and roadsides. It grows up to 5 feet tall and produces long, deep-cut leaves with yellow flowers that bloom from April to June. The plant develops a large tap root and has the capacity to spread rapidly due to its ability to produce many seeds.
Type
Biennial
Family
Brassicaceae
Control
Herbicides can be used for controlling Dyer’s woad but should always be applied according to label instructions. Manual removal of small infestations is also possible by removing the entire plant, including the taproot. Mowing before flowering helps prevent the development of seed heads, which should be disposed of properly to prevent further spread. Regular inspection and maintenance are recommended for ensuring that this weed species does not return.
Bindweed
Bindweed is a climbing vine that can get out of control. It is often confused with morning glory, due to its pretty, lilac-colored, trumpet-shaped flowers. The climbing weed wraps itself around any structure it gets a hold of. It is capable of completely covering the other plants, depriving them of sunlight, and eventually choking them. Bindweed prefers dry soils.
Type
Perennial
Family
Convolvulaceae
Control
As bindweed prefers dry soil, you can control the growth of bindweed-infested areas by watering the flower beds and garden regularly. To manage a large bindweed infestation, start by irrigating the area. When the weeds grow well, treat the area with glyphosate application before planting desirable plants.
Houndstongue
Houndstongue is a biennial weed found in pasture and rangelands. It has a thick, leathery basal rosette of leaves that can grow up to 10-20 cm long with pointed tips and fibrous margins. The flower heads consist of four petals and appear in the second year of growth. The plant produces large bur-like fruits containing many small seeds, which are dispersed by animals or wind.
Type
Biennial
Family
Boraginaceae
Control
Small houndstongue infestations can be removed manually by removing the entire root system from the soil. For larger areas, using herbicides may be more effective. Glyphosate is recommended for treating large infestations, as it is absorbed by the leaves and translocated to other parts of the plant. In addition, mowing can be done before the seeds mature in order to reduce their spread. Regular monitoring and maintenance should be done afterward to ensure that houndstongue does not return.
Japanese brome
Japanese brome (Bromus japonicus) is an invasive grass found in fields, pastures, and lawns. It has a dense mat-forming growth habit that can quickly displace native vegetation and reduce forage production. The plant produces long leaves with pointed tips and small spikelets of seeds at the end of each stem.
Type
Annual
Family
Poaceae
Control
Manual removal of Japanese brome can be done if only a few plants are present. For larger infestations, herbicide treatment may be necessary to effectively control this weed species. Systemic broadleaf herbicides are recommended for controlling Japanese brome, as they can be absorbed by the leaves and translocated throughout the plant.
Spurge
Spurge is a common warm-season weed, usually found in container nurseries. Its flowers are greenish-white. When its leaves or stems are broken, a milky sap exudes. There are several types of spurge including ground spurge and spotted spurge, which are almost similar, having prostrate to ascending stems carrying oblong or round leaves.
The weed species can be commonly found in grasslands, pastures, roadsides, and prairies. It survives in a wide range of soil types.
Type
Perennial
Family
Euphorbiaceae
Control
You can remove a small patch of spurge effectively by hand-pulling. However, the primary method of dealing with spurges is prevention, because controlling these weeds seems to be hard, especially when the plants have taken root. Various post-emergent herbicides can also be used to control spurge invasions in your garden or lawn.
Medusahead rye
Medusahead rye (Taeniatherum caput-medusae) is a grass species native to the Mediterranean region. It has an upright growth habit and produces long, narrow leaves with pointed tips at the edges. The flower heads have dense bristles which form a crown-like shape in maturity, hence one of its common names “Medusa head”.
Type
Annual
Family
Poaceae
Control
Small infestations of Medusahead rye can be managed by hand-pulling or mowing before seed development. For large infestations, herbicide application may be necessary. Herbicides containing clopyralid are effective at controlling this weed species and should be applied when the plants are actively growing. Spot spraying of glyphosate can also be used to target individual weeds. Regular monitoring should be done afterward to ensure that Medusahead rye does not return.
Musk thistle
Musk thistle (Carduus nutans) is an invasive plant of the daisy family. It has a tall, spiny growth habit and produces large, purple flower heads during flowering season. The leaves are deeply lobed with toothed margins and have a musky odor when crushed or broken.
Type
Biennial
Family
Asteraceae
Control
Manual removal of small musk thistle infestations can be done by removing the entire root system from the soil. Glyphosate can be used for larger areas as it is absorbed by the leaves and translocated to other parts of the plant. Mechanical control such as mowing is also an effective method of controlling the weed when done at least twice before the seeds mature in order to reduce their spread. Regular monitoring and maintenance should be done afterward to ensure that musk thistle does not return.
Ox-eye daisy
Ox-eye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare) is an herbaceous perennial of the aster family. It forms low mounds with white, star-shaped flowers that have yellow centers and toothed leaves. The plant has a strong, fragrant scent when crushed or touched.
Type
Perennial
Family
Asteraceae
Control
Small infestations of ox-eye daisy can be managed by hand-pulling before they produce seed heads. For larger infestations, broadleaf herbicides may be necessary to control this weed species. Spot treatment of glyphosate can also be used to target individual plants. Regular monitoring should be done afterward to ensure that ox-eye daisy does not return.
Palmer Amarant
Palmer amarant (Amaranthus palmeri) is an annual weed species native to the deserts of Arizona and Mexico. It has long, thick stems which produce alternate leaves with wavy margins and clusters of small flowers. The plant grows in a range of different soil types and is able to tolerate drought conditions.
Type
Annual
Family
Amaranthaceae
Control
Small infestations of Palmer amaranth can be managed by hand-pulling before they produce seed heads. For larger infestations, herbicides may be necessary to control this weed species. Spot treatment of glyphosate or 2,4-D can also be used to target individual plants. Regular monitoring should be done afterward to ensure that Palmer amaranth does not return.
Perennial pepperweed
Perennial pepperweed (Lepidium latifolium) is a weed species native to Europe, Asia and Africa. It grows in dense stands with rosette leaves at the base and produces small white flowers. The plant has deeply lobed leaves with smooth margins and a spicy flavor that gives it its common name “pepperweed”.
Type
Perennial
Family
Brassicaceae
Control
Manual removal of small infestations of perennial pepperweed can be done by digging up the entire root system from the soil. Herbicides containing dicamba or triclopyr are effective at controlling this weed species and should be applied to actively growing plants. Spot treatment of glyphosate can also be used to target individual weeds. Regular monitoring should be done afterward to ensure that perennial pepperweed does not return.
Perennial sowthistle
Perennial sowthistle (Sonchus arvensis) is an aggressive weed of the aster family. It has a deep taproot and small, yellow flower heads that bloom from June to August. The leaves are deeply lobed with serrated margins and have a milky sap when broken. Perennial sowthistle can be found in various habitats such as pastures, roadsides, and crop fields.
Type
Perennial
Family
Asteraceae
Control
Manual removal of small infestations of perennial sowthistle can be done by digging up the entire root system from the soil. Herbicides containing dicamba or triclopyr are effective at controlling this weed species and should be applied to actively growing plants. Spot treatment of glyphosate can also be used to target individual weeds.
Plumeless thistle
Plumeless thistle (Carduus acanthoides) is a biennial weed of the aster family. It forms rosettes in its first year of growth and develops into tall plants with spiny leaves and purple flower heads that bloom from May to October. The leaves are deeply lobed with serrated margins, and the plant has a strong smell when crushed or touched. Plumeless thistle can be found in various habitats such as grasslands, pastures, roadsides, and crop fields.
Type
Biennial
Family
Asteraceae
Control
Manual removal of small infestations of plumeless thistle can be done by digging up the entire root system from the soil. Herbicides containing dicamba or triclopyr are effective at controlling this weed species and should be applied to actively growing plants. Spot treatment of glyphosate can also be used to target individual weeds. Regular monitoring should be done afterward to ensure that plumeless thistle does not return.
Poison hemlock
Poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) is an extremely toxic biennial weed of the carrot family. It can be found in many habitats such as pastures, roadsides, and crop fields. Poison hemlock has a distinctive smell when crushed or touched and produces small white flowers in dense umbels on top of tall stalks. The leaves are deeply divided with serrated margins and the plant contains a toxin that makes it highly poisonous to humans, animals, and insects that come into contact with it.
Type
Biennial
Family
Apiaceae
Control
Manual removal of small infestations of poison hemlock can be done by digging up the entire root system from the soil. Herbicides containing dicamba or triclopyr are effective at controlling this weed species and should be applied to actively growing plants. Spot treatment of glyphosate can also be used to target individual weeds. Regular monitoring should be done afterward to ensure that poison hemlock does not return.
Puncturevine
Puncturevine (Tribulus terrestris) is an annual weed of the zygophyllaceae family. It forms small yellow flowers on top of low-growing plants and can be found in sandy or gravelly soils throughout North America. Puncturevine has long, narrow leaves with pointed tips and oval seedpods that contain sharp spines which can puncture tires and other materials.
Type
Annual
Family
Zygophyllaceae
Control
Manual removal of small infestations of puncturevine can be done by digging up the entire root system from the soil. Herbicides containing dicamba or triclopyr are effective at controlling this weed species and should be applied to actively growing plants. Spot treatment of glyphosate can also be used to target individual weeds. Regular monitoring should be done afterward to ensure that puncturevine does not return.
Purple Loosestrife
Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) is an invasive perennial weed of the lythraceae family. It grows in dense clumps and has tall stems which bear small pink to purple flowers. The leaves are opposite and lance-shaped, and the plant can be found in wet habitats such as marshes, stream banks, ditches, and roadside areas. Purple loosestrife is a very aggressive species and can outcompete native plants for resources.
Type
Perennial
Family
Lythraceae
Control
Manual removal of small infestations of purple loosestrife should be done with extreme caution as it spreads quickly through stem fragments. Herbicides containing dicamba or triclopyr are effective at controlling this weed species and should be applied to actively growing plants. Spot treatment of glyphosate can also be used to target individual weeds. Regular monitoring should be done afterward to ensure that purple loosestrife does not return.
Quackgrass
Quackgrass is a perennial weed that has v-shaped leaves and grows to a height of two feet. It produces small, white flowers during the summer months. Quackgrass spreads quickly because its creeping roots can produce new shoots in other locations. The weed species prefers moist soil conditions and will usually die out when the weather becomes too dry.
Type
Perennial grass
Family
Poaceae
Control
Weed prevention is the best approach for controlling this weed species. If you see any quackgrass starting to grow, it is important to remove them before they spread their seeds. A pre-emergent herbicide application can also be used to prevent new quackgrass plants from sprouting.
Ripgut brome
Ripgut brome (Bromus diandrus) is an annual weed of the poaceae family. It has a tufted growth habit and can be found growing in fields, pastures, and other types of disturbed areas. The plant has thin, light green leaves which form dense stands that can outcompete native vegetation for resources. Its seeds are dispersed by wind or when animals feed on the stems and grains.
Type
Annual grass
Family
Poaceae
Control
Manual removal of small infestations of ripgut brome should be done to remove all parts of the plant from the soil. Herbicides containing dicamba or triclopyr are effective at controlling this weed species and should be applied to actively growing plants. Spot treatment of glyphosate can also be used to target individual weeds. Regular monitoring should be done afterward to ensure that ripgut brome does not return.
Russian knapweed
Russian knapweed (Acroptilon repens) is a perennial weed of the asteraceae family. It has deep-green leaves and small, purple flower heads which produce seeds in late summer. The plant can grow up to three feet tall and prefers dry, well-drained soil conditions. Russian knapweed is an aggressive species and can quickly outcompete native vegetation for resources if left unchecked.
Type
Perennial
Family
Asteraceae
Control
Manual removal of small infestations of Russian knapweed should be done with caution as it spreads quickly through root fragments or by wind dispersal of seeds. Herbicides containing dicamba or triclopyr are effective at controlling this weed species and should be applied to actively growing plants. Spot treatment of glyphosate can also be used to target individual weeds.
Russian olive
Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) is a shrubby, deciduous tree of the elaeagnaceae family. It can grow up to 25 feet tall and has silvery-green leaves with fragrant white flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. The plant prefers dry, well-drained soil conditions and can be found in disturbed areas such as roadsides and abandoned fields. Russian olive is an aggressive species and can outcompete native vegetation for resources if left unchecked.
Type
Deciduous tree
Family
Elaeagnaceae
Control
Manual removal of small infestations of Russian olive should be done with caution as it spreads quickly through root fragments or by wind dispersal of seeds. Herbicides containing glyphosate are effective at controlling this weed species and should be applied to actively growing plants.
Saltcedar
Saltcedar (Tamarix ramosissima) is a shrubby, deciduous tree of the tamaricaceae family. It can grow up to 20 feet tall and has small, linear leaves with fragrant white flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. The plant prefers wet soils and can be found near rivers, streams, ponds, and other areas where water accumulates. Saltcedar is an invasive species and can outcompete native vegetation for resources if left unchecked.
Type
Deciduous tree
Family
Tamaricaceae
Control
Manual removal of saltcedar should be done with caution as it spreads quickly through root fragments or by wind dispersal of seeds. Herbicides containing glyphosate are effective at controlling this weed species and should be applied to actively growing plants. Mulching with a thick layer of organic material can also be used to prevent new saltcedar plants from sprouting.
Scotch thistle
Scotch thistle (Onopordum acanthium) is a biennial weed of the asteraceae family. It can grow up to 5 feet tall and has dark green leaves with pinkish-purple flowers that bloom in late summer. The plant prefers dry, well-drained soil conditions and can be found in disturbed areas such as roadsides and abandoned fields. Scotch thistle is an aggressive species and can quickly outcompete native vegetation for resources if left unchecked.
Type
Biennial
Family
Asteraceae
Control
Manual removal of small infestations of Scotch thistle should be done with caution as it spreads quickly through root fragments or by wind dispersal of seeds. Herbicides containing dicamba or triclopyr are effective at controlling this weed species and should be applied to actively growing plants. Spot treatment of glyphosate can also be used to target individual weeds. Mowing the plant prior to flowering can help reduce seed production.
Skeleton leaf bursage
Skeleton leaf bursage (Ambrosia tomentosa) is an annual weed of the asteraceae family. It can grow up to 2 feet tall and has small, silvery-green leaves with yellowish-green flowers that bloom in late summer. The plant prefers dry, well-drained soil conditions and can be found in disturbed areas such as roadsides and abandoned fields. Skeleton leaf bursage is an aggressive species and can quickly outcompete native vegetation for resources if left unchecked.
Type
Annual
Family
Asteraceae
Control
Manual removal of skeleton leaf bursage should be done with caution as it spreads quickly through root fragments or by wind dispersal of seeds. Herbicides containing glyphosate are effective at controlling this weed species and should be applied to actively growing plants. Spot treatment of glyphosate can also be used to target individual weeds. Mowing the plant prior to flowering can help reduce seed production.
Spotted knapweed
Spotted knapweed (Centaurea maculosa) is an annual weed of the asteraceae family. It can grow up to 3 feet tall and has dark green leaves with pinkish-purple flowers that bloom in late summer. The plant prefers dry, well-drained soil conditions and can be found in disturbed areas such as roadsides and abandoned fields. Spotted knapweed is an aggressive species and can quickly outcompete native vegetation for resources if left unchecked.
Type
Annual
Family
Asteraceae
Control
Manual removal of spotted knapweed should be done with caution as it spreads quickly through root fragments or by wind dispersal of seeds. Herbicides containing dicamba or triclopyr are effective at controlling this weed species and should be applied to actively growing plants. Spot treatment of glyphosate can also be used to target individual weeds. Mowing the plant prior to flowering can help reduce seed production.
Sulfur cinquefoil
Sulfur cinquefoil (Potentilla recta) is an annual weed of the rose family. It can grow up to 2 feet tall and has bright yellow flowers that bloom in late spring. The plant prefers dry, well-drained soil conditions and can be found in disturbed areas such as roadsides and abandoned fields. Sulfur cinquefoil is an aggressive species and can quickly outcompete native vegetation for resources if left unchecked.
Type
Annual
Family
Rosaceae
Control
Manual removal of sulfur cinquefoil should be done with caution as it spreads quickly through root fragments or by wind dispersal of seeds. Herbicides containing glyphosate are effective at controlling this weed species and should be applied to actively growing plants. Spot treatment of glyphosate can also be used to target individual weeds. Mowing the plant prior to flowering can help reduce seed production.
Ventenata
Ventenata grass (Ventenata dubia) is an annual weed of the poaceae family. It can grow up to 2 feet tall and has flat, green leaves with small, white flowers that bloom in late summer. The plant prefers dry, well-drained soil conditions and can be found in disturbed areas such as roadsides and abandoned fields. Ventenata grass is an aggressive species and can quickly outcompete native vegetation for resources if left unchecked.
Type
Annual
Family
Poaceae
Control
Manual removal of ventenata grass should be done with caution as it spreads quickly through root fragments or by wind dispersal of seeds. Herbicides containing dicamba or triclopyr are effective at controlling this weed species and should be applied to actively growing plants. Spot treatment of glyphosate can also be used to target individual weeds. Mowing the plant prior to flowering can help reduce seed production.
Western Water Hemlock
Western water hemlock (Cicuta douglasii) is an annual weed of the apiaceae family. It can grow up to 8 feet tall and has small white flowers that bloom in late summer. The plant prefers moist, well-drained soil conditions and can be found in disturbed areas such as streams and riverbanks. Western water hemlock is an aggressive species and can quickly outcompete native vegetation for resources if left unchecked.
Type
Annual
Family
Apiaceae
Control
Manual removal of western water hemlock should be done with caution as it spreads quickly through root fragments or by wind dispersal of seeds. Herbicides containing dicamba or triclopyr are effective at controlling this weed species and should be applied to actively growing plants. Spot treatment of glyphosate can also be used to target individual weeds. Mowing the plant prior to flowering can help reduce seed production.
Wild licorice
Wild licorice (Glycyrrhiza lepidota) is an annual weed of the fabaceae family. It can grow up to 5 feet tall and has yellow flowers that bloom in late spring. The plant prefers dry, well-drained soil conditions and can be found in disturbed areas such as roadsides and abandoned fields. Wild licorice is an aggressive species and can quickly outcompete native vegetation for resources if left unchecked.
Type
Annual
Family
Fabaceae
Control
Manual removal of wild licorice should be done with caution as it spreads quickly through root fragments or by wind dispersal of seeds. Herbicides containing glyphosate are effective at controlling this weed species and should be applied to actively growing plants. Spot treatment of glyphosate can also be used to target individual weeds. Mowing the plant prior to flowering can help reduce seed production.
Yellow starthistle
Yellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis) is an annual weed of the asteraceae family. It can grow up to 3 feet tall and has yellow flowers that bloom in early summer. The plant prefers dry, well-drained soil conditions and can be found in disturbed areas such as roadsides and abandoned fields. Yellow starthistle is an aggressive species and can quickly outcompete native vegetation for resources if left unchecked.
Type
Annual
Family
Asteraceae
Control
Manual removal of yellow starthistle should be done with caution as it spreads quickly through root fragments or by wind dispersal of seeds. Herbicides containing dicamba or triclopyr are effective at controlling this weed species and should be applied to actively growing plants. Spot treatment of glyphosate can also be used to target individual weeds. Mowing the plant prior to flowering can help reduce seed production.
Yellow Toadflax
Yellow toadflax (Linaria vulgaris) is an annual weed of the scrophulariaceae family. It can grow up to 3 feet tall and has yellow flowers that bloom in early summer. The plant prefers dry, well-drained soil conditions and can be found in disturbed areas such as roadsides and abandoned fields. Yellow toadflax is an aggressive species and can quickly outcompete native vegetation for resources if left unchecked.
Type
Annual
Family
Scrophulariaceae
Control
Manual removal of yellow toadflax should be done with caution as it spreads quickly through root fragments or by wind dispersal of seeds. Herbicides containing dicamba or triclopyr are effective at controlling this weed species and should be applied to actively growing plants. Spot treatment of glyphosate can also be used to target individual weeds. Mowing the plant prior to flowering can help reduce seed production.
