These conditions, combined with nutrient-rich soils, provide the perfect environment for weeds to thrive. From agricultural fields to home gardens and roadsides, these weeds can spread rapidly, competing with crops and ornamental plants for sunlight, water, and nutrients.

Below is a list of the most common weeds in Iowa, complete with their scientific names, physical descriptions, and pictures.

1. Common Lambsquarters (Chenopodium album)

• Local Name: Common Lambsquarters
• Family: Amaranthaceae
• Annual or Perennial: Annual

Common Lambsquarters is an erect weed that grows 5-6 feet tall. It can be identified by its triangular to lanceolate leaves, wax-layered stems, and clusters of flowers on terminal panicles.

This annual plant is a prolific seed producer, an early germinator, and quick-growing, making it a serious weed of gardens, crop fields, roadsides, and other disturbed areas. 

Increased seeding rate, crop rotation, and growing of cover crops in fall are some of the cultural measures recommended to discourage weed growth. Well-timed tillage in crop fields before planting and cleaning of nearby areas can also prevent seed germination.

There are several groups of herbicides indicated for control depending on the infested area. Consult an extension expert for the best chemical strategy for your field or landscape.

2. Velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti)

• Local Name: Velvetleaf, Elephant Ears, Buttonweed, or Butterprint
• Family: Malvaceae
• Annual or Perennial: Annual 

Velvetleaf is a native of South Asia and was brought to North America as an alternative fiber crop. Since then, it has become a problematic weed in crop fields, costing farmers thousands of dollars in achieving effective control.

You can identify the plant by its heart-shaped leaves, about 4-8 inches wide. The leaves and stems are covered in short, soft hairs, giving them a velvety feel, hence the name. 

Velvetleaf is a noxious weed in Iowa crop fields but can also be found in ditches, disturbed areas, and roadsides.

Cover cropping, crop rotation, and tillage combined with herbicide applications have provided effective weed control in cash crop systems.

3. Smooth Crabgrass (Digitaria ischaemum)

• Local Name: Smooth Crabgrass or Crabgrass
• Family: Poaceae
• Annual or Perennial: Annual 

Smooth crabgrass is a common weed in Iowa lawns. It emerges in spring, producing light green foliage and finger-like seedheads in late summer. 

Since this grass species can produce thousands of seeds, grow in poor soil and weather conditions, it is also a problematic weed in horticultural and agronomic settings, vegetable gardens, and other landscapes. 

Apply a preemergence herbicide like siduron, benefin, bensulide, pendimethalin, or dithiopyr to prevent crabgrass emergence. For existing infestations in different turfgrasses, apply postemergent herbicides including mesotrione, fenoxaprop, topramezone, and quinclorac for effective control.  

4. Pokeweed (Phytolaca americana)

• Local Name: Pokeweed or Common Pokeweed
• Family: Phytolaccaceae
• Annual or Perennial: Perennial 

Pokeweed is a large herbaceous weed that grows up to 9 feet tall. It can be easily identified by its red or purple stems, large, lanceolate to ovate leaves, and dark purple berries. 

In Iowa, the heavily branched plant is a common weed of landscapes, no-till fields, and waste areas. 

Dig out the plants from the roots or apply herbicides like 2,4-D, dicamba, and glyphosate, depending on the size of the infestation. 

5. Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica)

• Local Name: Japanese Knotweed or Japanese Bamboo
• Family: Polygonaceae
• Annual or Perennial: Perennial 

Japanese Knotweed is an erect perennial that grows in dense patches, with the stems reaching heights of 6 feet. It is identified by its bamboo-like stems, ovate leaves, and white flowers borne in dense clusters on leaf axils. 

The weed was introduced as a garden ornamental but quickly became an invasive weed in crop fields, roadsides, streambanks, and other waste areas.

Remove the small colonies of the weeds as soon as you discover them. You can also utilize organic methods, make repeat cuttings during the growing season, or inject herbicides like imazapyr, 2,4-D amine, or glyphosate into stem cuttings to achieve weed dieback.

6. Giant Foxtail (Setaria faberi)

• Local Name: Giant Foxtail
• Family: Poaceae
• Annual or Perennial: Annual 

Giant Foxtail is native to China and was first discovered in Iowa in 1949. It can grow up to four feet tall, producing leaves with short hairs, round upright stems, and a cylindrical seedhead that droops in maturity. 

This foxtail species is mostly found in turf, landscapes, and disturbed sites. It is also a particularly problematic weed in crop fields such as corn, soybean, and canola, and vegetable gardens. 

Moderate to heavy cover cropping and crop rotation provide the best weed reduction results. 

Several preemergence and postemergence herbicides are indicated for Giant Foxtail based on the crop or area of infestation. They include atrazine, quizaloxdasqfop, glyphosate, and quinclorac.

7. Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans)

• Local Name: Poison Ivy
• Family: Anacardiacaceae
• Annual or Perennial: Perennial 

Poison Ivy is a native woody perennial that can grow as a shrub or a climbing plant on buildings, fences, and trees. You can easily identify it by its leaves, which have three shiny leaflets. 

The leaves are the most associated with allergic skin reactions. However, all its parts contain urushiol, the compound that causes dermatitis.

It reproduces by seeds and creeping roots and thrives in field borders and woodland edges. However, it is also found in ornamental landscapes, pastures, and noncrop lands. 

Removing Poison Ivy requires a systematic approach. First, make cuttings or clippings of the plants near the ground level and allow them to dry. 

Dig up the roots and mats from the ground and dispose of them properly. For the remaining roots, apply a non-selective herbicide like glyphosate or triclopyr for the best results.

8. Field Bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis)

• Local Name: Field Bindweed or Creeping Jenny
• Family: Convovulaceae
• Annual or Perennial: Perennial

Field Bindweed is native to Europe and Asia. Today, it is widely found in the Northwestern parts of Iowa, invading low-maintenance turf, crop fields, fence lines, and other landscapes.

It is identified by its twining vines, lanceolate leaves, oppositely arranged on the stems, and white to pink, funnel-shaped flowers with two separate, tiny bracts. 

The weed also produces extensive underground rootstocks that can grow up to 20 feet deep, making it one of the most difficult-to-control weeds if left to establish.

Field Bindweed removal calls for an integrated management system. Remove small infestations by hand-pulling. Repeated deep tillage is viable to help deplete the weeds’ resources and prevent further spread. 

For persistent plants, herbicides like glyphosate, 2,4-D, quinclorac and others can suppress the weed in different settings.

9. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

• Local Name: Dandelion or Common Dandelion
• Family: Asteraceae
• Annual or Perennial: Perennial

Dandelion is a common weed in turf, pastures, and agricultural fields in Iowa. The broadleaf weed produces deeply toothed leaves that form a rosette about 1.5 feet wide and solitary flower heads with showy yellow flowers. 

Dandelion’s ability to thrive in a variety of conditions, efficiently produce and disperse seeds, and grow a deep taproot, makes it a routine weed to deal with every year. 

You can prevent further spread in residential lawns and home gardens by hand-pulling or using digging tools to remove the weeds when they are young. Ensure that the taproot is removed to prevent regrowth.

Spot spraying with herbicides like triclopyr, dicamba, glyphosate, or iron HEDTA can provide better control for larger infestations.

10. Creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea)

• Local Name: Creeping Charlie or Ground Ivy
• Family: Lamiaceae
• Annual or Perennial: Perennial 

The creeping or prostrate perennial was initially introduced in North America as a salad green and medicinal herb. Today, it is one of the most common and problematic weeds in Iowa lawns.

It has rounded leaves with scalloped edges, square stems that root at the nodes, and tubular, blue to purple flowers. The weed propagates by seeds and creeping stems, aggressively spreading over large areas.

Maintaining a healthy turf is the best strategy to prevent a Creeping Charlie encroachment. For small patches, remove the weed by hand and repeat as required. Ensure that you remove the shoots and roots to prevent regrowth. A triclopyr application in the fall is effective for large patches.

11. Bush Honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii)

• Local Name: Bush Honeysuckle
• Family: Caprifoliaceae
• Annual or Perennial: Perennial

Bush Honeysuckle is an upright, woody perennial that grows 6-15 feet tall. It was introduced from Asia as an ornamental but has quickly become an invasive shrub in woodlands, roadsides, pastures, and abandoned fields. 

This honeysuckle species grows as a dense, multi-stemmed bush, crowding understory plants. It is also noted to have allelopathic properties that can hinder the growth of native plants.

Manual pulling is a viable option for small seedlings, while larger plants can be pulled out with strong weed wrenches. Glyphosate, picloram, 2,4-D, or triclopyr-amine can be applied on the foliage, cut stumps, or applied from an aerial view for the best results. 

12. Wild Violet (Viola sororia)

• Local Name: Wild Violet or Common Blue Violet
• Family: Violaceae
• Annual or Perennial: Perennial

Common Blue Violet is among the common violets in the state. This specific species is mainly found in lawns and wooded areas. 

You can identify the weed by ovate to heart-shaped leaves, emerging from a basal crown, and showy, 5-petaled, blue to purple flowers.

Wild Violet reproduces by seeds and short rhizomes, forming dense colonies that can outcompete turf and other desirable plants.

Repeated hand removal is effective for small patches if all rhizomes and roots are removed. Maintaining a dense, healthy turf can discourage Wild Violet encroachment. 

Applications of herbicides like glyphosate, 2,4-D, or triclopyr can also provide effective control. However, repeat applications are necessary due to the leaf’s waxy surface. 

Sylvia Kiragu

Lead Editor for Insight Weeds.

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The post Common Weeds in Iowa, Scientific Names, and Pictures appeared first on InsightWeeds.

Its humid continental climate and fertile soils similarly encourage the growth of numerous weeds found along lawns, roadsides, meadows, orchards, and other disturbed sites. 

This article covers the most common weeds, their characteristics, and the best eradication methods.

1. Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata)

• Local Name: Garlic mustard
• Family: Brassicaceae
• Annual or Perennial: Biennial 

Garlic mustard is a herbaceous biennial plant that can grow up to 1m tall. It is easily identified by its ovate to heart-shaped leaves that have a characteristic garlic smell when crushed and racemes of cross-shaped white flowers.

It is a highly invasive weed commonly found in damp hedgerows, woods and trail edges, backyards, and along roadsides in many areas across Massachusetts.

It is native to:

• Europe
• Western and Central Asia 

Removal Methods

• Mechanical control: For small infestations, cutting the flowering stalks before they bloom and pulling the plants by their roots will help eradicate the weeds.
• Chemical control: Apply herbicides containing glyphosate, triclopyr, or 2,4-D in the rosette stage, early blooming stage, or before the seed pod formation. 

2. White Clover (Trifolium repens)

• Local Name: White clover, White trefoil, Dutch clover, and Honeysuckle clover
• Family: Fabaceae
• Annual or Perennial: Perennial 

White clover is a perennial mat-forming plant about 10-15 cm tall but can spread up to 30 cm across the ground. The herbaceous perennial has trifoliate green leaves with a red or purplish hue and globular white flowers. 

While it’s highly edible and a valuable forage for livestock, it can easily outcompete other desirable vegetation on lawns, landscapes, orchards, and nursery fields.

It is native to:

• Europe 
• Asia
• Africa

Removal Methods

• Cultural control: Grow turfgrasses that are well adapted to the area, improve turf density, and adequately water and fertilize your lawn or landscape.
• Chemical control: Applications of herbicides containing dicamba, quinclorac, and fluroxypyr in the fall can provide effective control against white clover. 

3. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

• Local Name: Common dandelion
• Family: Asteraceae
• Annual or Perennial: Perennial 

Dandelion is one of the most common broadleaf weeds in Massachusetts. It grows 5-50 cm tall and can be identified by its long green stems, bright yellow flowers, and puffball seed heads. 

It spreads by seeds and root segments and develops a deep taproot that makes it hard to eradicate upon establishment. Common dandelion is a weed of every habitat including fertile lawns, cultivated fields, roadsides, golf courses, and rocky hillsides. 

It is native to:

• Europe
• Asia

Removal Methods

• Cultural control: Maintaining a dense and healthy lawn can help minimize dandelion occurrence. Coarse bark and wood sawdust mulch can also be used to control the weed.
• Mechanical control: Hand pulling, digging, and flaming are effective for eradicating small infestations. We recently wrote about effective tools for dandelion removal.
• Chemical control: Applying herbicides containing glyphosate (Roundup), dicamba, 2,4-D Ester, triclopyr, and MCPA in spring or fall will effectively eradicate dandelions. 

4. Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum)

• Local Name: Giant hogweed
• Family: Apiaceae
• Annual or Perennial: Biennial or perennial

Giant hogweed is a biennial or perennial herb 2-4.5 m tall. It has hollow stems 5-10 cm, large compound leaves 120 cm wide, and large umbrella-like flower heads about 75 cm in diameter.

The plant reproduces through seeds and spreading roots. It is a notable weed of Granville and other areas in Massachusetts. 

It is also known to cause skin reactions when the sap comes into contact with skin and sunlight. Common symptoms include liquid-filled blisters, severe rashes, and sensitivity to sunlight.

It is native to:

• Caucasus mountain region
• Asia

Removal Methods

• Mechanical control: Hand digging before the weed flowers can help eradicate the weed. Ensure that you remove the entire root system to prevent regrowth.
• Chemical control: Spot spray a herbicide containing glyphosate on each plant in spring as the flowering stalk elongates for effective control. 

5. Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris)

• Local Name: Common mugwort, Wild chrysanthemum
• Family: Asteraceae
• Annual or Perennial: Perennial 

Mugwort is a perennial herb that grows 60-140 cm tall. It has erect purplish stems that become woody later in the season. The leaves are alternate, dark green, about 2-5 cm long, lobed with sharp points, smooth on the upper surface, but contain white to gray hairs on the underside.

It mainly reproduces by rhizomes, making it a persistent and invasive weed. Mugwort is a common weed of roadsides, waste areas, old fields, and forest edges in locations such as Sudbury, Natick, Gill, and Allston.

It is native to:

• Europe
• Asia
• Africa

Removal Methods

• Mechanical control: Persistent hand pulling when the plants are young can eradicate the weed over time.
• Cultural control: Maintaining a dense and healthy lawn will discourage growth. Laying a thick layer of mulch or landscape fabric in the garden will also help prevent mugwort growth.
• Chemical control: Apply selective herbicides like clopyralid and triclopyr on lawns and turfgrasses or non-selective herbicides containing glyphosate on other landscapes.

6. Common Purslane (Portulaca oleracea)

• Local Name: Common purslane, Purslane
• Family: Portulacaceae
• Annual or Perennial: Annual

Known as one of the most common broadleaf weeds, purslane grows up to 50 cm in height. The plant has thick, fleshy reddish stems that are mostly prostate, alternate or opposite leaves located at stem joints and ends, and yellow flowers. 

It can be found on lawns, cultivated areas, waste areas, and barren driveways. Common purslane was first identified in the United States in Massachusetts.

Due to its high seed production, it can form dense mats over a short period of time, smothering native vegetation.  

It is native to:

• North Africa
• Middle East
• India

Removal Methods

• Mechanical control: Hand pulling or hoeing when the plants are young can help reduce the weed infestation. Ensure that you remove the root parts and clear the fallen seeds to prevent regrowth.
• Cultural control: Lay organic, rock, or plastic mulch to smother the seedlings and prevent further growth and spread.
• Chemical control: Apply pre-emergent herbicides like dithiopyr, benefin + oryzalin, or benefin + trifluralin at seedling emergence. Post-emergent herbicides like dicamba, glyphosate, and 2,4-D, and can be used in turfgrasses and landscapes.

7. Crabgrass (Digitaria sanguinalis)

• Local Name: Crabgrass, Large crabgrass, and Hairy crabgrass
• Family: Poaceae
• Annual or Perennial: Annual

Crabgrass is a summer annual grass that grows 60-90 cm tall. It has flat spreading purplish culms with pale and hairy bluish-green leaves. 

Due to its rapid growth and high persistence to a variety of dry weather and high temperatures, it is one of the most troublesome weeds in Massachusetts.

It is commonly found in lawns, gardens, golf courses, athletic fields, and waste areas across Massachusetts.

It is native to:

• Europe
• Asia

Removal Methods

• Cultural control: Maintaining a healthy turfgrass through proper mowing, irrigation, and fertilization can help discourage crabgrass growth.
• Chemical control: Apply pre-emergent herbicides including benefin, pendimethalin, and trifluralin in late April or early May before or the time it’s in full bloom. Repeated applications of post-emergent herbicides like quinclorac, mesotrione, and dithiopyr when the crabgrass is in the 2-5 leaf stage can provide effective control.

8. Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea)

• Local Name: Creeping charlie, Gill-over-the-ground, and Robin-runaway
• Family: Lamiaceae
• Annual or Perennial: Perennial

Ground Ivy is a low-growing herb that grows 30-50 cm tall. It has creeping and prostate stems that are square in shape. The leaves are opposite, kidney-shaped, with round-toothed margins. Flowers are located on axillary clusters and are 2-lipped, funnel-shaped, and bluish-purple in colour.

Creeping charlie is common in lawns, thickets, floodplains, and disturbed sites. Due to its rapid growth, and long life cycle, it is considered a troublesome weed in many areas in Massachusetts.

It is native to:

• Europe
• Asia

Removal Methods

• Mechanical control: Hand pulling is effective for small infestations. Replace the gaps with the desired turf to discourage Ground ivy growth. 
• Chemical control: Apply herbicides containing triclopyr, dicamba, 2,4-D, and MCPP in early fall for large infestations.

9. Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica)

• Local Name: Reynoutria fleece flower, Sally rhubarb, German sausage, Pea-shooter plant, Japanese bamboo, Japanese fleece flower, and fleece flower
• Family: Polygonaceae
• Annual or Perennial: Perennial 

Japanese knotweed is a perennial herb 3m in height. It can be identified by its hollow light green stems with red flecks, broadly ovate leaves, and small white-greenish flowers located in long panicles. 

While the plant is erect, its rhizomes can extend up to 60 meters, forming new plants that create a dense canopy in summer. It is considered a noxious and invasive weed in Massachusetts and is prohibited for sale.

It is native to: 

• Japan
• China
• Taiwan 
• Korean Peninsula

Removal Methods

• Mechanical control: Hand-pulling is effective for eradicating young plants.
• Chemical control: Applications of herbicides containing 2,4-D amine, glyphosate, triclopyr, and imazapyr can provide better control in larger areas.

10. Blue Violet

• Local Name: Common blue violet, Meadow violet, and Hooded blue violet
• Family: Violaceae
• Annual or Perennial: Perennial 

Blue violet is a perennial plant that can grow up to 50 cm tall. It has a short stem, hairy or smooth, that arises from a rosette of heart-shaped leaves about 10 cm long. The 5-petaled flowers are blue or purple with white hues.

The rapidly growing plant is a common weed of lawns, roadsides, meadows, streambeds, and open woodlands. 

It is native to:

• Eastern and Central America 

Removal Methods

• Mechanical control: Hand-pulling the plants from the roots is an effective option for small infestations.
• Cultural control: Maintaining a healthy lawn through proper fertilization and mowing will discourage growth.
• Chemical control: Apply herbicides containing triclopyr and 2,4-D for effective control. 

11. Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana)

• Local Name: Common pokeweed, Inkberry, Pokeberry, Poke, and Pigeonberry
• Family: Phytolaccaceae
• Annual or Perennial: Perennial 

Pokeweed is a perennial herb that grows up to 3m tall. It can be identified by its upright, thick reddish stems, broadly ovate leaves, and dark purple to black berries. 

Common pokeweed is a weed of ornamental landscapes, orchards, vineyards, parks, forest edges, and disturbed areas. 

It is native to:

• The North, central, west, and southern United States

Removal Methods

• Mechanical control: Hand pulling is a feasible option for removing small plants. For more established plants with an extensive root system, digging and tillage can provide better ]control.
• Chemical control: Select a herbicide containing dicamba, 2,4-D, or glyphosate depending on the area and size of the weed.

12. Hair Fescue (Festuca filiformis)

• Local Name: Fine-leaved sheep fescue and slender fescue
• Family: Poaceae
• Annual or Perennial: Perennial 

Hair fescue is a clump-forming turf grass that grows 20-60 cm tall. The grass has distinct slender and wiry culms with flowers attached to the branches. The leaf blades are narrow, about 0.2-0.6 mm wide.

The grass is valued for its fine texture and ability to thrive in low-maintenance landscapes. In some cases, it can behave as an invasive weed, outcompeting desired vegetation in gardens, meadows, woodland, and other natural habitats. 

It is native to: 

• Europe

Removal Methods

• Chemical control: Herbicides containing pronamide, foramsulfuron, flazasufluron, and glyphosate are effective in controlling hair fescue.

Sylvia Kiragu

Lead Editor for Insight Weeds.

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The post 12 Most Common Weeds in Massachusetts appeared first on InsightWeeds.

It can be easily identified by its reddish-purple stems, large leaves, and dark purple to black berries.

Phytolacca americana Classification 

• Domain: Eukaryota
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Phylum: Magnoliophyta
• Subphylum: Angiospermae
• Class: Dicotyledonae
• Order: Caryophyllales
• Family: Phytolaccaceae
• Genus: Phytolacca
• Species: Phytolacca americana
• Varieties: Phytolacca americana var. americana, and Phytolacca americana var rigida
• Common Names: American pokeweed, Common pokeweed, Pigeon berry, Pokeberry, Poke sallet, Poke, Dragonberry, and Garnet.

Nativity and Distribution

Pokeweed is native to north, central, west, and southern parts of the United States. Today it can also be found in:

• Asia
• Europe
• Africa
• Australia

Physical Characteristics

• Leaves: Alternate, broadly ovate, with smooth to slightly wavy leaf margins.
• Fruits: Dark purple to black berries.
• Stems: Showy herbaceous reddish-purple stems.
• Flowers: White or green with 4-5 sepals and no petals.
• Roots: Tap root system.

Phytolacca americana is a herbaceous perennial plant that grows up to 3m in height. It is easily recognizable by its showy reddish-purple stems, large leaves, and drooping dark purple to black berries.

Stems are smooth, robust, and woody at the base when mature. They exhibit an upright bushy growth habit and are thick in diameter about 2.5 to 5 cm wide. The leaves are simple, alternate, broadly ovate about 17 cm wide and 30 cm long with smooth to slightly wavy margins. 

The upper surface is green while the underside is pale green with reddish tints along the veins and has a distinct odor when crushed.

Pokeweed produces green or white flowers about 2 cm wide that develop in clustered racemes. The perfectly radially symmetrical flowers have 4-5 sepals and no petals. Flowering occurs between July and September.

The seeds are black, oval in shape, about 2-6mm in diameter with a hard glossy exterior to help them withstand harsh environmental conditions.

Reproduction, Dispersal, and Life Cycle

• Life Cycle: Perennial
• Seeds: Can produce 1,500 to 7,000 seeds
• Climate: Temperate climate
• Dispersal: Birds, water and transport of contaminated soil

Phytolacca americana behaves as a perennial and reproduces by seeds. One isolated plant can produce between 1,500 to 7,000 seeds which are generally highly viable. 

Seeds germinate on the soil surface or in shallow soil (up to ¼ inch deep). Seeds at greater depth can remain viable for 40 years. 

Seeds are mainly dispersed by birds who ingest the berries and excrete the seeds in new locations. Secondary dispersal can also occur by water or transport of contaminated soil through erosion or human activities like landscaping and gardening. 

Similar Plants

• Phytolacca octandra
• Fallopia japonica
• Heracleum mantegazzianum

Uses

1. It is grown as an ornamental for the striking appearance of the berries. 
2. It is used as a border plant because of its imposing structure.
3. Young leaves are consumed as vegetables and as a topping in salads such as poke salad. 
4. It is used as a traditional medicinal plant for treating ailments like respiratory issues and skin disorders.
5. The berries are processed to make pink dye.

Impact on Farms and Environment

P. americana is an invasive weed in cropping systems and landscaping settings because of its aggressive and vigorous growth. It competes for important resources and space, reducing crop quality and yield.

Some of the commonly affected crops include corn, soybean, and cotton. It is also a host to pests like soybean cyst nematode and is highly susceptible to the contagious mosaic virus.

It is also a weed of old fields, pastures, forest edges, wastelands, under power lines, and rights-of-ways, negatively impacting native biodiversity and impeding movement. 

Pokeweed is a poisonous plant. It is toxic to humans and if abrasion occurs, it can cause symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. It is also toxic to livestock and when ingested it can cause dyskinesia or even death, making it a potential hazard in farmyards where livestock are present.

Control

• Mechanical control: Hand pulling, digging, cutting, and tillage
• Chemical control: Herbicides like Glyphosate, 2,4-D, Triclopyr, Imazapyr, and Dicamba

The best way to prevent a pokeweed infestation is to monitor seedlings in areas where birds often perch such as under power lines, on fence rows, and under tree canopies and implement an immediate removal strategy. 

If the infestation has already occurred, it’s best to remove the small plants from the roots by hand-pulling. You can also consider a homemade weed killer to achieve similar results.

However, digging can provide better control when the plant becomes established and develops an extensive root system. You only need to wet the ground around the plants and dig them out from the roots. 

Repeated cutting below the root crown depletes its energy storage, preventing regrowth. Intensive tillage can also help limit pokeweed growth in agricultural farmlands. 

Several selective and non-selective herbicides including 2,4-D, Dicamba, and Glyphosate can be used depending on the type of crop and size of the weed.

Consult a local expert for more information on the best herbicide to use on your farm or landscape. 

Biological control agents against P. americana are yet to be developed.

Sylvia Kiragu

Lead Editor for Insight Weeds.

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The post Phytolacca americana (Pokeweed) appeared first on InsightWeeds.

Chemical herbicides are a common solution for weed control. But if you’re looking to use a cheaper homemade solution, bleach can provide an effective alternative for tackling this invasive plant. 

How to Use Bleach for Pokeweed Control

Bleach is a powerful chemical, so using it correctly is critical to ensure effective pokeweed control without harming the soil. 

Here are the application instructions:

1. In a spray bottle, mix one cup of bleach with three cups of water.
2. Spray the solution directly on the leaves and stems and coat them thoroughly to ensure penetration into the plant tissues.
3. For faster results, dig the area to expose the pokeweed roots and apply the solution directly to the roots. 

After a few days, the pokeweed will start to die off. If you don’t notice any changes, a second application might be necessary.

However, remember that bleach can alter the soil composition and affect nearby plants, so use this method sparingly and cautiously.

Once the pokeweed is dead, carefully remove the plant parts, including the root systems, and dispose of them.

As you can see, bleach, a readily available household product, can prove helpful in getting rid of the persistent pokeweed. Even better, since it leaches into the soil, you don’t have to worry about regrowth!

Sylvia Kiragu

Lead Editor for Insight Weeds.

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The post How You Can Use Bleach to Kill Pokeweed appeared first on InsightWeeds.

The good news is that you can eliminate most of these weeds. However, the first step towards eradication is identifying the species you are dealing with, so it is important to know the most common weeds in Alabama. 

Below is a look at these weeds, their botanical name, identifying features, and top ways to eliminate them. 

1. Common Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

• Local Name: Dandelion
• Family: Asteraceae
• Annual or Perennial: Perennial 

Common dandelion is a perennial flowering plant with leafless stems that can grow between 5 and 40cm (sometimes 70cm) tall. Its leaves grow in a basal rosette pattern, with blades about 1-8cm wide and 5-37cm long. 

The leaves are dark green and simple, with deep lobes and deeply serrated margins. When broken, they produce a milk sap. 

The plant produces solitary flower heads that look like puffballs at the tip of each stalk (stem). The flowers are bright yellow, with 100-300 ray florets surrounding a yellow disc of florets. 

Common dandelion is native to Eurasia. However, it is naturalized in several regions worldwide, including: 

• USA (all the 50 states) 
• Canada
• South America
• New Zealand
• Australia
• South Africa

Removal Methods 

• Mechanical control: Hand pulling or digging up the roots using special dandelion removal tools. This is best done when the soil is moist to facilitate the removal of the entire taproot.  
• Natural methods: Homemade weedkiller remedies such as boiling water and vinegar-soap dish solution can help contain dandelion. 
• Chemical herbicides: Selective broadleaf herbicides (dicamba, Mecoprop, and 2,4-D) or non-selective herbicides like glyphosate effectively eradicate dandelions. 
• Prevention: You can prevent common dandelion infestations by mulching, regular mowing (for lawns), and applying pre-emergent herbicides. 

2. Common Chickweed (Stellaria media)

• Local Name: Chickweed 
• Family: Caryophyllaceae
• Annual or Perennial: Annual 

Chickweed is an erect annual plant that grows to only 2 inches (sometimes 4-6 inches) tall and forms thick, dense mats. Its small, light green leaves are about 3-10mm wide and 6-25mm long. 

The leaf blades are oval-shaped (with a teardrop-like appearance), oppositely arranged, and with a toothless margin. 

On the other hand, the stems are branching, light green (with purplish tinges), and coated with a line of hairs. 

Chickweed blooms small, white flowers (about 1cm in diameter) with five white petals. The flowers later develop into seed capsules containing several tiny reddish-to-brown seeds.  

The plant is native to Eurasia. However, it is widely naturalized in several regions worldwide, including: 

• USA
• Mexico
• Canada
• Alaska
• South America (Colombia, Chile) 
• New Zealand 
• Pacific Islands

Removal Methods 

• Mechanical control: Mechanical control techniques like hand weeding, cultivation, and solarization can help eradicate chickweed when the plants are small and young.  
• Natural methods: You can eradicate chickweed using homemade remedies like boiling water, vinegar, vinegar-salt-soap dish solution, and rubbing alcohol. 
• Chemical control: You can eradicate chickweed using post-emergent herbicides, such as dicamba, MCCP, and Fluroxypyr. You can also contain the weed by spraying pre-emergent herbicides to prevent the germination of new plants. 
• Biological control: Birds and livestock can help contain the spread of the plant by grazing on the foliage. Ground beetles also feed on chickweed seeds, which can prevent the germination of new plants. 

3. Clover (Trifolium repens) 

• Local Name: Clover, white clover, Dutch clover
• Family: Fabaceae 
• Annual or Perennial: Perennial 

White clover (Dutch clover or Ladino clover) is a low-growing herbaceous plant that grows 6-12 inches tall. Its creeping stems (stolons) can spread about 10-40cm long, producing roots and shoots at the nodes. 

It has trifoliate leaves, with three green, oval-shaped leaflets surrounded by a distinctive white, crescent-shaped band. The leaflets form a shamrock symbol and are attached to the stems by a long petiole.

White clover has white flowers (with pink tinges) which bloom from early summer. Each flowerhead has about 20-80 fragrant white florets. 

It is native to:

• Europe
• Central Asia

However, it is widespread in several regions worldwide, including North America, the British Isles, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. 

Removal Methods 

• Mechanical control: It can be contained by mechanical methods like hand-pulling, digging out the plant with gardening tools, and cultivation (in gardens). 
• Natural methods: It can be eradicated with natural weed killers like boiling water, corn gluten, and vinegar-soap dish solution. 
• Chemical control: Selective broadleaf herbicides like Dicamba, Mecoprop, and Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid can eradicate white clover, especially if it grows in lawns. 
• Prevention: You can prevent an infestation or re-infestation of white clover through preventative measures like mulching and adding nitrogen fertilizer to your lawn or crops. 

Here’s a complete guideline for eliminating white clover without killing your grass.

4. Mulberry Weed (Fatoua villosa) 

• Local Name: Mulberry weed, Foolish weed, Hairy crabweed
• Family: Moraceae 
• Annual or Perennial: Annual 

Mulberry weed (crabweed or hairy crabweed) is a tall, erect-growing weed that can reach up to 4 feet tall. Its leaves are yellow-green, alternately arranged, and have prominent veins and toothed margins. 

The leaf blades are heart-shaped, large (up to 10cm long), and covered with prominent hairs. The plant’s stems grow in a branching pattern and are covered with sticky hairs. 

Mulberry weed produces purple flowers which bloom in feathery clusters on the leaf axils.

The inflorescence changes to dark brown as the seeds form, developing into achenes that open up explosively, expelling the seeds up to four feet away. 

It is native to:

• Japan
• Indonesia
• Korea
• Philippines
• Thailand
• Vietnam
• Korea
• Australia
• Pacific Islands
• New Guinea

Removal Methods 

• Hand-pulling: Hand-pulling the plant (including the tap root) can be an effective control solution when the plants are young and before flowering and seeding. 
• Natural control: Mulching, suffocating with a plastic bag, or burning the plant with a weed burner. 
• Chemical control: The best control solution is post-emergent herbicides like Glyphosate, Triclopyr, and Glufosinate, or pre-emergent herbicides to prevent germination of new plants.

5. Annual Bluegrass (Poa annua) 

• Local Name: Annual Bluegrass, Low Speargrass
• Family: Poaceae 
• Annual or Perennial: Annual 

Annual bluegrass is a clumping, slightly creeping, and low-growing grass (about 15-25cm tall) that commonly invades lawns and turfgrass areas. 

It has light green leaves folded in the buds and smooth (with no hairs) on both surfaces. 

The leaf blades are about 1-5mm wide and 1.3-12.7cm long and have slightly (sometimes transversely) serrated margins. 

The grass produces small white to light green spikes of open, triangular-shaped inflorescence panicles that bloom in clusters. The plant flowers all year round (except during harsh winters). 

It is native to temperate areas of: 

• Europe
• Asia
• Africa

However, it is widely distributed in several regions, including North America, South America, Australia, North Africa, Antarctica, and more. 

Removal Methods 

• Mechanical control: You can remove small infestations by hand-pulling or digging the grass with gardening tools. 
• Natural control: Natural weed control remedies like white vinegar, rubbing alcohol, and baking soda can help contain the weed grass.  
• Chemical control: It can be eradicated by pre-emergent herbicides like dithiopyr and trifluralin or post-emergent herbicides like Clethodim and fluazifop. You can also spot-treat with non-selective herbicides like glyphosate and Glufosinate. 
• Cultural control: You can keep Poa annua away from your lawn by maintaining a healthy lawn, mowing regularly, mulching, proper fertilization, and other lawncare practices. 

6. Evening Primrose (Oenothera speciosa)

• Local Name: Showy Evening Primrose, Pink Sundrops, Pink Ladies
• Family: Onagraceae
• Annual or Perennial: Perennial 

Evening Primrose (Showy Evening Primrose) is a perennial wildflower with hairy stems reaching up to 50 cm in height. It has green hair leaves with short (or no) petiole that grows to about 4 cm wide and 10 cm long. 

The leaves are alternately arranged, with pointed tips and wavy (sometimes toothed) margins. 

The plant also produces showy, pink to whitish flowers that open in the evening (or cloudy weather) and close in the morning. 

Evening primrose flowers are cup-shaped, with four heart-shaped, fragrant petals. The plant also bears seed capsules, which produce egg-shaped seeds clustered in two or more rows. 

It is native to:

• Kansas
• Missouri 
• Nebraska
• Oklahoma
• Texas 
• New Mexico

It has since become naturalized in several states across the United States and Mexico. 

Removal Methods

• Hand pulling: Pulling (or digging out) the entire plant from the roots. You can also contain the spread of the plant by cutting off the flowers before they produce seeds. 
• Chemical control: Because of its highly invasive nature, Oenothera speciosa is best controlled by chemical herbicides, for example, non-selective herbicides like glyphosate. 

7. Black Nightshade (Solanum americanum) 

• Local Name: American black nightshade
• Family: Solanaceae 
• Annual or Perennial: Annual 

Black nightshade (American black nightshade, small-flowered nightshade, or glossy nightshade) is an herbaceous flowering plant that grows up to 1-1.5m tall. 

It has green to purplish hairy stems, which grow in a branching pattern. 

The plant has green, hairy leaves that are alternately arranged, ovate to lanceolate in shape, and with entire (sometimes irregular) margins. The leaves are large, reaching about 7cm wide and 10cm long. 

Black nightshade has tiny white (sometimes purplish) star-shaped flowers with a yellow, cone-shaped stamen. It also bears clusters of green berries, which turn into a shiny black or dark purple when ripe. 

It is native to:

• North America
• South America
• Melanesia 
• New Guinea
• Australia 

Removal Methods 

• Mechanical control: Hand pulling or digging up (with tools) the entire plant from the roots for small infestation. It can also be eradicated by regular mowing, plowing, and cultivating when dealing with infestations in lawns or crop fields. 
• Chemical control: It can be eradicated by applying post-emergent herbicides like dicamba, glyphosate, Glufosinate, and bromoxynil. You can also apply pre-emergent herbicides like Atrazine, isoxaflutole, or pyroxasulfone to prevent the emergence of new shoots. 
• Cultural control: Cultural practices like mulching, soil PH tests, fertilization, and planting of high-yielding competitive plants can help curtail or minimize the spread of Solanum americanum. 

8. Carolina Geranium (Geranium carolinianum) 

• Local Name: Carolina Crane’s Bill
• Family: Geraniaceae
• Annual or Perennial: Annual (or biennial)

Carolina geranium (Carolina Crane’s Bill) is a short, erect herb that grows to about 30-45cm tall. Its hairy, pink-to-red stems emerge from the base of the plant in a radial pattern. 

It has grayish-green, opposite palmate leaves divided into five segments with a deeply toothed margin. Like the stems, the leaflets are covered with fine hairs. 

The plant has small flowers that bloom in tight clusters at the tip of the stems or branches. The flowers have five petals and are light pink, white, or lavender. 

Carolina geranium is native to North America. It is also widespread (and considered an invasive species) in several states across the USA and central and south Mexico. 

Removal Methods 

• Hand weeding: Its shallow taproot makes it easy to pull out the entire plant, especially in gardens, lawns, and landscape beds. When hand-pulling, it is vital to remove the plant before it produces seeds. 
• Chemical control: It can be eradicated by spraying post-emergent herbicides like 2,4-D, Mecoprop, dicamba, and glyphosate. Pre-emergent herbicides like Atrazine can also prevent the germination of new plants. 
• Cultural control: Mowing, fertilization, irrigation, and keeping the grass healthy can help control the weeds in lawns and turfgrass areas. 

9. Giant Foxtail (Setaria faberi) 

• Local Name: Japanese bristlegrass, Nodding foxtail, Chinese Foxtail
• Family: Poaceae 
• Annual or Perennial: Annual 

Giant foxtail (nodding bristlegrass, Chinese millet, or giant bristlegrass) is a clumping, colony-forming grass reaching 2-5 feet tall. 

It has smooth, erect-growing solitary stems that branch from the base of the plant. 

Setaria faberi has large (4-6 inches long and 7-20mm wide), light-green alternate leaves with short hairs on the upper surface. 

The leaves are attached to the stem by a round, open sheath with several hairs along the margin. 

The grass produces green, drooping spikeheads at the tip of the branches. The inflorescence (which resembles a foxtail, hence the common name) turns straw-colored over time. 

Setaria faberi is native to Asia. However, it is widely distributed across the United States. 

Removal Methods 

• Mechanical control: Digging out the entire plant using gardening tools, frequent mowing, and repeated tillage before seeding can eradicate the grass. 
• Chemical control:  Spray with non-selective herbicides like glyphosate or selective herbicides like Lambient. Repeated treatments might be needed to eradicate new germinations if the grass has already produced seeds. 

10. Broadleaf Plantain (Plantago rugelii)

• Local Name: American plantain or Black seed plantain
• Family: Plantaginaceae
• Annual or Perennial: Perennial 

Broadleaf plantain (pale plantain, or Rugel’s plantain) is a perennial herb with erect-growing flowering stems that reach 5-25cm in height. 

It produces large, basal rosette leaves, with mature leaf blades reaching 3-6 inches long and 1-3 inches wide. 

The leaves are light green, oval to elliptical in shape, hairless, and wavy in margins. A thick stalk (up to 0.5 inches) with deep purplish red tinges attaches the leaves to the base of the plant. 

Plantago rugelii has inconspicuous, cellophane white flowers with four triangular-shaped petals that are folded back. The flowers bloom in a clustered spike head that forms at the top of the stems. 

The plant is native to North America and common in the central and eastern United States and Eastern Canada. 

Removal Methods 

• Hand weeding: Pulling the plant by hand or gardening tools may help eradicate small patches. However, the entire plant must be removed to prevent re-germination. 
• Chemical control: Spray with pre-emergent herbicides like isoxaben, indaziflam, and mesotrione or post-emergent herbicides like 2,4-D, dicamba, diquat, glyphosate, Mecoprop, and Triclopyr. 

Since this is a broadleaf weed, you can use any of these broadleaf elimination methods.

11. Woodland Sunflower (Helianthus divaricatus)

• Local Name: Woodland sunflower, spreading sunflower 
• Family: Asteraceae 
• Annual or Perennial:  Perennial 

Woodland sunflower (rough sunflower or rough woodland sunflower) is a tall-growing herb that can reach 60-180cm tall and 30-90cm wide. 

It is an aggressively growing plant that can spread vigorously through creeping rhizomes, forming large colonies. 

Helianthus divaricatus has dark green, short-stalked leaves arranged oppositely on the stems. The leaves have a wide base, a pointed tip, smooth to slightly toothed margins, and hairy undersides. 

The plant has conspicuous, star-shaped, bright yellow flowers, with 8-15 yellow florets surrounding a yellow or orange central disc. Flowering occurs from early summer to fall and form at the tip of the stems. 

It is native to central and eastern North America, including: 

• Alabama
• Louisiana
• Iowa 
• Florida
• Oklahoma
• Ontario
• Quebec

Removal Methods 

Because it aggressively spreads through rhizomes, most weed control practices, such as hand-pulling, mowing, and tilling, are ineffective. 

Therefore, chemical herbicides are the best solution to eradicate Helianthus divaricatus. 

Depending on where it grows, you can spray infestations with broadleaf herbicides like Triclopyr and Clopyralid or non-selective herbicides like glyphosate. 

Note: Woodland sunflowers have an impressive rhizome root system that can keep producing new shoots after the old ones die. Therefore, several herbicide treatments are needed to eradicate the plant. 

12. Hairy Bittercress (Cardamine hirsuta)

• Local Name: Hairy bittercress, common bittercress
• Family: Brassicaceae
• Annual or Perennial: Annual (sometimes biennial) 

Hairy bittercress is a low-growing plant with short stems (3-8 inches long), often reddish purple at the base and greener up the stem. 

It has small, green, basal rosette leaves that are pinnately divided into about 8-15 leaflets and attached to the stem by short petioles. 

The leaflets are ovate to round in shape with smooth or serrated margins. The upper part of the leaflets stems, and petioles are covered by sparse hairs. 

Cardamine hirsuta has small, white flowers with four white petals. The flowers bloom in clusters, with single flowers forming on erect pedicels (stalks). 

It is native to:

• Europe
• Middle East
• Southeast Asia
• South Asia
• Central Asia
• Africa (central, north, and horn of Africa)

Removal Methods 

• Mechanical control: Small patches can be easily eradicated by hand-pulling or digging them out with gardening tools. Tillage and mowing can also be used to control it. 
• Cultural control: Mulching, fertilization, and proper lawn management can contain the spread of hairy bittercress and keep it off your lawn.  
• Chemical control: Spraying with selective and broadleaf herbicides like 2,4-D, Mecoprop, dicamba, glyphosate, Triclopyr, and clopyralid. 

13. Common Sow Thistle (Sonchus oleraceus) 

• Local Name: Sow thistle, smooth sow thistle
• Family: Asteraceae 
• Annual or Perennial: Annual 

Common sow thistle (hare’s colwort, hare’s thistle, milk thistle, or soft thistle) is an erect-growing plant with hollow stems that reach up to 30-100cm in height. 

It has simple, dark green leaves that measure about 6-20cm long by 2-9cm wide. 

The leaves are lanceolate to oblanceolate in shape and alternately arranged (one leaf per node) along the stem. 

Lower leaves have serrated margins and deep lobes, while upper leaves have shallow and entire, serrated margins. 

The plant produces conspicuous yellow flower heads. Each flower head has 80-250 ray florets without a central disc. 

It is native to:

• Europe
• Western Asia
• Middle East
• Africa

Removal Methods 

• Mechanical control: Hand-pulling can be effective when the plant is young. However, older plants are harder to pull out of the ground, as they can easily break off only to re-emerge later. 
• Natural control: Natural weed killer solutions like vinegar, boiling water, corn gluten, and others might work in small patches of young plants. 
• Chemical control: The weed can be eradicated by spraying herbicides like glyphosate, diuron, clopyralid, 2,4-D, and dicamba. 

14. Jimson Weed (Datura stramonium) 

• Local Name: Jimsonweed, Devil’s apple, Thorn apple
• Family: Solanaceae 
• Annual or Perennial: Annual 

Jimson weed (devil’s trumpet or thornapple) is an erect, bush-forming herb that grows to 60-200cm tall. Its stout, green to purplish stems are hollow inside and branching in the upper portions. 

The plant has simple green leaves measuring 8-25cm long by 6-17cm wide, arranged alternately along the stems. The leaf blades are ovate to elliptic, with deep, irregular leaves. 

Datura stramonium has white to purplish trumpet-shaped flowers that open at night. The flowers release a pleasant fragrance that attracts nocturnal moths. 

It also bears a green, spiny fruit capsule that turns dark brown when mature.  

Jimson weed is native to tropical regions of the Americas. However, it is widely distributed across several regions worldwide. 

Removal Methods 

• Mechanical control: Hand-pulling and cultivation are effective against young plants. However, older plants may re-emerge after cultivation. 
• Chemical control: Post-emergent herbicides like glyphosate, glufosinate-ammonium, and clopyralid; pre-emergent herbicides like flumioxazin and oxyfluorfen; and broadleaf herbicides like 2,4-D, dicamba, and Triclopyr. 
• Biological control: Alternaria crassa, a fungus, and threelined potato beetle (Lema trivittata) effectively control Datura stramonium. 

15. Common Morning Glory (Ipomoea purpurea) 

• Local Name: Purple morning glory, Tall morning glory 
• Family: Convolvulaceae
• Annual or Perennial: Perennial in native habitat but annual or short-lived perennial in naturalized areas. 

Common morning glory (tall morning glory or purple morning glory) is a climbing plant that can grow up to 2-3m in height. It has purplish-green trailing (or entwining) stems covered by hairs. 

Its leaves are green, simple, alternately arranged, and measuring 4-8cm long by 3-5cm wide. 

They are heart-shaped, with a wide base and sharp tip, covered with slight hairs on the upper surface, and sporting an entire margin. 

Ipomoea purpurea has showy white and purple (sometimes blue or pink) trumpet-shaped flowers. The flowerheads have a long stalk (up to 12cm) and small bracts covered in hairs. 

The weed is native to Mexico and Central America but widely naturalized in temperate and subtropical regions worldwide. 

Removal Methods 

• Mechanical control: Hand-pulling is effective when dealing with young plants. Small infestations of mature plants can also be cut down and the roots dug out. 
• Chemical control: It can be eradicated using various herbicides, such as 2,4-D, Atrazine, glyphosate, oxyfluorfen, promamide, diuron, diquat, and simazine. 

16. Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans)

• Local Name: Eastern poison ivy
• Family: Anacardiaceae
• Annual or Perennial: Perennial 

Poison ivy (Eastern poison ivy) is a deciduous, woody vine that causes itchy and painful skin rushes, hence the name. 

It can grow as a shrub (up to 1.2m tall), trailing vine (10-25m long), or climbing vine (entwining on trees and other structures for support). 

The plant has light to dark green trifoliate leaves that turn red, orange, or yellow during the fall. 

The leaflets (2-15cm long by 2-10cm wide) are alternately arranged in clusters on the vine and have a glossy surface with an entire (sometimes slightly serrated) margin. 

The plant also produces inconspicuous, small, yellow-green clustered flowers with five petals. The flowers later develop into green berries that turn greyish-white when ripe. 

It is native to:

• Asia
• USA
• Canada

Removal Methods 

• Mechanical control: Hand pulling, mowing, or cutting might be effective for small infestations. However, these methods increase the risk of coming into contact with the plant, which is highly toxic to the skin. 
• Natural control: It can be controlled through natural remedies like salt & dish soap solution, vinegar, and boiling water. 
• Chemical control: Herbicides such as glyphosate, Triclopyr, and 2,4-D are the best way to eradicate poison ivy. Stump herbicide treatment can also be very effective at eradicating large plant infestations.  

17. Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana) 

• Local Name: American pokeweed, common pokeweed
• Family: Phytolaccaceae
• Annual or Perennial: Perennial 

Pokeweed (common pokeweed, American pokeweed, pokeberry, pigeonberry weed, or inkberry) is an herbaceous plant growing to 1-3m tall. 

It has smooth, pinkish-red stems that are partially hollow and slightly rigid to flexible but not sturdy. 

It has alternate, lanceolate to ovate green leaves with a smooth surface and an entire margin. When mature, the leaves reach 41cm long and have a distinctive, unpleasant odor. 

Pokeweed has white to greenish (sometimes pink or purplish) flowers, bon in clusters along the stem. 

These flowers, which have sepals but no petals, mature and develop into purplish-black berries when ripe.  

It is native to:

• Asia
• North America 
• South America 

Removal Methods 

• Hand weeding: Hand pulling can be effective when dealing with young plants, especially when the soil is moist. You could also physically remove mature plants, but this would require digging out the entire root system, which can be too intensive. 
• Chemical control: Herbicides like 2,4-D, glyphosate, and dicamba effectively eradicate pokeweed infestations. 

NOTE: Phytolacca americana has a thick tap root system. Therefore, most natural (homemade) weed killers that only affect the foliage may not effectively control the plant. 

18. Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) 

• Local Name: European stinging nettle, Great nettle 
• Family: Urticaceae
• Annual or Perennial: Perennial 

Stinging nettle (common nettle, burn nettle, nettle leaf, or stinger) is an herbaceous perennial plant that grows 0.9-2m tall. 

Its erect, four-angled, green stems are covered with stinging hairs that can cause skin irritation. 

The plant has soft, green leaves about 1-6cm long by 1-4cm wide, arranged oppositely on the stem. 

The leaves are egg-shaped with a wide base, pointed top, coarsely toothed margins, and covered with stinging hairs (like the stem). 

The stinging nettle has small, inconspicuous, green to yellow flowers forming clusters in the leaf axils on the upper stem. The plant also bears egg-shaped tan achene fruits, each enclosing a single seed. 

It is native to:

• Europe 
• North America
• Parts of Asia
• North Africa 

Removal Methods 

• Mechanical control: You can hand-pull young stinging nettle plants, carefully protecting your skin from the spiky hairs. Repeated mowing or cutting down of the plant can retard its growth and eventually overwhelm the plant. 
• Chemical control: You can remove large infestations with herbicides like glyphosate, oxadiazon, oxyfluorfen, and isoxaben. However, several treatments might be needed to completely eradicate the weeds. 

NOTE: Stinging nettle has an aggressive rhizomatous root system. Therefore, digging, cultivating, and tillage are not recommended removal methods as they can disturb the soil and cut up and spread the rhizomes, leading to new plant germination.  

19. Wild Mustard (Sinapis arvensis) 

• Local Name: Corn mustard
• Family: Brassicaceae
• Annual or Perennial: Annual 

Wild mustard (corn mustard, field mustard, or charlock mustard) is an annual herb in the mustard family that grows to 20-80cm tall (although it can sometimes exceed one meter). 

Its erect, reddish, branching stems are covered in coarse hairs. 

Sinapis arvensis has medium green leaves (4-18cm long and 2-5cm wide) that initially develop from a basal rosette. 

The plant produces bright yellow flowers (typical of mustards), which bloom in clusters at the top of the stems. 

The flowers have four petals, spreading sepals (bracts), and are edible (with a flavor similar to that of radish or cabbage when cooked). 

It is native to:

• Europe
• Temperate regions of Asia
• Northern Africa

Removal Methods 

• Mechanical control: Hand-pulling and digging out the plant are effective non-herbicide control options when dealing with young plants (before seeding) and small infestations. 
• Chemical control: For mature and large patches of wild mustard, spraying with herbicides like 2,4-D, dicamba, glyphosate, paraquat, MCPA, and mesotrione can help eradicate the weed. 

20. Mock Strawberry (Potentilla indica) 

• Local Name: Mock strawberry, Indian strawberry 
• Family: Rosaceae 
• Annual or Perennial: Perennial 

Mock strawberry (Indian strawberry, false strawberry, or backyard strawberry) is a low-growing shrub that grows 6-7cm tall. 

It has creeping runners (more than 30cm long) that spread along the ground, producing new shoots at each node. 

The plant has dark evergreen trifoliate leaves, alternately arranged and attached to the stems by short stalks. 

Each leaflet is about 2-4.5cm long, elliptical in shape, roughly veined on the undersurface, and with a toothed margin. 

Mock strawberries have solitary yellow flowers with five obovate petals, five green bracts, and numerous yellow stamens. 

The plant also produces fleshy-looking, bright red fruit resembling a true strawberry. The fruit is edible, but many consider it dry and lacking the sweet flavor of true strawberries.  

Potentilla indica is native to Asia in the following areas: 

• India
• Bhutan
• Nepal
• Afghanistan
• China
• Pakistan
• Thailand 
• Philippines
• Vietnam
• Indonesia 
• Taiwan
• Laos
• Korea

Removal Methods 

• Mechanical control: You can eradicate mock strawberries by hand weeding them. Hand-pulling is easier when the soil is moist, but you can also use a digging tool. 
• Natural control: Natural weed remedies like vinegar, boiling water, cornmeal, and baking soda can effectively eradicate mock strawberries. 
• Chemical control: Selective, post-emergent herbicides like Mecoprop, dicamba, Triclopyr, and 2,4-D are very effective at eradicating infestations. 
• Cultural control: Practices like mulching, regular mowing, proper fertilization, soil PH management, improving drainage, and healthy lawn management can curtail the spread (or prevent encroachment) of Potentilla indica.  

Sylvia Kiragu

Lead Editor for Insight Weeds.

insightweeds.com/

The post 20 Common Weeds in Alabama and Ways To Get Rid of Them appeared first on InsightWeeds.

However, due to genetics, some plants have green leaves and red stems, which vary in shades, such as dark red, purple, reddish, or tinge-red.

The color comes from the pigment called anthocyanin, which makes the plants distinct and attractive in a garden. 

Here is a list of the ten weeds with red stems you can identify in your garden and how to eliminate them.

1. Pigweed – Amaranthus

The pigweed is among the annual weeds with red stems, with about 75 species in the genus. Ten of these genera are native to North America, while 65 others are native to the rest of the continents.

They are characterized by their oval or elliptical-shaped green leaves and height of 3 to 8 feet tall. Its flowers vary in shades of red, and the plant grows in hot and sunny climates.

The best way to get rid of this plant is by mowing the roadsides where they grow several times to reduce seed production. 

You can also practice harvest weed seed control which is effective for terminating weed seeds from growing.

2. Common Pokeweed – Phytolacca Americana

Pokeweed, or American pokeweed, is a poisonous perennial plant with red stems and green leaves native to Midwest, Eastern, and South North America. Its origins are also traced in parts of Europe and Asia.

They are characterized by their simple green leaves and a height of 4 to 10 feet. The plant has green or white flowers and red, purplish, or green stems.

The best way to eliminate the pokeweed is by pulling them by the roots or using a shovel. If the plants are tall or pulling and digging are ineffective, eliminate them using a weed killer or herbicide.

3. Castor Bean – Ricinus communis

Castor beans, or castor oil, are perennial weeds with red stems and green leaves native to the southeastern Mediterranean Basin, East Africa, and India. 

The plant grows in tropical frost-free regions with well-drained and moist soil.

They are characterized by their long and glossy green leaves and height of 12 meters. The castor bean plant’s flowers don’t have any petals, but it grows in hot and humid climates.

The best way to get rid of the castor bean plant is by cutting down the stems and leaving them to rot because they are a safety hazard. 

You can also eliminate them using a weed killer or herbicide.

4. Lady’s Mantle – Alchemilla

The lady’s mantle is a herbaceous perennial weed plant made of 700 species, most native to Europe and Asia. 

Few other species are native to the mountainsides of Africa and North America.

The low-growing plant can be characterized by its semi-round and scalloped-shaped green leaves and a height of about 12 inches. 

Its flowers are small and don’t have any petals, and it is known to grow in cool summer regions with moist soil.

One way to get rid of these plants is by pulling them from the ground or digging them out using a shovel. 

Alternatively, you can spray a non-selective herbicide like glyphosate for effective weed termination.

5. Himalayan Balsam – Impatiens glandulifera

The Himalayan Balsam is an annual plant that, as the name suggests, is native to the Himalayas. 

It is common ornamental jewelweed in households across Europe and North America because of its colorful flowers.

The large weed plant grows to 1 or 2 meters tall with red stems and long, lanceolate leaves. Its hooded flowers are pink and mostly grow in damp places like wetlands and riverbanks.

To get rid of this plant, pull or cut it off before it flowers or produces seeds and leave them to dry in the sun for a few days. 

You can also use herbicides only if pulling or cutting them is ineffective.

6. Japanese Wineberry – Rubus phoenicolasius

As the name suggests, Japanese wineberry is a perennial plant with red stalk and green leaves native to Asian regions such as Japan, China, and Korea. 

It’s popular for its raspberry production of the Asian species and was later introduced in North America and Europe as an ornamental plant.

As one of the most common weeds with red stems, the plant can be described with its orange or red fruits and height up to 3 meters. Its flowers are purplish red or pink, with a bristle calyx that blooms in late spring.

An effective way to remove this plant is by hand pulling it, especially if it’s spread in a small area. 

You can try chemical control using systematic herbicides like glyphosate or triclopyr if it proves ineffective.

7. Elephant Bush – Portulacaria afra

The elephant bush is a perennial succulent weed plant native to South Africa. It’s majorly grown as an ornamental houseplant, food source, and medicinal plant.

It is popular for its red-pigmented succulent stems and short round leaves. The elephant bush is a short-wooded shrub plant that can grow to a height of between 2.5 to 4.5 meters in sunny regions.

If they’ve infested your garden, you can get rid of them by pruning them regularly and leaving them to dry in the sun. 

You can also pull them from the roots to prevent regrowth in your garden.

8. Mountain Pepper – Tasmannia lanceolata

The mountain peppers are shrubs or small red-stemmed plants native to the woodlands and rainforests of southeastern Australia. 

The plant is known for its aromatic leaves, spice, and bushfood condiment.

It can be identified by its 2 to 10 meters height and red stems with narrow green leaves. 

The mountain pepper’s flowers have cream or white petals and are grown as ornamental plants in most households.

You can eliminate this plant by pulling it with your hands, shovel, or fork shovel. Alternatively, you can spray them using herbicides to exterminate them effectively.

9. Red-Stemmed Filaree – Erodium cicutarium

The red-stemmed filaree, or the common stork’s-bill, is an annual and biennial weed plant native to Macaronesia, Eurasia, and the northern parts of Africa. 

It grows in warm climates and was introduced in North America in the 18^th century.

It’s characterized by its red sticky and hairy, odorless stems. Its pink flowers bear dark spots on the bases, and its leaves are pinnate.

You can remove this plant from your garden by hand pulling them before they mature and produce flowers. 

You can also apply minimal herbicides on the lawn or garden while they are seedlings.

10. Common Purslane – Portulaca oleracea

The common purslane, or little hogweed, is an annual succulent plant with red stems native to Northern Africa and Southern Europe. 

Throughout its growth, it has spread to the Middle East, Southern Asia, and Australia.

The short succulent plant is characterized by its height of 16 inches and smooth reddish stems. 

Its fruits are mostly seeded capsules, and its flowers appear any time of the year, depending on the rainfall.

Since it spreads fast, the best way to get rid of it is through soil solarization, which covers the lawn or garden soil with a clear plastic sheet for 4 or 6 weeks. 

This is especially effective when removing weeds from a large area.

You can also control the spread of the common purslane through mulches that are 3 inches thick.

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 Garden Weeds with Red Stems and Green Leaves appeared first on InsightWeeds.

However, tall weeds are another thing altogether. Due to their height and thick stalks, they look like actual trees. As such, you are likely to let them continue growing.

But make no mistake! Despite their appearance, large weeds that look like trees can be highly invasive. If left to grow, you risk creating an uncontrolled infestation in your garden.

On top of that, some of these plant-like weeds can be very aggressive – by depleting nutrients for your garden plants.

It is, therefore, necessary to identify any unknown giant weeds growing in your garden. You can choose the most appropriate solution for eradicating them by doing so.

Below, we have compiled a list of some of the most common tall weeds with thick stalks you will likely encounter in your garden.

1. Paulownia tree (Paulownia tomentosa)

The paulownia tree, also known as the princess or empress tree, is a fast-growing plant from the Paulowniaceae family.

The plant is native to Asia and was introduced to other parts of the world for its ornamental benefits. However, it is considered an invasive weed due to its fast growth.

Paulownia is a tall-growing plant, one of the tall weeds that look like trees – it can reach as high as 30 meters when mature. It has large leaves and a thick stalk even when young.

Another distinguishing feature of the empress tree is its flowers – there aren’t many tall weeds with purple flowers.

2. Pokeweed (Phytolacca Americana)

Pokeweed, also known as American pokeweed, is a perennial weed that is common in the North American region and Europe, and Asia.

It is an invasive weed with an extensive taproot system, making it challenging to eradicate. The plant is also highly poisonous to humans, animals, and pets.

Pokeweed is a tall-growing plant – reaching up to 10 feet. It is one of the most common weeds with thick herbaceous stalks.

As such, it resembles a shrub or a young tree. You can identify the weed by its reddish stem, small, white flowers, and green, lance-shaped leaves.

Another unique feature of the weed is its berries. When unripe and young, the fruits are green. As they mature, they turn into a dark shade of purple.

3. Bittersweet nightshade (Solanum dulcamara)

Bittersweet nightshade is an herbaceous, perennial vine plant. It grows in a wide range of areas, from gardens to hedges, marsh areas, woods, and other areas.

It is not considered a weed in some areas but can be invasive – spreading through seeds, creeping stems, and root systems.

Bittersweet nightshade is a high-growing tree that can reach up to 30 feet tall. It tends to climb over small trees, shrubs, and plants. Its branches can also grow low, forming a horizontal thicket.

Bittersweet nightshade has large, green leaves with purple tinges. It produces purple flowers (blooming around May to September) with a yellow stamen.

The weed plant also bears egg-shaped berries, which turn from green to orange and then red as they ripen.

4. Castor bean (Ricinus communis)

Castor bean plant, also known as the castor oil plant or Ricinus is a tall, fast-growing shrub-like plant. It is native to the African and Asian regions but has spread worldwide – introduced to new areas as an ornamental plant.

Ricinus plant grows pretty high, reaching heights of 12 meters. It has a thick stem with a purple-to-reddish color. It also sports huge leaves, whose shape appears like an open palm.

The leaves are shiny and have a dark reddish or purple color, which transforms into dark green as the plant matures.

Castor oil is not considered a weed in some areas and is even grown for its beauty or medicinal properties. However, it can establish itself in a place and become invasive.

Furthermore, the highly toxic plant produces a poisonous ricin compound that can seep into the soil and interfere with other plants.

5. Japanese knotweed (Reynoutria japonica)

Japanese knotweed, also known as Asian knotweed, is an herbaceous plant originating from the Polygonaceae family (knotweeds and buckwheat). It is native to Asia but is found worldwide, particularly in Europe and North America.

The Japanese knotweed is one of those tall weeds with thick hollow stalks that can reach up to 4 meters high. The stems are green in color and have raised nodes – just like in bamboo stems.

The leaves are large, green, and heart-shaped but with a truncated base. In the summer and fall seasons, the weed also produces small, white, or cream flowers that shoot from upright stamens.

If you find this weed in your garden, follow this removal guide if you prefer natural methods or use any of these chemicals.

6. Western dock (Rumex occidentalis)

The western dock is a flowering plant that is native to the North American region. It is perennial, grows from a robust taproot system. It has medicinal uses, and the leaves and stems are both edible.

Western dock grows primarily forms a single, upright, reddish-brown stem that can reach up to 6 feet. The leaves are bright green, triangular, and blade-like in shape and have a truncated base.

They are somewhat similar to curly dock weed, except it is longer, pointed at the apex, and not as wavy. Instead, they are pretty identical to leaves from some species of spinach.

While the western dock plant is pretty beneficial, letting it grow in your garden might not be the best idea. It produces several seeds, which can cause a massive infestation.

It is also tough and can resist harsh climatic conditions once it reaches maturity. Therefore, if unchecked, eradicating it can be a monumental task.

7. Wild lettuce (Lactuca virosa)

Wild lettuce is the common name given to several lettuce species closely related to cultivated lettuce.

The most common of these species is the Lactuca virosa plant, which goes by several local names – bitter lettuce, opium lettuce, and great lettuce, among others.

Wild lettuce is native to Africa (northern regions), Asia, and Europe but has naturalized worldwide. It is one of the large weeds, reaching heights of up to 2.5 meters.

It has a single, thick, erect stem, which becomes pretty robust as the plant matures. The stalk is green in color but can range from brownish red, greyish green, and purple, depending on the species.

You can also identify wild lettuce by its leaves. They are green in color, thick, and elongated. They also have serrated edges and a strong vein along the midline.

The plant produces a white sap with analgesic and sedative properties, hence the opium lettuce.

8. Butterfly bush (Buddleia davidii)

Butterfly bush is a fast-growing flowering plant native to Asia and the Americas but common in most parts of the world.

It is a deciduous plant with arching bushes that can reach up to 15 feet. Therefore, it is one of those weeds that look like small trees.

Butterfly bush has green hairy stems when young and grey-brown and peeling as the plant matures. The leaves are dark green to blue-grey and usually have short hairs on the underside.

However, the most distinctive feature of the weed is its flowers. It produces showy flowers that grow spikes at the stem’s end.

They come in various colors, from pink to white, dark purple, orange, and yellow.

Butterfly bush can be cultivated as a flowering plant due to its attractive blossoms. However, it is an aggressive plant that can tolerate harsh conditions. If uncontrolled, it can overcrowd and overwhelm native plants.

9. Indian Hemp/dogbane (Apocynum cannabinum)

Hemp dogbane is a herbaceous perennial plant that is common in North America – throughout the US and southern parts of Canada.

It is a highly poisonous plant, particularly to dogs and livestock, but it can even be fatal if ingested by human beings.

It goes by several local names – Amy root, Indian hemp, Indian psychic, and rheumatism weed. The phrase “hemp” is used due to its similarity to the cannabis plant as a source of fiber – it does not have psychoactive properties.

Hemp dogbane is a large weed plant that grows as high as 2 meters. These weeds have thick, reddish stalks and produce a milky sap that can cause skin irritation. Its leaves are large, lanceolate-shaped, and grow in an opposite formation.

They are green in color with a smooth top surface and hairy underside. Hemp dogbane also produces large white flowers that bloom during summer.

10. Creeping thistle (Cirsium arvense)

Creeping thistle is a perennial flowering plant native to Asia, Europe, and northern parts of Africa.

However, it has been introduced to several regions worldwide for its ornamental properties. The plant goes by several local names, such as California thistle, corn thistle, field thistle, and Canadian thistle.

Creeping thistle is a tall, herbaceous weed plant that can grow up to 150 cm high. The plant starts growing in a basal rosette formation before transforming into upright, branching stems.

The creeping thistle produces dark green, oblong-shaped leaves that grow in an alternate formation on the stem. They have irregularly shaped edges, which are spiny.

The upper part of the leaves is smooth, while the underside is hairy. Another feature of the plant is the small, pink to purple flowers, which form at the top of the stems.

Creeping thistle is an aggressive weed plant that can invade pastures, fields, and gardens. It spreads quickly through seeds and its creeping tap root system.

On top of that, it is pretty tough and can withstand harsh climatic conditions, not to mention that it is resistant to most herbicides.

11. Wild sunflower (Helianthus annuus)

Sunflowers are not considered to be a weed by most people. They are grown commercially for oil, have aesthetic flowers, and even extract toxins from the soil.

However, despite these benefits, wild sunflowers can be pretty aggressive. They have a rapid root expansion and thus can spread very fast.

They are also very competitive and can be resistant to herbicides. Therefore, they can be a nightmare, especially if they start growing in crop fields and gardens.

The wild sunflower is a bushy plant that grows up to three meters tall with stout, hollow stems. It has greyish-green leaves, which grow in an alternate formation from the stem.

They are ovate to orbicular in shape, large (up to 10 cm long), and have toothed margins and fine hairs.

You can also identify the plant with its large, conspicuous yellow flowers with a sun-like shape – hence the name.

12. Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum)

Giant hogweed is a perennial flowering plant native to Eurasia but was introduced to several parts of the world as an ornamental plant.

It is considered to be a noxious weed in most places – it spreads very fast, overcrowding other plants, and produces a toxic sap that is toxic to human beings.

Giant hogweed is one of the big weeds – hence the name – with the potential to reach up to 5.5 meters high. You can identify it by its thick, green stalks with purple blotches and coarse hairs at the base from where leaves emerge.

It also has large, deeply incised, and loved leaves that grow in an alternating pattern.

However, its most unique feature is the large white flowers, which form an umbrella-like design at the top of the plant.

13. Thickhead (Crassocephalum crepidioides)

Thickhead is a herbaceous weed plant that is native to sub-Saharan Africa but widespread worldwide.

It goes by several local names, such as fireweed, redflower ragleaf, and hawksbeard velvet plant. It primarily grows in crop fields, forestry plantations, gardens, parks, roadsides, waster areas, etc.

The thickhead weed plant has tall-growing, erect stems that grow up to 1.5 meters high. They can be hairless or have small amounts of hair.

Leaves shoot out from the stem in an alternate formation, and they can grow pretty huge (up to 20 cm long and 10 cm wide). These leaves are ovate-shaped, have a toothed margin and a pointed apex, and are usually lobed.

The final identifying feature of the thickhead weed is the flowers. The plant produces clustered flower heads, which grow at the top. They range in color from orange to reddish, purple, or pinkish.

14. Common mullein (Verbascum thapsus)

Common mullein, also known as the great mullein, is a biennial plant native to Africa, Asia, and Europe. It commonly grows on roadsides, hedgerows, railroads, pastures, gardens, meadows, and more.

Common mullein is not considered highly aggressive; it is not as competitive against other plants. It is also easy to eradicate using mechanical (hands) or chemical (herbicides) solutions.

That being said, it produces several thousand seeds and has a deep taproot system. As a result, it has the potential to spread very fast, becoming quite a nuisance.

As one of the most common weeds with thick stalks, the common mullein grows in a single upright stem that reaches up to two meters. It has large, oblong-shaped leaves that reach up to 50 cm long.

They grow in rosette formation during the first year, and after that, they grow in an alternate shape.

The plant’s leaves are greyish-green in color, with a smooth upper side and a hairy underside. Besides that, you can identify common mullein by its small, yellow flowers that group densely in a spiral formation up the stem.

15. Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera)

Himalayan balsam is a large annual flowering plant native to the Himalayan region. However, it spread to several areas after being introduced as an ornamental plant.

Himalayan balsam is considered to be an invasive plant in several areas. It is aggressive, proliferating quickly through seed dispersal (one plant can produce up to 800 seeds). It is also very competitive and tends to crowd out and out other vegetation.

Himalayan balsam is a tall-growing weed plant that reaches up to 3 meters high. It has large, broadleaf leaves (up to 23 cm long), lanceolate-shaped.

They are bright green and shoot out from the red-tinged stem. The plant also produces a cluster of pink to purplish flowers, which bloom between June and October.

Summary

The above are some tall weeds with thick stalks that you can find in your garden. Hopefully, they can help you identify the plants you are dealing with and whether they are invasive or not.

However, several more weeds fit the criteria. If the plant you are dealing with is not in the list above, there are a few other ways of identifying it.

For example, you can look up its features (stem, leaves, and flowers) on the internet. You can also take a picture and use a plant identification app to find its name.

Carter

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

The post 15 tall weeds with thick stalks you may find in your garden appeared first on InsightWeeds.

Some of them have ‘rhubarb’ in their English names, making the distinction even harder. Due to the similarities, it is easy to confuse the weeds with rhubarb in your garden.

While some rhubarb-related plants are harmless, most are poisonous. However, you can easily identify them if you take a look at specific features as mentioned here.

The five weeds that look like rhubarb include:

1. Burdock weed (Arctium asteraceae)

Burdock weed is commonly known as the “wild rhubarb.” The choice of name is because it has large leaves, making it identical to the edible plant.

It also has a red stem-like rhubarb. The two factors make the weed one of the most identical plants to the delicious vegetable.

However, burdock weed is not edible. If you mistakenly cook it or put it in culinary, you may experience a mild to severe reaction.

Although you may notice the stem is hollow when preparing it for food, it is easy to overlook such factors.

So, what is the difference between rhubarb and burdock? Unlike rhubarb, the weed does not produce red and white flowers. Instead of the flowers, burdock weed has prickly burrs on the top.

So, if you see a rhubarb-looking plant without flowers, it is probably a weed. Besides the flowers, burdock weeds do not have smooth leaves like rhubarb.

In most cases, the leaves have coats of fuzz, which make them irritating when touched. If you are prone to allergic reactions, don’t try to distinguish the two plants by touching the leaves. Instead, check if the plant has flowers or not.

If you notice the plant in question is burdock and not rhubarb, uproot it to avoid its widespread. If left unattended, the weed may spread, making your garden unsafe for food production. Here’s a detailed guide for eradicating the burdock weed.

2. Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris)

Swiss chard is a large leaf plant that looks like rhubarb. Like the rhubarb, this plant is edible.

However, you should note that it may affect the taste of the food. Unlike rhubarb, which has a sour taste, the vegetable is less bitter, especially when cooked.

While it has almost similar leaf features, it is easy to spot Swiss chard in your garden. In humid areas, the plant has a fuzzy appearance, which is different from rhubarb plants.

Also, the stem is white (and yellow in some varieties) compared to the usual green and red. However, the two plants grow to an almost similar height.

Since Swiss chard is not harmful when eaten, you can leave it to grow with other plants. However, like other weeds, it will be competing for nutrients with your rhubarb plants.

Why did Swiss chard grow in your garden as a weed? Although it is uncommon, the vegetable may grow like a weed if the neighboring gardens have previously planted (or currently have) it.

3. Brazilian rhubarb (Gunnera manicata)

Brazilian rhubarb is a flowering plant that looks like rhubarb. Thanks to its huge leaves, the plant is often referred to as giant rhubarb.

However, unlike the edible plants in your garden, the weed is extremely toxic.

Besides the enormous leaves and fast growth, the Brazilian rhubarb is easy to spot. For example, the weed has rusty red leaves, which are different from rhubarb. Also, the stalk is tall and green.

The reason why you are more likely to see Gunnera manicata in your garden is its impressively adaptive nature. The weed grows in all types of soils and textures.

Also, due to its alternative uses, people have started growing it as a commercial plant.

Is Gunnera Manicata invasive? Unlike most weeds, it is not invasive. However, it may compete for nutrients with other plants, affecting their growth.

Also, if mistakenly harvested and eaten, the weed may be poisonous. Luckily, it is easy to spot it in your garden.

4. Pokeweed (Phytolacca decandra)

Pokeweed is a poisonous and smelly plant that may grow in your garden. Although it is mildly invasive, it competes with rhubarb for nutrients and water.

Also, due to its poisonous leaves and stem, it is advisable to uproot pokeweed once you spot it. Besides being poisonous, it is the only ornamental plant that resembles rhubarb.

Its beautiful fruits make it easier to spot them in a garden. When the weed is smaller, you should spot it through leaves. They are narrow and have a faded green compared to rhubarb.

Even though the leaves are not as smooth as rhubarb’s, it is advisable not to touch them when examining the weed. The leaves have a chemical composition, which may affect your body negatively. For safety purposes, check if the plant has narrow leaves.

If you spot Pokeweed, how do you eliminate it? Although herbicides are the most effective way to eradicate the weed, a mixture of water and vinegar works fine, especially if your garden is organic.

You just have to mix 50/50 water and vinegar and spray on Pokeweed to eliminate it.

5. Skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus)

Skunk cabbage looks like a huge rhubarb, especially due to its spade-shaped leaves. However, unlike rhubarb, the skunk cabbage only grows in marshy areas, mainly in the wild.

Even though the weed grows mainly in unattended land, you may notice it on the edges of your garden. It has a skunky smell, which is different from the sweet and fruity rhubarb smell.

Also, the weed’s stem does not have any color, unlike rhubarb, which has either red or green stems.

Thanks to the distinctive smell, it is easy to identify the weed cabbage when harvesting or tendering your garden. Uproot it because it can be invasive in your garden.

The above five weeds look like rhubarb. However, some are poisonous. If accidentally consumed together with the edible vegetable can lead to serious health complications.

Related Guides

• Types of weeds with large leaves
• The different types of sticker weeds

Carter

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

The post 5 weeds that look like rhubarb (pictures & scientific names) 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.

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