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Broadleaf Weeds in Lawns

Many species
Updated Mar 17, 2023
 
1

Make a Positive Identification

Herbaceous broadleaf plants have soft stems and leaves (with net-like veins). One or more leaves grow from nodes on stems. They often have showy flowers.

Common broadleaf lawn weeds such as dandelion, clover, creeping buttercup (shown in photo above), and many others are described below.

Dandelion, Catsear, Groundsel & English Daisies (Sunflower Family)
Species: Dandelion
Many flowering dandelion plants in lawn
Dandelion leaves
dandelion seed head
Photo credits
Left:

Weston Miller, Oregon State University

Top Right:

Lynn Sosnoskie, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org (cropped)

Bottom Right:

Joseph O'Brien, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org (cropped)

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

  • Dandelion plants live more than two years (perennial).
  • It grows in lawns, landscapes, roadsides, and sidewalk cracks.
  • When mowed, its yellow flowers and texture stand out in lawns (left photo).
  • Dandelion dominates an area when left unmanaged.
  • It provides food resources for pollinators such as honey bees.

How to Identify Dandelion

  • Dandelion forms a single yellow flower per stem.
  • It has smooth, jagged leaves (top right photo).
  • It forms seed head with floating seeds (bottom right photo).

See How to Get Rid of Dandelion for details.

Species: Catsear / False Dandelion
Catsear plant with many flowers
Catsear leaf
Catsear seed head
Photo credits
Top Right:

Chris Evans, University of Illinois, Bugwood.org (cropped)

Bottom Right:

AnRo0002, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons (cropped)

Catsear / False Dandelion (Hypochaeris radicata)

  • Catsear lives more than two years (perennial).
  • It grows in lawns, landscapes, roadsides, and sidewalk cracks.
  • When mowed, its yellow flowers and texture stand out in lawns.
  • Catsear dominates an area when left unmanaged.
  • It provides food resources for pollinators such as honey bees.

How to Identify Catsear / False Dandelion

  • It grows many long, slender, branching stems with yellow flowers 24–32 inches from the ground (left photo).
  • Catsear leaves are less jagged and more textured than the dandelion’s leaves (upper right photo).
  • It forms seed head with floating seeds (lower right photo).
Species: Common Groundsel
Groundsel plant
Groundsel seed head
Photo credits
Left:
Right:

Ohio State Weed Lab , The Ohio State University, Bugwood.org (cropped)

Common Groundsel (Senecio vulgaris)

  • Common groundsel completes its life cycle in less than a year (annual).
  • It has upright stems up to 2 feet tall.
  • It dominates an area when left unmanaged.
  • When mowed, common groundsel doesn’t blend in well with grasses in lawns.
  • It provides food resources for pollinators such as honey bees.

How to Identify Goundsel

  • Groundsel has jagged leaves with hairs (left photo).
  • Its yellow, daisy-like flowers grow nearly year-round.
  • Groundsel forms seed head with floating seeds (right photo).
Species: English Daisy / Lawn Daisy
Pink lawn daisy flowers
English daisy flower
Photo credits
Left:

UAF Cooperative Extension, University of Alaska-Fairbanks, Bugwood.org (cropped)

Right:

Chris Evans, University of Illinois, Bugwood.org (cropped)

English Daisy / Lawn Daisy (Bellis perennis)

  • Daisy lives more than two years (perennial).
  • It is often included in ecolawn seed mixes.
  • When mowed, daisy mixes with lawn grasses.
  • It provides food resources for pollinators such as honey bees.
  • You may leave this plant alone in lawns.

How to Identify English Daisy / Lawn Daisy

  • It grows low to the ground with spoon-shaped leaves.
  • It forms white-to-pink, daisy-like flowers that grow nearly year round (left photo).
  • Flowers vary in color from white to pink (right photo).
Clover, Medic & Trefoil (Clover Family)
Species: White Clover
White clover growing in lawn
White clover leaf
White clover flower
Photo credits
Left:

OSU Turfgrass Management Program

Top Right:

Bruce Ackley, The Ohio State University, Bugwood.org (cropped)

Bottom Right:

David Cappaert, Bugwood.org (cropped)

White Clover (Trifolium repens)

  • Clover plants live more than two years (perennial).  
  • It spreads aggressively by seeds and creeping stems. Clover forms dense patches.
  • When mowed, it mixes with lawn grasses.
  • It dominates an area when left unmanaged.
  • Nitrogen-fixing plants grow in low-nutrient soil conditions.
  • Clover provides food resources for pollinators such as honey bees.
  • Determine whether you can live with white clover in your lawn. It has many benefits.

How to Identify White Clover

  • It grows as a dense, spreading clump.
  • The leaves have 3 crescent-shaped leaflets with a white watermark (upper right photo).
  • Clover’s white flowers attract bees (lower right photo).

Tip for Controlling White Clover

  • If you can’t tolerate white clover in your lawn, the best way to control it is by adding nitrogen fertilizer to your lawn. Fertilizer feeds the grasses and helps them to grow strong.
  • Nitrogen fertilizer also inhibits the growth of clover and related species. As a nitrogen-fixing plant, white clover prefers low soil nitrogen conditions.
Species: Black Medic
Black medic leaves and flowers
Black medic leaf with 3 leaflets
Photo credits
Left:

"Black Medic" by Simon is licensed under CC BY 2.0 (cropped).

 

Right:

Bruce Ackley, The Ohio State University, Bugwood.org (cropped)

 

Black Medic (Medicago lupulina)

  • The plants live more than two years (perennial).  
  • Black medic spreads aggressively by seeds and creeping stems. It forms dense patches with sprawling stems.
  • When mowed, it mixes with lawn grasses.
  • It dominates an area when left unmanaged.  
  • Nitrogen-fixing plants grow in low-nutrient soil conditions.
  • Black medic provides food resources for pollinators such as honey bees.

How to Identify Black Medic

  • The leaves have 3 crescent-shaped leaflets with slightly toothed edges.
  • It forms numerous, small yellow flowers.
Species: Birds-foot Trefoil
Birds-foot trefoil growing in lawn
Birds-foot trefoil leaf
Photo credits
Right:

Ohio State Weed Lab, The Ohio State University, Bugwood.org (cropped)

Birds-foot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus)

  • Spreads aggressively by seeds and creeping stems. Forms dense patches with sprawling stems.
  • When mowed, it mixes with lawn grasses.
  • It dominates an area when left unmanaged.  
  • Nitrogen-fixing plants grow in low-nutrient soil conditions.
  • Provides food resources for pollinators such as honey bees.

How to Identify Birds-foot Trefoil

  • Forms bright yellow flowers in spring. Flowers are larger and less numerous than black medic’s flowers.
  • Leaves have 3 dark green and elongated leaflets with smooth edges (right photo).
Geranium Family Weeds
Species: Dovefoot Geranium
Geranium molle in lawn

Dovefoot geranium (Geranium molle)

  • The plant completes its life cycle in less than a year (annual).
  • Dovefoot geranium mixes into lawns when mowed.

How to Identify Dovefoot Geranium

  • The petals of dovefoot geranium flowers are deeply notched. It looks as if the flowers have ten petals instead of five.
  • The leaves are fuzzy and shaped like a palm with cuts along the leaf margin.
  • Dovefoot geranium stems are light-red color.
Species: Redstem Filaree / Stork’s Bill
Filaree leaves, stems, and flowers

Redstem Filaree / Stork’s Bill (Erodium cicutarium)

  • This plant completes its life cycle in less than a year (annual) or two years (biennial).
  • Filaree mixes into lawns when mowed.

How to Identify Filaree

  • Filaree has pink flowers with five petals.
  • Its leaves are frilly as shown in the photo.
Species: Cutleaf Geranium
Cutleaf geranium stem, leaves, and flower, and grasses

Cutleaf Geranium (Geranium dissectum)

  • This plant completes its life cycle in less than a year (annual) or two years (biennial).
  • Cutleaf geranium mixes with grasses when mowed.

How to Identify Cutleaf Geranium

  • The leaves are deeply lobed. Cutleaf geranium has small pink flowers with 5 petals.
  • The stems are hairy and rough. They grow up to 2 feet long if left unmowed.
Species: Shiny Geranium
Shiny geranium leaves and flower
Shinty geranium with red stems

Shiny Geranium (Geranium lucidum)

  • Shiny geranium completes its life cycle in less than a year (annual).
  • The plant grows 6-18 inches tall. It often forms dense mounds that smother other vegetation. It grows in landscapes and along roads, trails, and forest edges.
  • Shiny geranium doesn’t mix into lawns when mowed.

How to Identify Shiny Geranium

  • Shiny geranium leaves are lobed and have distinct cuts in the leaf margin (left photo). It has small, pink flowers with five petals.
  • The stems are red without hairs (right photo). Other geraniums have hairy stems.

Invasive Species Alert

Shiny geranium is an invasive plant species. Take action to control it.

See How to Get Rid of Shiny Geranium for details.

Other Spreading Broadleaf Weeds
Species: Creeping Buttercup
Creeping buttercup growing in lawn
Creeping buttercup flower
Creeping buttercup leaves
Photo credits
Left:

"Creeping Buttercup" by Simon is licensed under CC BY 2.0 (cropped).

Top Right:
Bottom Right:

"Creeping Buttercup" by Simon is licensed under CC BY 2.0 (cropped).

Creeping Buttercup (Ranunculus repens)

  • The plants live more than two years (perennial).
  • Creeping buttercup spreads aggressively by seeds and creeping stems. It forms dense patches with sprawling stems.
  • When mowed, it mixes with lawn grasses.
  • It dominates an area when left unmanaged.
  • Roots are difficult to remove with tools.

How to Identify Creeping Buttercup

  • The stems grow 1–2 feet tall when left unmowed. Creeping buttercup spreads across the ground with creeping stems that take root.
  • Its shiny yellow flowers are 1 inch across. They have 5–7 petals that are about ½-inch long (upper right photo).
  • Has three-lobed, dark green leaves with white spots (lower right photo).
Species: Creeping Woodsorrel
Creeping woodsorrel in lawn
Creeping woodsorrel stems leaves, and flower
Photo credits
Left:

"Oxalis corniculata plant5" by Harry Rose is licensed under CC BY 2.0 (cropped).

Right:

undefined undefined, iStock

Creeping Woodsorrel (Oxalis corniculata)

  • Creeping woodsorrel plants live more than two years (perennial).
  • It spreads aggressively by seeds and creeping stems. It forms dense patches with sprawling, reddish stems.
  • When mowed, creeping woodsorrel mixes with lawn grasses.
  • It dominates an area when left unmanaged. Creeping woodsorrel readily spreads into non-lawn areas.
  • The roots are easy to remove compared to many other weeds.

How to Identify Creeping Sorrel

  • The leaves have 3 heart-shaped lobes.
  • The stems and leaves often have a reddish color.
  • Creeping woodsorrel forms yellow flowers with five petals (right photo).
Species: Creeping Speedwell
Mat of creeping speedwell
Creeping speedwell flower
Creeping speedwell leaves
Photo credits
Left:

OSU Turfgrass Management Program

Bottom Right:

Lawn Weeds, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (cropped)

Creeping Speedwell (Veronica filiformis)

  • This is a low-growing perennial plant.
  • It prefers shady locations and moist soils.
  • When mowed, creeping speedwell mixes with lawn grasses.

How to Identify Creeping Speedwell

  • It forms blue-violet flowers in the spring (upper right).
  • The flowers have 4 petals.
  • Creeping speedwell leaves grow alternately on stems that creep along the ground (lower right photo).
Species: Lawn Ivy / Creeping Charlie
Mat of lawn ivy
Lawn ivy flower
Lawn ivy leaf
Photo credits
Left:

OSU Turfgrass Management Program

Top Right:
Bottom Right:

Bruce Ackley, The Ohio State University, Bugwood.org (cropped)

Lawn Ivy / Creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea)

  • This low-growing perennial spreads by creeping horizontal stems.
  • When mowed, lawn ivy forms a dense mat that outcompetes grasses (left photo).
  • It thrives in moist shady areas. Tolerates full sun.
  • Lawn ivy benefits pollinators such as honey bees.

How to Identify Lawn Ivy

  • Its blue-to-lavender, funnel-shaped flowers are asymmetrical (upper right photo).
  • The kidney- or fan-shaped leaves grow opposite along the stem (lower right photo).
Species: Field Bindweed
Field bindweed stems, leaves, and flowers in grasses

Field Bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis)

  • Field bindweed dies back in winter. It regrows from roots that extend up to 1–2 feet deep.
  • It grows in a wide range of conditions, including roadways, lawns, and landscapes.
  • Field bindweed is a vining perennial that spreads by creeping horizontal stems and roots.
  • When mowed, the plant forms a dense mat that outcompetes grasses.
  • Stems grow 2–4 feet long and climb up plants and structures when left unmowed.

How to Identify Field Bindweed

  • Its arrow-shaped leaves grow opposite each other along the stem.
  • Field bindweed’s trumpet-shaped flowers are white to pink in color and ½ to 1 inch across.

See How to Get Rid of Field Bindweed.

Species: Creeping Spurge
Spotted spurge stems and leaves

Rebekah D. Wallace, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org

Spotted Spurge (Euphorbia maculata)

  • Spotted spurge completes its life cycle in one year during the warm season.
  • It spreads by tiny textured seeds.
  • It grows in a wide range of conditions, including roadways, lawns, and landscapes.
  • Spotted spurge forms a dense, spreading mat.
  • The plant features small, dark-green leaves with a red spot.
  • Its milky sap may irritate the skin. Use gloves when handling plants.

How to Identify Spotted Spurge

  • Spotted spurge grows sprawling red stems from a central point.
  • Its leaves grow in opposite pairs along the stem. Each leaf is 1/8- to 1/2-inch long and 1/8-inch wide.
  • The leaves have an elongated dark mark.
Species: Common Meadow Violet
Violets growing in lawn
Violet leaves and flower
Photo credits
Left:

OSU Turfgrass Management Program

Right:

grbender, iStock

Common Meadow Violet (Viola sororia)

  • Common meadow violet is a low-growing perennial plant about 6 inches across and 4 inches high.
  • It is a wildflower native to Eastern North America.
  • It spreads by rhizomes (roots) and seeds.
  • It grows in a wide range of conditions, including lawns and landscapes.
  • Common meadow violet serves as a host plant for pollinators.
  • You may leave this plant alone in lawns.

How to Identify Meadow Violet

  • Its purple flowers have 5 rounded petals. Hairs grow in a beard along one edge of the flower funnel.
  • The heart-shaped leaves grow up to 3 inches across and long.
Clumping Broadleaf Weeds in Lawns
Species: Broadleaf Plantain
Broadleaf plantain growing in lawn

"Greater Plantain" by Simon is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Broadleaf Plantain (Plantago major)

  • Broadleaf plantain is a widely naturalized plant that grows in a broad range of conditions.
  • It grows as a clump, and spreads by seed and not by rhizomes.
  • Broadleaf plantain pollinates by seeds spread by wind. Each plant produces up to 20,000 seeds.

How to Identify Broadleaf Plantain

  • The oval leaves grow 1–4 inches wide and 2–8 inches long. They have a long-leaf stem (petiole). Broadleaf plantain leaves have noticeable vines over the length of each leaf.
  • Its greenish-brown flowers grow in dense spikes 2–6 inches long, on the end of 5–6 inch stems.
Species: Buckhorn Plantain
Buckhorn plantain growing in lawn

Chris Evans, University of Illinois, Bugwood.org

Buckhorn plantain (Plantago lanceolota)

  • This is a widely naturalized plant that grows in a broad range of conditions.
  • Buckhorn plantain grows as a clump. It spreads by seed and not by rhizomes.
  • It is wind-pollinated and spread by seeds. Each plant produces up to 20,000 seeds.

How to Identify Buckhorn Plantain

  • The narrow leaves grow 1–2 inches wide and 2–8 inches long. They have a short leaf stem (petiole). Buckhorn plantain leaves have 3–5 noticeable vines over the length of each leaf.
  • Its greenish-brown flowers with white petals grow in dense spikes 1 to 2 inches long at the end of 4- to 16-inch stems.
Species: Bittercress
Bittercress plant with leaves and flower

Bittercress (Cardamine hirsuta)

  • Bittercress completes its life cycle in 1 year (annual) or 2 years (biennial), depending on the climate.
  • It is common in moist, recently disturbed soil. It grows in open ground, lawns, and neglected areas.
  • Bittercress spreads aggressively by seed. It forms seed pods that break open to scatter seeds far from the mother plant.

How to Identify Bittercress

  • It grows as small upright plants from the base.
  • Bittercress leaves are finely lobed with 8–15 leaflets on long-leaf stems (petioles).
  • The small, white flowers with 4 petals grow in clusters at the end of stems up to 1 foot long.
Species: Dead Nettle
Dead nettle stems, leaves, and flowers in grasses

Dead Nettle (Lamium purpureum)

  • Dead nettle completes its life cycle in less than a year. It grows in the cool season.
  • The plant spreads aggressively by seeds in disturbed soil.
  • It has upright stems with red and purple leaves.
  • Dead nettle benefits pollinators such as honey bees.

How to Identify Dead Nettle

  • The plant grows greenish to purplish stems and leaves. The stems are hairy and square with 4 edges.
  • Its hairy leaves grow alternately along the stem.
  • Dead nettle has pale pinkish-purple tubular flowers with purple streaks and spots.
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2

Broadleaf Weeds in Lawns Benefits

  • Many broadleaf weeds in lawns provide food resources for pollinators.
  • Clovers are nitrogen-fixing plants. They provide plant nutrients for lawns. They grow when the soil is low in nitrogen.
 

Broadleaf Weeds in Lawns Risks

  • Broadleaf weeds stand out from grasses.
  • They can make the lawn surface rough and uneven.
  • They often dominate neglected lawn areas.
Risk Card
Does it cause harm?
Adults & Children
None
Property
Low
Pets
None
Annoyance
Some
Environment
Helpful
Action Optional
 
3

Take Action?

Broadleaf weeds in lawns are very common. People have different opinions about them.

Do I need to take action?

  • You can leave broadleaf weeds in lawns alone.
  • If you don’t like how they look, consider taking action.
  • If you have neighbors who can’t tolerate dandelions and other weeds, be a good neighbor and keep it from setting seed on your property.

What if I do nothing?
Broadleaf weeds will spread in your lawn. Some weeds may spread to other areas such as landscape beds.

 
4

Prevent Broadleaf Weeds in Lawns

Lush green lawn

Yarygin, iStock

Grow a Dense Lawn
  • A healthy lawn shades weed seeds and keeps them from growing.
  • Apply grass seed over existing lawns (overseed) where grass is sparse. Overseed every year or as needed to maintain thick grasses in your lawn.
  • Apply fertilizer and water to grow robust grasses.
Bag of lawn patch product on grass with product spread out over a bare area

Weston Miller, Oregon State University

Use Lawn Patch Products or Apply Seed to Bare Spots
  • Weed seeds sprout and take root in bare soil.
  • Cover bare spots with lawn patch products. They combine seed, fertilizer, and mulch.
  • Or sprinkle lawn seed on bare spots.
Maintain a Healthy Lawn
  • Maintain the right growing conditions needed for strong, healthy lawn grasses. Healthy lawns resist weeds.
  • Lawns change over time. After lawn seed has been sown or sod laid, a mixture of desired lawn grasses and broadleaf weeds, grassy weeds, and moss will evolve.
  • Soil drainage, soil fertility, sunlight, water stress, and how the lawn is cared for and used influence how your lawn looks over time.
  • Set realistic expectations for your lawn. Match the lawn standards you want to maintain with the right maintenance schedule.
  • If the quality of your lawn doesn’t match your standards, consider a lawn renovation.
  • For more information, see Prevent Lawn Problems.
 
5
Solutions for Broadleaf Weeds in Lawns
  • Prevent lawn weed problems by maintaining a healthy lawn. A thick, robust lawn keeps weeds from growing. See Prevent Lawn Problems for details.
  • Digging individual plants out by the root is effective. But effectiveness depends on how much of the root is removed.
  • Herbicides effectively control broadleaf weeds in lawns when used according to the label instructions.
  • More broadleaf weeds will grow in the same spot unless you take the steps to prevent them.
  • For lawns with many broadleaf (and grassy) weeds, consider a lawn renovation. See Practical Lawn Establishment and Renovation  (OSU Extension Service) for details.

NEED HELP?

Consider a licensed pest control company. Learn How to Hire a Pest Control Company.
Your local Extension Specialist in Oregon  and other states  can suggest other methods.

Jump to

Method Does it work? Is it safe? Recommendation
A
Maintain a Healthy Lawn
Very effective
Low risk
B
Physically Remove Plants
Very effective
Low risk
C
2,4-D Herbicide for Lawns
Very effective
Moderate risk
Use if Necessary
D
Glyphosate Herbicide for Lawn Renovations
Very effective
Moderate risk
Use if Necessary
E
Organic Herbicides
Somewhat effective
Moderate risk
Use if Necessary
F
Weed & Feed (Herbicide + Fertilizer)
Effective
Moderate risk
Avoid
G
Homemade Weed Killers
Somewhat effective
Moderate risk
H
If Using Herbicides, Protect Yourself & Minimize Risks
 
A

Maintain a Healthy Lawn

Non-Chemical Method

OSU Turfgrass Management Program

Maintain a Healthy Lawn

  • You can minimize weeds in your lawn by growing healthy, robust grasses.
  • The best defense against weed problems in your lawn is to maintain a healthy lawn.
Does it work?
Very effective

Use preventive measures for best results.

How much effort?
High effort

Maintaining a healthy lawn requires planning and ongoing effort.

What's the risk?
Low risk
Possible risk of exposure or harm from chemicals
NONE
 
B

Physically Remove Plants

Non-Chemical Method

Weston Miller, Oregon State University

Physically Remove Plants

Digging out broadleaf plants and roots with hand tools is effective.

Does it work?
Very effective
  • You must remove the root to keep the plant from coming back.
  • Use preventive measures for best results.
How much effort?
Moderate effort
What's the risk?
Low risk
Possible risk of exposure or harm from chemicals
NONE

Remove weed plants by digging out the plants and roots.

Freshly dug dandelion plant with root and leaves next to gardening knife

Weston Miller, Oregon State University

Dig out broadleaf weeds by the root to kill plants.

A selection of shovels, digging forks, and hand tools for removing dandelion

Weston Miller, Oregon State University

The hori-hori knife, dandelion wrench, and shovels shown are effective for digging out broadleaf weeds by the root.

Two dandelion-pulling tools

Weston Miller, Oregon State University

These weed-pulling tools enable you to pull weeds in a lawn from a standing position.

Broadleaf Weed Removal Tips

  • Broadleaf weeds can be managed any time of year. Digging the plants is easiest when the soil is moist.
  • Monitor the spot for regrowth. Dig out plants as they regrow.

Soil Disturbance and Erosion

  • Minimize soil disturbance as much as possible.
  • Regrade the soil after digging weed roots.
  • Apply lawn seed or lawn patch products to cover the disturbed area.
 
C

2,4-D Herbicide for Lawns

Chemical Method: Use with caution

Weston Miller, Oregon State University

2,4-D Herbicide for Lawns

Use if Necessary

Lawn-specific products with the active ingredient 2,4-D control dandelion and other broadleaf weeds without damaging lawns when used according to the directions.

Does it work?
Very effective

Use preventive measures for best results.

How much effort?
Moderate effort

Spot-spray individual weeds or spread over entire lawn for many weeds. Follow up by applying grass seed to fill in gaps.

What's the risk?
Moderate risk
  • Herbicides come with real risks. ALWAYS read the entire label front to back. Use a magnifying glass.
  • Herbicides can run off your site into waterways and may harm wildlife. See How to Keep Pesticides Out of Waterways.
Possible risk of exposure or harm from chemicals
El uso de herbicidas conlleva cierto grado de riesgo. El riesgo más bajo se presenta con el uso de métodos alternativos.

You may be exposed to an herbicide if you:

  • Get it on your skin
  • Breathe it in
  • Eat or smoke afterward without washing hands
  • Touch or eat plants that are wet with spray (you, pets, or children)
  • Bring it inside on your shoes or clothes

Follow directions closely to reduce risk.

Products that contain the active ingredient 2,4-D effectively kill dandelions and other broadleaf weeds without damaging lawns when used according to label directions. Look for this chemical name in the “Active Ingredients” section of product labels.

Many dandelion plants in lawn

Weston Miller, Oregon State University

If you want to keep the lawn, choose herbicide products that don’t damage grasses.

Photo of herbicide label highlighting several active ingredients

Weston Miller, Oregon State University

The white box on this example product label highlights active 2,4-D and similar ingredients. Text on the label states “KILLS WEEDS NOT THE LAWN.”

Application Tips

  • Spray individual plants in lawns that contain few broadleaf weed plants when hand removal is not an option.
  • Reseed the spot-treated areas with grass seed or lawn patch.
  • For lawns that contain many broadleaf weed plants, consider applying herbicide such as 2,4-D over the entire lawn. This application will kill most of the broadleaf plants in the treated area.
  • Read and understand the DIRECTIONS FOR USE section of the product label before reseeding or replanting the treated area.
  • Reseed the spot-treated areas with grass seed or lawn patch.
  • If there are many weeds, consider a total lawn replacement. See Practical Lawn Establishment and Renovation (OSU Extension Service).
Some products with 2,4-D (ester formulations) become a vapor when applied on hot days. The vapor can damage nearby plants. Check the label for temperature limits.
 
D

Glyphosate Herbicide for Lawn Renovations

Chemical Method: Use with caution

Weston Miller, Oregon State University

Glyphosate Herbicide for Lawn Renovations

Use if Necessary

Herbicides that contain the active ingredient glyphosate effectively control broadleaf weeds in lawns. They also kill grasses. Use only if you plan to replant your lawn after treatment.

Does it work?
Very effective
  • Glyphosate herbicide will kill broadleaf plants and grasses. Use it for killing individual weeds or total lawn renovations when you you plan to replant grasses.
  • Use preventive measures for best results.
How much effort?
Moderate effort
  • Spot-spray individual weeds. Follow up by applying grass seed to fill the gaps.
  • Total lawn renovations require significant effort.
What's the risk?
Moderate risk
  • Herbicides come with real risks. ALWAYS read the entire label front to back. Use a magnifying glass.
  • Herbicides can run off your site into waterways and may harm wildlife. See How to Keep Pesticides Out of Waterways.
Possible risk of exposure or harm from chemicals
El uso de herbicidas conlleva cierto grado de riesgo. El riesgo más bajo se presenta con el uso de métodos alternativos.

You may be exposed to an herbicide if you:

  • Get it on your skin
  • Breathe it in
  • Eat or smoke afterward without washing hands
  • Touch or eat plants that are wet with spray (you, pets, or children)
  • Bring it inside on your shoes or clothes

Follow directions closely to reduce risk.

Products that contain the active ingredient glyphosate effectively kill broadleaf weeds in lawns when used according to label directions. Look for this chemical name in the “Active Ingredients” section of product labels.

Creeping buttercup and lawn daisy growing in lawn

Weston Miller, Oregon State University

Lawn managers use herbicides with active ingredient glyphosate for total lawn renovations. It will kill the weeds and grasses. You need to follow up with replanting.

Photo of herbicide label with box highlighting active ingredient glyphosate

Weston Miller, Oregon State University

The white box on this example product label highlights active ingredient glyphosate. Text on the label states “Kills weeds, grasses & brush.”

  • Glyphosate will also damage grass and should not be used to spot-spray broadleaf weeds in lawns unless you plan to reseed or apply lawn patch.
  • Read and understand the DIRECTIONS FOR USE section of the product label before reseeding or replanting the treated area.
  • Products with glyphosate can be used for lawn total renovations. If your lawn has many weeds and you want a manicured look, a total lawn renovation is worth the effort. See Practical Lawn Establishment and Renovation  (OSU Extension Service).
Products with glyphosate will damage most grasses and broadleaf plants. Don’t let spray get near plants you want to keep.
 
E

Organic Herbicides

Chemical Method: Use with caution

Weston Miller, Oregon State University

Organic Herbicides

Use if Necessary

Organic herbicides are regarded as “contact” weed killers. They damage plant tissue when directly contacted by the spray.

Does it work?
Somewhat effective
  • They only damage leaves contacted by the spray, and don’t kill the roots. Perennial weeds such as dandelion and larger annual weeds will regrow.
  • Use preventive measures for best results.
How much effort?
Moderate effort

Repeat application is required to kill established broadleaf plants.

What's the risk?
Moderate risk
  • Herbicides come with real risks. ALWAYS read the entire label front to back. Use a magnifying glass.
  • Herbicides can run off your site into waterways and may harm wildlife. See How to Keep Pesticides Out of Waterways.
Possible risk of exposure or harm from chemicals
El uso de herbicidas conlleva cierto grado de riesgo. El riesgo más bajo se presenta con el uso de métodos alternativos.

You may be exposed to an herbicide if you:

  • Get it on your skin
  • Breathe it in
  • Eat or smoke afterward without washing hands
  • Touch or eat plants that are wet with spray (you, pets, or children)
  • Bring it inside on your shoes or clothes

Follow directions closely to reduce risk.

Organic herbicides are useful to kill seedlings of broadleaf, herbaceous weeds. They don’t kill established plants in a single application. Follow the label instructions for best results.

Organic herbicide product label

Weston Miller, Oregon State University | Bruce Ackley, The Ohio State University, Bugwood.org (lower right)

OMRI logo on organic pesticide container
Dandelion seedlings

Packaging / Marketing Clues (many brands)

Organic herbicides are derived from natural products. Look for terms such as “For Organic Gardening” (upper right) and “Eliminates unwanted vegetation quickly,” as shown in the photo. Also, look for terms such as “fast acting” and “burns weeds on contact.”

Benefits

  • Organic herbicides are useful for killing small seedlings of dandelions and other weeds as shown in the photo (lower right).

Drawbacks

  • Ingredients only burn leaves on contact. They don’t travel in the plant to kill the roots of perennials such as dandelion.
Some organic herbicide ingredients can cause eye damage. Wear safety glasses when handling or applying. “Ready to Use” products pose less risk than concentrated products that have to be mixed.

 

Example Active Ingredients

Look for “Active Ingredients” on the product label. Here are some example ingredients:

  • Caprylic acid and Capric acid (shown in photo)
  • Acetic acid
  • Ammoniated soap of fatty acids (herbicidal soap)
  • Iron HEDTA
  • Citric acid
  • Clove oil
 
F

Weed & Feed (Herbicide + Fertilizer)

Chemical Method: Use with caution

Weston Miller, Oregon State University

Weed & Feed (Herbicide + Fertilizer)

Avoid

Weed & feed products combine weed killers (herbicides) and fertilizer in the same package. They are meant for use on lawns.

Does it work?
Effective
  • Weed & feed products effectively kill dandelions and other weeds in lawns. But the best time to apply fertilizer is not always the best time to apply herbicide.
  • Use preventive measures for best results.
How much effort?
Moderate effort

Spread over the entire lawn area with fertilizer spreader. Follow up by applying grass seed to fill any gaps.

What's the risk?
Moderate risk
  • Herbicides come with real risks. ALWAYS read the entire label front to back. Use a magnifying glass.
  • The chemicals in ;weed & feed products can run off your site into waterways and may harm wildlife. See How to Keep Pesticides Out of Waterways.
Possible risk of exposure or harm from chemicals
El uso de herbicidas conlleva cierto grado de riesgo. El riesgo más bajo se presenta con el uso de métodos alternativos.

You may be exposed to an herbicide if you:

  • Get it on your skin
  • Breathe it in
  • Eat or smoke afterward without washing hands
  • Touch or eat plants that are wet with spray (you, pets, or children)
  • Bring it inside on your shoes or clothes

Follow directions closely to reduce risk.

Avoid weed & feed products, if possible. They often include more ingredients than your lawn needs at any one point in time. With lawn chemicals, aim to use only what you need, to protect water quality.

Weed & feed package

Weston Miller, Oregon State University

Weed & feed label details
Weed & feed label active ingredients

Packaging / Marketing Clues (many brands)

The photo shows an example a weed & feed product label. The label states “Kills Down to the Root” and “Greens Lawns.” It contains the active ingredient 2,4-D as well as other ingredients.

Benefits

  • Weed & feed products effectively kill dandelions and other broadleaf weeds when used according to the label instructions.

Drawbacks

  • The best time to apply fertilizer is not always the best time to apply herbicide.
  • Also, spreading herbicide over the entire lawn is often not necessary.
The herbicide ingredients in some weed & feed products can damage nearby trees and shrubs (bushes). If tree or shrub roots extend under your lawn, avoid using weed & feed products in the root zone of desired plants.

 

Recommended methods

  • Hand-pull or spot-spray weeds as needed.
  • Apply grass seed or lawn patch products to the areas where you dig up weeds.
 
G

Homemade Weed Killers

Not Recommended

iStock

Homemade Weed Killers

Homemade weed killers that use vinegar, soap, or other ingredients are not recommended for use as a weed killer (herbicide).

Does it work?
Somewhat effective

Homemade weed killers have not been tested in terms of effectiveness. How will you know if it works?

How much effort?
Moderate effort

Steps include: research recipe, make solution, and apply to weeds.

What's the risk?
Moderate risk

There aren’t standard safety instructions for homemade weed killers. You could harm yourself, the desired plants, or the environment.

Possible risk of exposure or harm from chemicals
Using homemade solutions to kill weeds includes some amount of risk. The lowest risk comes with using alternative methods.

You may be exposed to homemade weed killer if you:

  • Get it on your skin
  • Breathe it in
  • Eat or smoke afterward without washing hands
  • Touch or eat plants that are wet with spray (you, pets, or children)
  • Bring it inside on your shoes or clothes

Homemade weed killers don't have safety instructions. How will you know how to keep yourself, desired plants, and the environment from harm?

More About Homemade Weed Killers

  • Homemade weed killers with ingredients such as soap and vinegar work like contact herbicides. They burn leaves of plants they contact, which can kill young, annual weeds.
  • Homemade weed killers won’t kill established, perennial plants such as dandelion. A perennial plant will regrow new leaves after its leaves are burned by homemade weed killers.
 

If Using Herbicides, Protect Yourself & Minimize Risks

Chemical Method: Use with Caution
Family resting on lawn

FangXiaNuo, iStock

Why is it important to read herbicide labels?

  • They have detailed information on how to use the product correctly and legally.
  • They contain information on potential hazards of the product.
  • They provide instructions you should follow for poisonings and spills.
  • Following label instructions helps you to minimize the risks and maximize the benefits.

Key Herbicide Safety Tips

  • Read the entire label front to back.
  • Follow the instructions.
  • Review the instructions even for brands you know.
  • Only apply the product where the label says it may be applied.
  • Be precise in your application. More is not better.

The Label is the Law

ALWAYS read the label before using herbicide products. The label is a legal document that provides information on how to safely use the herbicide. This helps avoid harm to human health and the environment. Using an herbicide in off-label ways is illegal. It can result in legal enforcement actions.

READ THE LABEL & Follow Instructions
It has instructions to protect you and the environment.

  • Labels are different for every product and they often change over time.
  • Use a magnifying glass for small print.
  • Pay attention to CAUTION, WARNING, and DANGER statements.
  • Pay attention to the PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS.
  • The law states you must read and follow herbicide instructions.

Protect Plants You Want to Keep

  • Glyphosate and similar herbicide ingredients damage both grass and broadleaf plants.
  • Minimize spraying of foliage, stems, exposed roots, or the trunks of desirable shrubs or trees to avoid harm.
  • Follow the label to avoid damaging the roots of trees and shrubs.

Protect Yourself
Eye, skin & lung irritants

  • Wear the right protective gear. This often includes chemical-resistant gloves, safety glasses, a long-sleeve shirt, pants, socks, and shoes.
  • Mix outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
  • Wash hands after mixing or applying, and before eating or smoking.
  • Take a shower immediately after handling herbicides.
  • Wash clothes worn while mixing or applying separately from other laundry.

Avoid Wet, Windy, or Hot Weather
Use during favorable weather for best results.

  • Don’t spray when it’s raining or when rain is expected in the next 24 hours.
  • Wind causes spray to drift that can get on you and desired plants.
  • Herbicides may be less effective in hot weather if the target plants are moisture-stressed.
  • Some herbicides can turn into a vapor in hot weather and damage nearby plants.

Protect Children & Pets
Children and pets are at risk if they eat or touch the plants before it dries.

  • Keep them away during and after applying herbicides (read label for how long).
  • Remove toys and pet dishes from yard before applying.
  • Don’t track herbicide products into your home on shoes or clothes.

Protect Pollinators

  • Apply in the early morning or evening when bees are less active.
  • Kill weeds before they flower. Avoid spraying flowering plants.
  • Do not spray on bees or insects.

Storage & Disposal

  • Store in a secure area away from children.
  • Don’t put unused herbicide products in the trash.
  • Never pour down any drain or waterway.
  • Take unused herbicides to a hazardous waste facility.

Call  1-800-CLEANUP (1-800-253-2687) to find out where to dispose of herbicides.

For the Portland metro region in Oregon, contact Metro’s Recycling Information. Call  503-234-3000, email   or visit Metro’s website  

More about:

About Using Pesticides on School Grounds in Oregon

If using pesticides on school grounds, there are special rules in Oregon. See School Integrated Pest Management  (Oregon Department of Agriculture).

NEED HELP?

The National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC)  can answer questions about pest control chemicals.
 1-800-858-7378 or npic@ace.orst.edu  

Consider using a licensed pest or weed control company. Learn How to Hire a Pest Control Company.

Your local Extension Specialist in Oregon  and other states  can suggest other methods.


Content provided by Weston Miller and J. Jeremiah Mann. Pesticide safety information edited by Kaci Buhl.

 Reviewed by OSU Department of Horticulture.

Photo of Weston Miller

Weston Miller

Project Founder and Content Writer

Weston Miller served as Community and Urban Horticulture faculty for Oregon State University Extension Service for Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington Counties. Weston is an author for content for this website. He developed funding partnerships with Portland area agencies to initiate and build out the Solve Pest Problems website focused on this goals:

J. Jeremiah Mann

J. Jeremiah Mann

J. Jeremiah Mann completed a Physical Science undergraduate degree at Humboldt State University, and M.S, Ph.D focusing on plant science topics at UC Davis. He went on to work for the Natural Resources Conservation Service and in a leadership position serving a private agricultural technology company. He currently lives in Sacramento California where he consults on pest and property management topics.

Photo of Kaci Buhl

Kaci Buhl

At the state level, I lead the Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP). The program hosts live recertification events around the state, serving over 1,000 licensed pesticide applicators each year. We also produce web-based training modules and license-preparation study manuals. Special training for unlicensed pesticide applicators is also available through a grant from the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. The PSEP at OSU works closely with the Oregon Department of Agriculture's Pesticides Division.