Lawn Weeds That Spread

Annual Broadleaf Weeds

• Spotted spurge (Euphorbia maculata) is a summer annual weed with an energetic horizontal growth pattern. This member of the Euphorbiaceae plant family originates from North America. Spotted spurge has a sticky milk sap that causes stomach and skin ailments in humans and animals. Common chickweed (Stellaria media) is a common broadleaf cold season annual weed. This supine invasive plant has a mat-like development with sword to football shaped leaves. The flowers of the common chickweed blossom during February to September with small, showy white deeply cut petals.

Perennial Broadleaf Weeds

• Common knotweed (Polygonum arenastrum) is a perennial broadleaf weed with a prostrate widespread mat-like formation. This Polygonaceae family member has multiple narrow, wiry stems with a rounded appearance. Common knotweed is a native noxious weed from Europe established in North America in 1809. Thymeleaf speedwell (Veronica serpyllifolia) is a quick-growing invasive weed with creeping roots native throughout the world. This Plantaginaceae plant family species has oval leaves that form on spreading roots. Thymeleaf speedwell has small white to blue flowers with four petals and dark markings.

Annual Grassy Weeds

• Annual bluegrass (Poa annua) is a cool season annual grassy weed with a low-growing blanketing configuration. This Poaceae plant family member grows hairless yellow-green to deep green leaf blades in thick clumps. Annual bluegrass is an invasive weed found naturally in wastelands and grown as turf grass. Smooth crabgrass (Digitaria ischaemum) is a summer annual weed. This low spreading plant has dark green erect stems that branch towards the bottom. Smooth crabgrass has a coarse texture and a yellowish-green color.

Perennial Grassy Weeds

• Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) is a perennial grassy weed with a rapidly spreading formation native to Africa, Asia, and Europe. This Poaceae family member has grayish-green leaf blades that develop on upright stems. Landscapers often use Bermuda grass for lawns in warm southern regions; however, this plant invades gardens and other areas near the lawn. Bentgrass (Agrostis spp) is a creeping intrusive perennial grassy weed used as turf grass. This soft-bladed grass has a fine texture and medium green color. Bentgrass has horizontal stems that spread into areas near the lawn.