10 Most Common Weeds In Wisconsin

Weeds aren't just your lawn's unsightly nemesis – they're also the pushy neighbors hogging space, nutrients, and sunlight from your favorite plants. Wrangling these rogue greens requires knowing your way around broadleaf weeds. Wisconsin’s unique climate of harsh cold winters and humid summers is no stranger to unwanted weeds. As a Wisconsin homeowner, you might recognize a couple of troublemakers. However, many weeds are masters of disguise and sneaking under your nose, growing and spreading before you realize it. That's where this article steps in – your guide to the top 10 most common Wisconsin weeds, how to identify them, and how to get rid of them.

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Broadleaf plantain (Plantago major) is a common turfgrass weed in many parts of the world and by far the most common weed in Wisconsin. Because it is a perennial plant, broadleaf plantain can survive on your lawn for several years. Although plants can thrive in various environments, they prefer moist and well-drained soil. Broadleaf plantain is a typical weed found in yards and the wild, growing tall and spreading fast. Because of the resilience of these pesky weeds, herbicides are the most effective treatment.

While broadleaf plantains are striking, they can be difficult to tell apart from other common weeds. Look for these traits to be able to identify a broadleaf plantain successfully.

• Leaves: The leaves are broad and egg-shaped, with a smooth, slightly waxy surface. They are arranged in a basal rosette shape.
• Flowers: The flowers are small, inconspicuous, arranged in a spike-like cluster. They are white or greenish-white in color.
• Fruit: The fruit is a small capsule that contains several small seeds.
• Roots: The roots are shallow and delicate, breaking off easily.

Creeping Charlie, also known as ground ivy, gill-over-the-ground, or alehoof, is a perennial weed common in lawns, gardens, and other areas. It is a member of the mint family and has small, heart-shaped leaves and blue or purple flowers. Creeping Charlie spreads quickly by underground runners, and it can be difficult to control. Fortunately, creeping Charlie can be managed successfully with several different methods. Herbicides, hand-pulling, mulching, and solarization are all effective methods of controlling and eradicating creeping Charlie.

Here are some features of creeping Charlie to better help you identify this pesky plant:

• Leaves: Small heart-shaped leaves about an inch long, with a scalloped or wavy edge.

• Flowers: Blue or purple flowers that bloom in spring and summer. Flowers are arranged in a spike-like cluster.

• Stems: Slender stems with a reddish-purple tinge that runs along the ground. Stems root at the node.

• Rhizomes: Growing several feet long and forms a dense mat.

Crabgrass is another common, notoriously pesky weed found all over Wisconsin. This nuisance weed is difficult to control, with a single plan producing up to 150,000 seeds. An annual weed that is a member of the Poaceae family, it can only be truly controlled by pre and post-emergent herbicides. Hand-pulling only works in small infestations. Once this weed pops up in your yard, it’s important to get rid of it immediately, as it will spread quickly.

Here are some ways to identify crabgrass:

• Leaves: Leaves are broad and triangular, light green in color with a serrated edge.
• Flowers: Flowers are green or brown and are arranged in a spike-like cluster. They bloom in the summertime.

• Stems: Slender stems that grow upright and are often reddish-purple in color.
• Roots: Crabgrass roots are shallow, and must be completely removed to keep from germination.

Poa annua, also called Annual bluegrass, is a grassy weed that often gets mistaken for the healthy turfgrass called Kentucky Bluegrass. An annual weed, it is a member of the Poaceae family that germinates in the late summer and early autumn and is active all throughout autumn and flowers in the spring. Poa annua develops a seed head early in the season, often dying off in the summer due to hot weather. This weed is known for leaving unattractive bare brown spots all over the lawn. Because the seeds can remain dormant in the soil for years, this pesky weed is best treated with a combination of pre and post-emergent herbicides.

Here are some key factors to identifying Poa annua:

• Leaves: Leaves are thin and blade-like, about 1 inch long and 1/8 inch wide. The leaves are often smooth and have a light green color.

• Flowers: Small, inconspicuous flowers blooms in the spring and summer. The flowers are white or cream-colored and are arranged in a spike-like cluster.

• Stems: Stems are slender and wiry. They grow upright and can reach heights of up to 12 inches.
• Seeds: Poa annua produces seed heads that are about 1/2 inch long. The seed heads are brown or tan and have a feathery appearance.

Purslane, also known as pigweed, pigweed portulaca, or garden purslane, is a succulent plant that is native to Europe, Asia, and Africa. It is a common weed in gardens and lawns, but it is also edible and has a variety of medicinal uses. It resembles a baby jade plant, though it grows taller. Purslane prefers highly disturbed areas and is often found in rocky bluffs, barnyards, garden plots, pavement and sidewalk cracks, and even waste areas. Hand-pulling, herbicides, and solarization are all effective methods of eradicating purslane from your lawn.

Here are key factors to identify purslane:

• Leaves: Leaves are oval-shaped and about 1 inch long. The leaves are succulent, which means they are thick and fleshy, and are often reddish-purple in color.

• Flowers: Purslane blooms in the summer with small, yellow flowers. The flowers are about 1/2 inch wide and have five petals.
• Stems: Stems are red or purple in color and can grow up to 12 inches long. They are succulent and often prostrate, meaning they grow along the ground.
• Seeds: Purslane produces small, black seeds. The seeds are about 1/16 inch long.

Horseweed, also known as Canada horseweed, Canadian horseweed, Canadian fleabane, coltstail, marestail, and butterweed, is a common annual weed found worldwide and thrives in Wisconsin’s climate. It is a member of the daisy family and can grow up to 6 feet tall. Horseweed is a prolific seed producer and can quickly spread to new areas. It is a nuisance in lawns and gardens because it can crowd out desirable plants. It can also be a problem in pastures and fields because it can reduce the forage quality. Hand-pulling small amounts, using herbicides, mulching, and solarization are the best methods to use in order to control and eradicate these pesky weeds.

Below are the best ways to identify this pesky plant:

• Leaves: Horseweed leaves are alternate and lance-shaped. The leaves are about 2-4 inches long and 1 inch wide, often hairy on the underside.
• Flowers: Flowers are small, white, or yellow and arranged in clusters. The flowers bloom in the summer.
• Stems: Horseweed has long, slender stems covered with fine hairs. The stems can grow up to 6 feet tall.
• Seeds: Horseweed produces small, brown seeds. The seeds are about 1/16 inch long.

Burdock, also known as Arctium lappa, is a biennial plant that is native to Europe, Asia, and North America. It is a member of the daisy family and is known for its large, burr-covered seeds. Burdock is considered a weed in many areas, but it has also been used medicinally for centuries. The root of burdock is said to have detoxifying and cleansing properties, and it has been used to treat a variety of ailments, including acne, eczema, and arthritis. Burdock leaves can also be eaten and have a slightly sweet taste. Hand-pulling can be used for getting rid of small amounts of burdock, and using herbicides, mulching, and solarization helps eradicate this nuisance weed.

Some key features to help identify burdock are:

• Leaves: Leaves are large and lobed. The leaves are about 4-8 inches long and 2-4 inches wide and are often hairy on the underside.
• Flowers: Flowers are purple or pink. The flowers are about 1 inch in diameter and bloom in the summer.
• Stems: Burdock stems are thick and hollow and can grow up to 6 feet tall.
• Seeds: Burdock seeds are produced in clusters. The seeds are about 1/4 inch in diameter and are covered with sharp spines.

Horse nettle, also known as Carolina horse nettle or bull nettle, is a perennial herb in the nightshade family that is native to North America, and found all over Wisconsin. It is common in gardens, fields, and other disturbed areas. Horse nettle is a poisonous plant that can cause skin irritation and inflammation. The spines on the leaves can also break off and get embedded in the skin, leading to infection. If you come into contact with horse nettle, it is important to wash the affected area with soap and water immediately. You should seek medical attention if you experience any skin irritation or inflammation. This pesky weed can be controlled by hand-pulling in small patches, but for large patches, it’s best to use herbicides and solarization to get rid of them effectively.

If you suspect the plants in your lawn are horse nettles, look for these key features:

• Leaves: The leaves are oval-shaped and have sharp spines on the edges. They are about 2-4 inches long and 1-2 inches wide.
• Flowers: Horse nettle flowers are purple or white and are arranged in clusters. They are about 1 inch in diameter and bloom in the summer.
• Stems: Horse nettle has a tall, erect stem that can grow up to 3 feet tall and is covered with sharp spines.
• Fruits: Horse nettle fruits are small, round, green berries about 1/4 inch in diameter.

Cocklebur, also known as Xanthium strumarium, is a common annual weed found worldwide and no stranger to the lawns of Wisconsin. It is a member of the daisy family and is known for its prickly burs. Cocklebur is a nuisance in gardens and fields because it can quickly spread and crowd out desirable plants. The burs can also attach to clothing and fur, making removing it difficult. Because of how difficult it is to remove, you may need to do a combination of hand-pulling, mulching, herbicides, and solarization to get rid of this notoriously pesky weed effectively.

Cocklebur can be identified by the features listed below:

• Leaves: Cocklebur leaves are oval-shaped and have sharp spines on the edges. They are about 2-4 inches long and 1-2 inches wide.
• Flowers: Cocklebur flowers are yellow and are arranged in clusters. The flowers are about 1 inch in diameter and bloom in the summer.
• Stems: Cocklebur has a stout, erect stem that can grow up to 3 feet tall and is covered with short, stiff hairs.
• Fruits: Cocklebur fruits are small, round burs covered with sharp spines and about 1/2 inch in diameter.

Shepherd's purse, also known as Capsella bursa-pastoris, is a small, annual flowering plant in the mustard family (Brassicaceae). It is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa, but it is now found in many other parts of the world, including Wisconsin. Shepherd's purse is a common weed found in lawns, gardens, and other disturbed areas. This pesky weed is edible and has been used as a medicinal plant for centuries. The leaves and flowers can be eaten raw or cooked. The plant has been used to treat various ailments, including stomachache, diarrhea, and wound healing. Fortunately, it’s a relatively easy weed to control and can be eradicated by using any of these methods: hand-pulling, mulching, hoeing, and herbicides.

The following characteristics can identify Shepherd’s purse:

• Leaves: Leaves are oval-shaped and have a toothed margin. They are about 1 inch long and 1/2 inch wide.
• Flowers: Shepherd's purse flowers are white and are arranged in clusters. The flowers are about 1/2 inch in diameter and bloom in the spring and summer.
• Stems: The stem is upright, slender, and hairy, reaching up to 2 feet tall.
• Fruits: The fruits are small, heart-shaped capsules that contain many seeds. The capsules are about 1/4 inch long.

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