Removing broadleaf weeds is non-negotiable for the long-term health of your lawn. Most people prefer herbicides for the fast and effective results they offer. 

As it turns out, however, all herbicides are not designed equal.

MSM Turf has won the hearts of many, raking in significant approval from most users on Amazon. 

What Users on Amazon Say About MSM Turf Herbicide

Brian Eleser on Amazon says,

“Trying to get rid of Bahia in my yard in Southeast Louisiana. Mixed this up in my backpack sprayer at a rate of 1 oz per acre. Very noticeable results within 4-5 days, widespread browning after a week.”

Tim Williams comments, “Great product, definitely got rid of weeds in my lawn.”

Overall, customers like the weed killer for two major reasons: its high concentration, which gives them value for money, and its impressive results. 

With an approval of 4.4 out of 5 stars and over 71% of reviewers giving it a 5-star rating, we can say it clearly does the job.

MSM Turf Herbicide Description 

MSM Turf Herbicide is a high-concentration formulation from Quali-Pro (with Metsulfuron Methyl as the active ingredient) designed to control a variety of annual and perennial broadleaf weeds, such as bahiagrass, bittercress, clover, and chickweed. 

The herbicide can be safely applied on lawn turfs, hedges, sod farms, and other areas. It is absorbed through the plant surface down to the roots, stopping weed growth and killing off the weeds in a matter of days, as seen in many reviews. 

Users were also impressed by the small amount of MSM Turf they needed to remove broadleaf weeds. 

Here’s what Carrol had to say,

“I was sceptical when I mixed this into my sprayer. It seemed very odd to mix so little of this product and actually get results. But I followed the directions, and a few days later, the weeds in my yard started to fade away. I had a bunch of clover and dandelions, both gone!” 

Teacher232 comments, “This product is highly concentrated with remarkable control of my old nemesis, splurge!

If broadleaf weeds are taking over your lawn and you need a herbicide that works, we highly recommend trying MSM Turf. It is priced at $28.30 on Amazon. 

Sylvia Kiragu

Lead Editor for Insight Weeds.

insightweeds.com/

The post MSM Turf Herbicide Receives Positive Reviews for Broadleaf Weeds Removal appeared first on InsightWeeds.

Moreover, they are convenient for both large and small-scale outdoor spaces. 

Here are some of the fast-growing large-leaf plants you can plant in a container or garden as an outdoor plant for a bold statement.

1. Plantain lilies – Hosta

• Scientific name: Hosta
• English name: Plantain lilies
• Local name: Hosta, arrow-leaved hosta
• Family: Asparagaceae
• Annual or perennial: Perennial
• Grass, sedge, or broadleaf: Broadleaf

The plantain lilies are tropical outdoor plants with large leaves native to northeast Asia regions like China, Japan, and Korea. 

Their green leaves have different shades of color, including white, silver, and cream, contributing to their fantastic foliage.

The herbaceous perennial plant has broad ovate or lanceolate leaves and white, lavender, or violet flowers that are mostly scentless. 

They flourish best during spring or summer in moist soils with low maintenance. However, its foliage is a magnet for slugs and snails.

2. Mayapple – Podophyllum peltatum

• Scientific name: Podophyllum peltatum
• English name: Mayapple
• Local name: American mandrake, ground lemon, wild mandrake
• Family: Berberidaceae
• Annual or perennial: Perennial
• Grass, sedge, or broadleaf: Broadleaf

These fast-growing large-leaf plants are native to the eastern United States and southeastern Canada. 

The herbaceous perennial plant’s fruits are poisonous and contain toxins called podophyllotoxin when green. However, the fruits are safe to eat when they turn yellow.

Its features include broad umbrella-like leaves and white, yellow, or red flowers. The single roots are rhizome-like and have yellow, green, or red fleshy fruits. 

The native wildflower thrives in rich, moist soils with plenty of organic matter in the summer and spring.

3. Elephant Ear – Colocasia

• Scientific name: Colocasia
• English name: Elephant ear
• Local name:  Elephant ears, cocoyam, taro
• Family: Araceae
• Annual or perennial: Perennial
• Grass, sedge, or broadleaf:  Broadleaf

The native tropical perennial plant is native to Asia, Australia, Central America, South America, and Africa. 

The elephant ears are grown as house and outdoor plants for their lush foliage and attractiveness.

You can identify the plant by its large corm below or on the ground’s surface and large arrowhead-shaped leaves. 

Its flowers are yellow-whitish and bloom in late spring to early fall.

It reproduces by rhizomes and, like other species of the family, contains chemicals that cause intense discomfort when exposed to the lips, hands, and throat.

4. Leopard plant – Farfugium japonicum

• Scientific name: Farfugium japonicum
• English name: Leopard plant
• Local name: Leopard plant, Britt Marie Crawford, tractor seat plant
• Family: Asteraceae
• Annual or perennial: Perennial
• Grass, sedge, or broadleaf: Broadleaf

These perennial species of the family Asteraceae are large-leaf outdoor plants with flowers and is native to the seashores and streams of Japan, Taiwan, and Korea. 

It’s evergreen and can be grown in containers and gardens with rich, moist soils.

The leopard plant’s descriptive features include large round or kidney-shaped leaves with a smooth texture. 

It also has yellow daisy-like flowers that bloom in clusters during autumn and winter. The plant is low maintenance since it doesn’t require pruning or deadheading.

5. Umbrella Plant- Darmera peltata

• Scientific name: Darmera peltata
• English name: Umbrella plant
• Local name: Indian rhubarb
• Family: Saxifragaceae
• Annual or perennial: Perennial
• Grass, sedge, or broadleaf: Broadleaf

The umbrella plant is a herbaceous perennial plant grown for its unique foliage, as its leaves are paler at the bottom than at the top. 

It’s native to the western parts of the United States, including northern California and southwestern Oregon.

The plant has thick rhizomes and toothed and deeply lobed green leaves that turn red in autumn. Its white or bright pink flowers sprout before the leaves in spring.

They are easy to grow since they require little care, maintenance and are pest and disease free.

6. Siberian Bugloss – Brunnera macrophylla

• Scientific name: Brunnera macrophylla
• English name: Siberian bugloss
• Local name: Great forget-me-not, heartleaf, largeleaf brunnera
• Family: Boraginaceae
• Annual or perennial: Perennial
• Grass, sedge, or broadleaf: Broadleaf

Given its unique name, the Siberian buglosses are hardy, large-leaf plants that grow fast and are native to the Caucasus region, like Asia and Europe. 

It’s popular for its unique foliage and small beautiful blue flowers that bloom in spring.

The herbaceous perennial plant has dark green heart-shaped leaves that grow on slender stems and are 12 to 18 inches tall. 

The low-maintenance plant can be planted in pots when it’s a seedling or in shade gardens where it can grow until it matures.

7. Japanese banana – Musa basjoo

• Scientific name: Musa basjoo
• English name: Japanese banana
• Local name: Japanese fiber banana, hardy banana
• Family: Musaceae
• Annual or perennial: Perennial
• Grass, sedge, or broadleaf: Broadleaf

The Japanese fiber banana is an incredibly architectural plant native to southern Japan and China. 

The fast-growing large leaf plant has trunk-like pseudostems of about 2 meters and is cultivated for its banana fruits and fibers or ornamental plant.

The herbaceous perennial plant boasts evergreen and paddle-shaped giant leaves and large yellow or cream flowers that bloom during summer. 

It’s a great choice for gardeners who like an exotic look as a garden or potted plant with little maintenance.

8. Chusan palm – Trachycarpus fortunei

• Scientific name: Trachycarpus fortunei
• English name: Chusan palm
• Local name: Chinese windmill palm, Chusan palm, windmill palm
• Family: Arecaceae
• Annual or perennial: Perennial
• Grass, sedge, or broadleaf: Broadleaf

Chusan palm is a hardy evergreen tree native to China, Japan, India, and Myanmar. It’s great for its fan-shaped dark leaves that bring a jungle vibe to urban gardens.  

The plant grows 12 to 20 meters as a single-stemmed fan palm with long leaves. The male flowers are yellow while the female is green and both in summer and spring. 

Moreover, it’s low maintenance and pest- and disease-free, making it the ideal outdoor plant.

9. Butterbur – Petasites japonicas

• Scientific name: Petasites japonicus
• English name: Butterbur
• Local name: Giant Butterbur, great butterbur, sweet-coltsfoot
• Family: Asteraceae
• Annual or perennial: Perennial
• Grass, sedge, or broadleaf: Broadleaf

Butterbur, or giant butterbur, are green plants with big leaves native to China, Japan, Sakhalin, and Korea. 

Japanese immigrants later introduced The spectacular plant in Europe, North America, and Canada.  

The herbaceous perennial plant is suitable if you have a large area since it spreads quickly and requires to be contained in one space. 

Its 30-inch wide leaves are rounded and kidney-shaped with toothed margins. 

The greenish-white flowers bloom on the ground in late winter or early spring and often go unnoticed.

10. Canna Lily – Canna

• Scientific name: Canna
• English name: Canna
• Local name: Canna Lily
• Family: Cannaceae
• Annual or perennial: Perennial, annual
• Grass, sedge, or broadleaf: Broadleaf

Canna is a great outdoor plant that adds a tropical and bold texture to a garden, balcony, or porch.

Despite being a herbaceous perennial plant in a tropical climate, it’s a fast-growing annual large leaf plant that thrives in a cool climate as long as they receive at least 6–8 hours of average sunlight.

The plant is native to tropical South America, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. 

It can be identified by its large foliage of broad, flat, and alternate tropical leaves of solid green, maroon, or brown color. 

Its asymmetric flowers are red, orange, or yellow in color or a combination of those colors, which adds up to its ornamental appeal. 

More Resources

• How to get rid of broadleaf weeds
• Weeds that look like rhubarb
• Weeds that look like small trees

Carla Etheridge

Carla is a student pursuing a B.S in Agricultural Systems Technology. With a passion for landscaping for over 4 years, Carla loves plants. She has previously contributed to several other sites in the space before joining InsightWeeds.

The post List of Fast-Growing Large Leaf Plants appeared first on InsightWeeds.

Some of them – particularly weeds with huge leaves – look like actual plants or flowers. Other leafy weeds are even edible, yet they might give the false impression of a non-invasive plant.

Whatever the case might be, having big leaf weeds growing in your garden is not ideal. They are likely to be aggressive and can harm your plants. Some can even be poisonous and thus a huge hazard if you have kids or pets.

These are some of the most common weeds with large leaves you are likely to find growing in your garden:

1. Common Burdock (Arctium minus)

Common burdock, also known as lesser burdock, is a biennial weed plant that primarily grows on lawns and gardens.

It can also be found on landscaped gardens, paddocks, pastures, and along the road and streams.

Burdock can be identified by its large, heart-shaped leaves that resemble elephant ears. The leaves have a basal rosette formation during their first year and have a hairy texture on the underside.

Another distinguishing feature is purple to lavender flowers, which form at the leaf axis or the end of branches.

Common Burdock is an edible plant – usually the roots, leaves, and stalk. However, the plant is highly invasive, with a large root system that guarantees survival.

It also spreads easily and quickly through the seeds. More than that, it is vulnerable to diseases such as powdery mildew and root rot and spread them to your plants.

Therefore, removing it as soon as you spot it is better.

2. Broadleaf plantain (Plantago major)

Broadleaf plantain, also known as greater plantain or white man’s foot is a perennial flowering plant native to Europe and Asia.

However, it is widely naturalized, and you can find it anywhere in the world. It usually grows on gardens, lawns, meadows, roadsides, and even sidewalks (from the cracks).

Broadleaf plantain is characterized by huge oval-shaped leaves that grow between 5 and 20 cm long.

They have a smooth surface and margin and grow in a rosette formation close to the ground. The plant produces small, greenish-brown flowers at the top of the stem.

Broadleaf plantain is a beneficial weed plant, with the leaves being edible. However, it spreads easily through seeds, with a single plant producing up to 20,000 seeds. It is one of the most common weeds with huge leaves.

3. Pokeweed (Phytolacca Americana)

Pokeweed, also known as American pokeweed is an herbaceous perennial plant native to the North American region. It sometimes grows in yards and gardens, but you are more likely to find it in forest edges, fence rows, and pastures.

American pokeweed is another one of the weeds with very huge leaves, which can grow up to 35 centimeters long.

They grow in an alternating pattern, and are medium green in color, with the underside having a lighter shade. It has white to greenish flowers (can also be pink), and green berries that turn dark purple when they ripen.

American pokeweed is an edible and beneficial plant. Young leaves and stems can be cooked and eaten. Juice that is extracted from berries can be used as a dye.

However, the plant is highly poisonous, especially the roots and berries. As it matures, the leaves and stems also become deadly.

4. Hedge bindweed (Calystegia sepium)

Hedge bindweed, also known as Rutland beauty or bugle vine, is an herbaceous perennial plant that is found in temperate areas. It is one of the lawn weeds with big leaves that you are likely to find growing on your property.

Hedge bindweed leaves are matte green in color and can grow up to 10 centimeters long and 7 centimeters broad. It produces beautiful, white or pale pink flowers with dark stripes, which bloom in summer or late spring.

Hedge bindweed is one of the most aggressive weeds with huge leaves. It spreads quickly through its rhizome root systems. It is also self-seeding and can produce seeds that remain active for up to 30 years.

Lastly, the plant creeps and binds – hence the name – itself against other plants. Unchecked, it can weaken and even pull down shrubs and small trees.

5. Velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti)

Velvetleaf is an annual weed plant native to Asia but widespread in several regions of the world. It is a common sight in gardens, cornfields, landscape sites, and along roadsides and rail tracks.

Velvetleaf is a tall plant – growing up to 8 feet high. It is one of the tallest weeds with huge leaves.

Its flowers are yellow in color. The leaves are covered in short hairs, which produces a soft, velvety texture – hence the name.

The plant has many beneficial uses – it is edible, has medicinal uses, and is even used to make ropes and nets.

However, it is an aggressive and highly competitive weed, which steals nutrients from other plants.

6. Pigweed (Amaranthus spp.)

Pigweed is the name given to several species of perennial or annual plants, which are also known as amaranths. The plants are thought to be native to Asia and the Americas regions, but they are currently spread to every continent.

The pigweed plants have large leaves – up to 15 centimeters long – which grow in opposite or alternating formations.

They are oval-shaped and have a dark or light green color (though some plants have leaves with purple hues). The flowers, on the other hand, range from greenish to crimson.

Pigweed is edible, with the leaves being used as vegetables and seeds ground into porridge flour. In fact, some people don’t consider it to be a weed.

The plant is even cultivated commercially in some areas. However, it spreads easily through seeds, making it pretty invasive.

7. Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans)

Poison ivy, also known as eastern poison ivy, is a flowering plant that is native to Asia and eastern regions of North America. It is poisonous and causes painful itches and rash on the skin on contact.

Poison ivy has almond-shaped trifoliate leaves, which grow up to 12 centimeters long. In rare cases, the weed can have massive leaves that are up to 30 centimeters long.

The leaves are usually light or dark green in color but turn to bright orange, red, or yellow in the fall season. This is also one of the most common weeds with huge leaves.

8. Bitter dock (Rumex obtusifolius)

Bitter dock (broad-leaved dock) is a perennial weed that is common in pastures and gardens. It is native to Europe but has spread widely to all continents. It is a highly invasive plant that spreads quickly through seeds and an aggressive root system.

The bitter dock plant has large oval-shaped leaves that grow up to 30 cm long and 15 cm wide. They have a rounded tip, cordate base, and are slightly wavy at the edges.

The leaves are also smooth on the top and hairy on the underside. The plant produces small, greenish flowers that turn reddish-brown as they mature.

9. Common figwort (Scrophularia nodosa)

Common figwort, also known as woodland figwort, is a weed plant that grows in shady areas such as gardens, wastelands, cultivated fields. It is primarily found in the temperate regions of Northern America.

Common figwort grows tall and can reach up to 150 cm high. It has large leaves with toothed margins, ovate bases, and lanceolate tips, which grow opposite each other.

The plant produces globular flowers that are greenish-purple with hues of white.

10. Princess tree (Paulownia tomentosa)

Princess tree, also known as paulownia or empress tree, is another weed you can find in your garden, woods, or fencerows. It has a tall, thick stalk and produces very attractive flowers.

But make no mistake! It is an invasive species that produces several million seeds that germinate anywhere with small amounts of soil.

The Princess tree is one of the tall weeds with large leaves, which reach up to 12 inches long and 9 inches wide. They are heart-shaped and hairy on both sides.

Another distinctive feature is its flowers, which are tubular and pale purple in color.

11. Honesty (Lunaria annua)

Honesty is a flowering plant that is native to Asia and the Balkans but naturalized throughout the world in temperate regions.

It is known by several local names such as silver dollars, money plant, Pope’s money, coins of Judas, or Chinese money. This is in reference to its disc-shaped silicles (fruits/seedpods), which look a lot like silver coins.

Honesty weed has large, pointed, oval-shaped leaves. They are coarse, have serrations, and are hairy.

In summer and spring, the plant blooms attractive white or violet flowers, and conspicuous silicles that are brown, green, or translucent (silvery).

12. Redshank (Persicaria maculosa)

Redshank is an annual plant that grows close to human activity. You can find it in gardens, yards, roadsides, along creeks, and even from cracks in the sidewalks.

The plant has several medicinal benefits and its young leaves are edible. However, it is invasive – spreading fast once introduced in an area – and competes for nutrients with other plants.

You can identify the redshank weed by its narrow but long and massive ovate-shaped leaves. They have distinctive brown or black spots in the center and have an entire margin.

The plant also produces small, seed-like, pink flowers, which grow at the end of the stem in a dense spike.

13. Hedge Woundwort (Starchycs sylvatica)

Hedge woundwort is a weed plant that is a common site on gardens, meadows, in the woods, along hedgerows, and on roadsides.

It is highly invasive, spreading through seeds that scatter far and with ease. It also has a vast rhizome root system, which spreads vigorously once it takes hold.

You can identify hedge woundwort by its stem, leaves, and flowers. The stems are hairy, the same as the leaves.

Its leaves are also large (up to 15 cm long and 5 cm wide), dark green, heart-shaped, and have a toothed margin. On the other hand, its flowers have a conspicuous magenta-pink color, with white markings.

14. Garlic mustard (Aliaria petiolata)

Garlic mustard is a biennial flower plant that comes from the mustard family. You can find it growing on hedgerows, edge of the woods, gardens, and landscape sites.

It is an invasive weed species that produces several seeds that sprout and overwhelm other plants. The plant also produces toxic compounds, that leech into the soil and kill beneficial fungi.

Garlic mustard has heart-shaped leaves with a toothed margin. They have a garlic and mustard flavor hence the name. The leaves are added to food as a spice or eaten in salads in some areas. They are also said to exhibit medicinal properties.

Aside from the leaves, you can identify the plant by its white flowers with four petals. The flowers bloom around spring and summer and are edible.

15. Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioca)

Stinging nettle, also known as common nettle, is an herbaceous perennial plant native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Over time, it has naturalized and become endemic to all continents.

It has several benefits, from being used as food, medicine, and even raw materials for the textile industry.

However, it is an invasive species that is hard to eradicate. More than that, it is irritating, especially the stinging nettle hairs and the pollen that causes hay fever.

Stinging nettle has dark green leaves that grow opposite each other on the stem. They are pretty large, reaching up to 15 cm (length) and 5 cm (width).

The leaves are serrated and have tapered ends. The plant also produces tiny, greenish-white flowers in the summer, that grow in clusters from the stems.

16. Japanese Knotweed (Reynoutria japonica)

Japanese knotweed is a perennial plant that comes from the buckwheat and knotweed family. It is native to Asia, particularly Japan, but is a common sight in Europe and North America.

The weed commonly grows on hedgerows, riverbanks, waste grounds, and roadsides. But you can also find it in your garden.

Japanese knotweed has appealing red-brown stems, which turn green at the tip. It also sports bright green, heart-shaped leaves that grow alternately on the stem.

The leaves are large and broad (up to 15 cm long and 12 cm wide), have smooth surfaces, and an entire margin. As for the flowers, the plant produces small, greenish-white flowers, which are clustered along the stem.

Its root structure enables it to grow faster. Here’s a detailed guide for eliminating Japanese knotweed.

17. Russian Comfrey (Symphytum x uplandicum)

Russian comfrey is a perennial plant, which is a hybrid of the rough and common comfrey plants. It primarily grows on roadsides, woodlands, and waste grounds. However, it can invade gardens and other cultivated lands.

Russian comfrey has large, lance-shaped leaves, which can grow up to 14 inches long. They are medium green in color and have a wavy margin.

Its flowers, on the other hand, are purplish-blue in color and appear around summer.

Russian comfrey has many benefits, from medicinal uses, and ironically, weed control. It is planted as a cover plant in some areas, to smother weeds and provide organic matter after cultivation.

However, this is one of the highly invasive weeds with huge leaves that have aggressive rhizome root systems that allow it to spread fast.

18. Green Alkanet (Pentaglottis sempervirens)

Green alkanet is a perennial plant native to the European region, but also common in most parts of the world.

It is a tall-growing plant, that is a common sight in shaded areas, and is often found close to buildings.

Green alkanet has large, green, hairy leaves that grow in a basal rosette formation in the lower part of the stem. On the other hand, those on the upper part are attached to the stem and grow in an alternating pattern.

The plant also produces beautiful blue flowers, which grow on the upper axis of the leaves.

19. Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum)

Giant hogweed, also known as giant cow parsley or wild parsnip, is an herbaceous perennial plant.

It is native to the Eurasia region but has spread all over the world. The weed was primarily introduced to new areas as an ornamental plant.

Giant hogweed has giant compound leaves with three leaflets that are deeply lobbed. The lower leaves are massive, growing up to 1.5 meters across the stem.

The plant also produces small, white flowers, which develop into seed pods, with each producing over 1,000 seeds.

Giant hogweed spreads easily through its seeds. It also has a giant tap root system that makes it a nuisance to eradicate. It is also pretty poisonous, with the stem producing sap that causes skin irritation, lesions, and blisters.

20. Dame’s violet (Hesperis matronalis)

Dame’s violet is a flowering plant known by several local names, such as dame’s rocket, dame’s gillyflower, and summer lilac, among others.

It is native to Eurasia but has spread worldwide – cultivated mostly for its ornamental benefits.

Dame’s violet plant is growing tall–reaching heights up to 1 meter high. It produces several upright stems, which are hairy.

Its leaves are bright green, lanceolate-shaped, and have a toothed edge. They grow alternately on the stem and have short hairs on both the upper and lower parts.

Dame’s violet also produces conspicuous flowers ranging from white to lavender or purple. It blooms in late spring and early summer.

Conclusion

Looking to identify weed plants in your garden? The above are some of the invasive weeds with huge leaves.

Most of them are easily identified as weeds due to their aggressive nature. However, some can pass for flowers or beneficial plants, and others are even edible and cultivated for food.

Nonetheless, these plants are invasive weeds. If left uncontrolled, they can overwhelm your garden, making it hard to grow other plants.

Now that you know how to identify them, you can move on to the next step – finding the perfect eradication solution.

Related Guides

• List of the best free plant identification apps
• What is the best free tree identification app?
• Types of leaves and their botanical names
• Fastest-growing large-leaf plants

Carter

IW’s Chief Editor and a lover of green spaces.

The post 20 weeds with huge leaves you may find in your garden appeared first on InsightWeeds.

Unfortunately, weed identification, especially when dealing with broadleaf weeds, is not easy. There are several invasive species, and some are very easy to confuse with others.

But worry not! Here is a list of the most common types of broadleaf weeds with their scientific names. It covers the essential information you need to identify different broadleaf weeds.

What are broadleaf weeds?

It is essential to look at broadleaf weed’s definition before looking at the various types of these invasive plants.

Broadleaf weeds are invasive plants with broad leaves that usually grow from a stem. The leaves typically have a central vein at the center, with other small veins that branch out.

These weeds are also very conspicuous and stick out. Therefore, you can identify broadleaf weeds by photo comparison with ease.

20 most common broadleaf weeds

These are some of the most common broadleaf weeds that you might come across in your yard.

1. Chickweed (Stellaria media)

Are chickweeds broadleaf weeds? Yes, they are. They are an annual and perennial flowering plant native to the European region. However, they have spread and adapted to various areas worldwide.

Chickweeds are low-growing plants with hairy stems. They have broad, long and oval-shaped leaves pointed at the tip. They also produce small, white, star-shaped flowers.

Chickweeds are a beneficial weed plant due to their several health (herbal) benefits. However, they are an invasive species, easily proliferating moist and fertile soils. A single chickweed plant can produce several thousand seeds, making them a nightmare to kill.

2. White Clover (Trifolium repens)

White clover is a perennial broadleaf invasive plant native to Europe and Central Asia. However, it can be found worldwide and is common in the North American region.

White clover has broad, ovate, and dull green leaves with white markings (sometimes can be red). The plant is trifoliate – has compound leaves with three leaflets. It has white flowers, which appear in groupings of smaller flowers.

3. Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum)

Wild Geranium is a perennial plant native in the North American region. It is considered by many people to be a wildflower – and is cultivated for its aesthetic and medicinal properties. However, it is a fast-spreading plant that proliferates through the use of rhizomes.

Wild Geranium has conspicuous basal leaves that have about three to seven lobes. The leaves grow from long stalks – about 12 to 28 inches tall.

Another distinct feature of the plant is the attractive purple leaves, which have five rounded petals. Therefore, you can easily identify the wild Geranium in your property by comparing it with other broadleaf weed pictures.

4. Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca)

Milkweed is a perennial plant that is native to the North American region. It is considered by some to be a wildflower but is an invasive plant spreading aggressively through seeds and rhizomes.

Milkweed has leaves, which are wide, thick, and long (about 10 to 20 cm) and grow in opposite pairs. They have a smooth surface on the top and fine hairs at the bottom. It also has pink (sometimes white) flowers that form a spherical cluster.

5. Bull Thistle (Cirsium vulgare)

Bull Thistle is a biennial weed plant that is native to Europe, Africa, and Asia. It has dark green, oval-shaped leaves that are broad at the apex with spines at the edges. As the plant matures, the leaves become deeply lobed and the spines more pronounced.

Aside from leaves, the bull thistle has distinct pink to purple flowers. They protrude out of a gumdrop-shaped flower head, with spines that extend all around.

6. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

Dandelion is a perennial broadleaf weed that grows in sunny regions of Northern America, Europe, Australia, and several other regions. It grows from taproots, which produce several stems with short hairs. It has basal leaves – growing from the stem, close to the ground.

The dandelion plant’s most conspicuous feature is its yellow blooms. The flowers grow on hollow stems, with the seed head having a puffball-like appearance.

7. Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea)

Ground Ivy is an aggressive perennial weed that is pretty difficult to control. It goes by several other names, the most popular one being creeping Charlie.

Ground Ivy, like the name suggests, grows close to the ground and spreads by creeping. It has round kidney-shaped leaves that are bright green and have scallops at the edges.

Another way to easily identify the plant is by its purple (or blueish) funnel-shaped flowers that sprout along the stems.

8. Chicory

Chicory is a biennial, but primarily perennial broadleaf weed that propagates by seeds. It has a distinctive basal rosette, from where winged branches and sparsely spaced leaves grow.

Chicory leaves are rough and hairy on both upper and lower surfaces and are similar to those of dandelions. When blooming, the plant has conspicuous, bright blue flower heads that grow on tall stems (up to three feet).

9. Curly dock (Rumex crispus)

Curly dock is a perennial broadleaf weed. You can usually find it on low-maintenance fields, pastures, nurseries, and orchards. It is also a common sight on roadsides. It usually grows in the Northern America region – all over the U.S and Southern Canada.

The curly dock can be identified by its shiny, green leaves, which transform into a reddish-purple color as the plant matures. The leaves grow from the bottom of the stem, in a rosette pattern.

They are oblong-shaped and have wavy margins. When flowering, the plant produces elongated stems, with yellow (or reddish-brown petals).

10. Prostrate spurge (Euphorbia supine)

Prostrate spurge is an annual broadleaf weed that is a common sight in the summer. It is an aggressive, fast-growing plant, that grows in poor soils, poorly maintained turf grass, driveways, sidewalks, etc.

Prostrate spurge has red, low-growing stems that form a mat-like appearance. Its leaves are dark green in color, and sport red spots at the center. When flowering, the plant produces small and pink flowers. The stem also has a milky, white sap, that can cause skin irritation.

11. Wild violets (Viola papilionacea)

Wild violet is a perennial wildflower that is native to the eastern regions of North America. It is a beautiful violet flower, that produces dainty petals in spring. However, it is also an aggressively growing weed that proliferates lawns and yards and is hard to eradicate.

The wildflower can grow in any area, even tolerating droughty conditions. However, it prefers moist, fertile soils. It can be easily identified by its heart-shaped leaves with scalloped edges, and large blue to purple flowers.

12. Bittersweet nightshade (Solanum dulcamara)

Bittersweet nightshade is a semi-woody, perennial vine that is native to Europe and Asia. However, it has spread and become natural in almost every region, including North America.

It is an aggressive weed plant, which is a common sight in less maintained gardens and lawns. It can also grow on landscapes, along fence rows, streams, and wetlands.

Bitter nightshade has arrow-shaped leaves, which are usually lobed at the base. They are dark green in color but can sport purple tinges.

It produces star-shaped flowers with a yellow stamen protruding from the center. It also produces green berries, that turn bright red when they ripen.

13. Common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia)

Common ragweed is one of the most commonly occurring broadleaf weeds in the Americas region. It can be found on lawns, gardens, agricultural fields, and waste areas. It is an annual crop that sprouts in the summer and is popular for its pollen that causes serious allergic reactions.

You can identify common ragweed by its dark-green, thick, hairy leaves that look like a spatula as the plant emerges. Over time, they progress into a fern-like shape, with the hairiness becoming more pronounced.

Common ragweed grows tall and upright and blooms by producing green to yellow, streamer-like flowers. At the top of the stem are the male flowers, which produce pollen.

14. Dog fennel (Eupatorium capillifolium)

Dog fennel is one of the most common broadleaf grass weeds that affect lawns. Also known as summer cedar, it primarily grows in poorly maintained turf, lawns, golf courses, or playfields.

Dog fennel is a tall-growing plant that can reach up to three feet. It has soft and week stems, which become hard and woody as the plant matures.

It is easily identified by its hairy stem and oval-shaped, hairless, and finely dissected leaves. The weed produces small white flowers, which look a lot like daisies.

15. Common yellow oxalis (Oxalis stricta)

Common yellow oxalis is an invasive weed plant found in the North American region. It primarily infests cultivated gardens, but can also be found on roadsides and waste areas.

Common yellow oxalis has long petioles, from where three heart-shaped leaflets grow from. It also produces conspicuous yellow flowers with five clustered petals.

16. Red clover (Trifolium pratense)

Red clover is a herbaceous flowering plant that is native to Europe, Africa, and Western Asia. However, it has naturalized to many regions and is a common sight in North America.

Red clover has dark green leaves that sprout as three leaflets from long-growing leaflets. The plant is very similar to white clover, with a few differences such as pink to red flowers. It also grows vertical and tall, while the white clover weed grows short and spreads horizontally.

Both red and white clover plants are used as forage due to their legume fruits. However, they are fast-growing and spread easily through seeds and rhizomes. As such, if not closely monitored, they tend to become invasive; driving out other native vegetation.

We have created a guide to help you eliminate white clover from your yard.

17. Fireweed (Erechtites hieraciifolia)

Fireweed, also called American Burnweed, is an annual broadleaf weed that sprouts in the summer. It is a robust growing plant with long stems that can either be hairy or smooth.

Fireweed produces bright-green leaves that are narrow and pointed at the base and tips. However, their most distinctive feature is the pink to purple flowers with four petals – similar to those of the evening primrose.

18. False dandelion (Hypochoeris radicata)

False dandelion, also known as Carolina False Dandelion or Leafy Stem Dandelion is a perennial broadleaf weed. It is native to the European region but has spread to the Americas, Asia, and Oceania region.

False dandelion primarily grows in lawns and paddocks. It is very similar to the dandelion plant (Taraxacum officinale) but has several differences – hence why the name.

Both false and true dandelions have similar bright green, leaves that are serrated along the edges. However, the former’s flowers are hairy and have rounded lobes, while true dandelions are smooth and pointed.

The flowers are also similar – bright yellow and growing at the end of the stems. However, false dandelion flowers grow high above the rosette leaves.

19. Horseweed (Conyza Canadensis)

Horseweed is a common broadleaf weed that primarily grows in agricultural areas in the North and Central Americas. It is a native plant to the region but is considered a weed due to its high proliferation.

Horseweed produces several small seeds, that are scattered wide and far by the wind. It is also very tough, and can even be resistant to strong herbicides such as Glyphosate.

You can identify horseweed by its elongated and pointed leaves with serrated edges. They grow in a rosette arrangement at the base of the stem, then alternately along its length. The stem is also tall and upright-growing and can reach high heights of up to five feet.

20. Pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus)

Pigweed is a broadleaf plant that sprouts in the summer. It is known by several names, such as Amaranth Pigweed, Careless Weed, or Green Amaranth.

It is a species of the Amaranthus family of plants, which are cultivated in several regions around the world as leafy vegetables. Despite being edible, pigweed is an aggressively growing plant.

It invades crop fields, gardens, lawns, and spreads very fast by producing thousands of seeds. The seeds are also very tough. They can survive for a few decades and still sprout when the right conditions occur.

You can identify pigweed by its stems and leaves. The stem grows upright and tall, from where the leaves branch freely. The bottom part is smooth but becomes hairy at the top.

The leaves are oval-shaped and pointed at the tips. They are shiny and dark green with a smooth top and hairy bottom.

Summary

Do you have a broadleaf weed problem? With several types of these weed species – some very similar – proper identification is a crucial step towards identification.

The above are some of the most common types of broadleaf weeds that you are likely to encounter.

Some of the weeds are conspicuous and easy to identify. On the other hand, some are harder to identify, and can even look like other plants.

However, by closely looking at their features, you can be able to distinguish them and choose the right control solution.

Related Guides

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• Types of leaves and their botanical names

Carter

IW’s Chief Editor and a lover of green spaces.

The post Broadleaf weeds identification: common types with images appeared first on InsightWeeds.

If you have tried, you may have realized that getting rid of these plants is not easy. The perennial varieties are even the most challenging to eliminate because they have a higher reproductive potential.

Some of the hard-to-control weeds include dandelions, clovers, and chickweed. Luckily, you can use different methods to get rid of broadleaf weeds from your lawn.

You can start with a broadcast weed killer, pull the plants by hand, or use feed products to remove them.

How to get rid of broadleaf weeds

The best way of getting rid of broadleaf weeds is to use a herbicide. Broadleaf herbicides can either be granules or liquids.

Before using them, ensure to read the label for directions. Here is what to do:

• Buy a herbicide formulated to get rid of broadleaf grass and weeds. Consider using 2,4-D, 2,4-DP, MCPP, or dicamba.
• Spray the herbicide on the leaves or sprinkle the granules on the grass as directed by the manufacturer.
• Maintain your lawn to encourage it to grow and prevent the growth of broadleaf weeds.

When spraying or spreading the chemical, do it at least 24 hours before it rains. Also, avoid watering in the herbicide unless directed by the manufacturer.

What is the best time to spray broadleaf weeds?

The best time to treat your lawn and get rid of broadleaf weeds is from mid-September to early November.

If your turf has perennial weeds, spray the chemical in the fall. During the fall, the plants begin to transport food from their foliage to the roots as they prepare for winter.

Once you spray the chemical in the fall, the foliage will absorb the herbicide and transport them to the root. As a result, it will destroy the weeds, along with the carbohydrates.

Avoid applying the weed killer in the spring because it is less effective.

How to get rid of broadleaf weeds naturally

Here is how you can get rid of broadleaf weeds naturally:

1. Use a mixture of salt, vinegar, and dish soap

Vinegar contains acetic acid, and salt has sodium chloride. When mixed, they draw moisture from weeds.

Dish soap will work as a surfactant. It will reduce the surface tension that will cause the mixture to bead on the leaves instead of the plant absorbing it.

You will only need a gallon of white vinegar, a cup of table salt, and a tablespoon of dishwashing soap. Mix the ingredients and spray directly on the weeds.

The best time to use this method is during a warm sunny day.

2. Digging and pulling

Digging and pulling out the weeds helps to ensure you get all the roots out.

This method works best when dealing with perennial weeds that spread and re-grow from the roots left behind. You can use hand tools or stand-up weeders to finish the job.

3. Maintaining a healthy lawn

Maintaining a healthy and thick lawn will suffocate unwanted plants. Also, consider mulching because it prevents weeds from reseeding.

You can use different mulches like wood chips, bean shells, leaves, or bark chips.

Herbicides that eliminate broadleaf weeds

The best herbicides that can eliminate broadleaf weeds are those made from chemicals like triclopyr, dicamba, MCPP, and 2,4-D.

The best products are:

1. Southern Ag Amine 2,4-D Weed Killer

Southern Ag Amine 2,4-D Weed Killer is a selective weed control herbicide. It controls broadleaf weeds and woody plants from invading your lawn.

You can use it to control broadleaf weeds in turf, pastures, rangeland, ditch banks, and fences.

It is available in liquid form, which you must spray with a fan-type nozzle. You can find it here on Amazon.

2. Trimec Classic Broadleaf Herbicide

Trimec Classic Broadleaf Herbicide is a post-emergent herbicide for broadleaf weed control. It can protect your garden or lawn from invasion by unwanted plants.

The product works well in cold and warm seasons to eliminate dandelions, plantain, and clover. You can find it at Amazon.

3. Ortho Weed B Gon

Ortho Weed B Gon is a herbicide that contains triclopyr as an active ingredient. It can remove chickweed, clover, and oxalis from your lawn.

The product will kill weeds from the root to prevent their re-growth. You can apply it when weeds are actively growing. Ortho Weed B Gon can be ordered online.

You can get rid of broadleaf weeds by using a broadleaf weed killer. The best herbicides to use are those made from chemicals like triclopyr, dicamba, MCPP, and 2,4-D.

If you want a natural method, use a mixture of vinegar, salt, and dishwashing soap. When treating your lawn, ensure it is a warm, sunny day and that it will not rain for the next 24 hours.

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Carter

IW’s Chief Editor and a lover of green spaces.

The post How to get rid of broadleaf weeds appeared first on InsightWeeds.