Common Oklahoma Weeds Identified + Treatment

WeedFreeLawns
March 27, 2024

Table of Contents

11 Most Common Weeds in Oklahoma

Knowing your enemy is half the battle. There are many weed types in Oklahoma, but we will restrict this article to the 11 most common Oklahoma weeds, equipping you with the knowledge to tackle the problem yourself (DIYer). Persistent weeds can require dedication and knowledge for control, but there’s no need to go it alone!

For a more effortless solution, Weed Free Lawns in Oklahoma City offers professional weed control services. Our targeted control methods and comprehensive lawn care strategy ensure a weed-free haven you can enjoy season after season.

A Guide to Oklahoma Weeds

Oklahoma weeds can quickly steal the beauty and functionality of your lawn. Before we dive into identifying specific invaders, we’ll very briefly touch on a few general and organic weed control strategies to keep your lawn healthy and resistant.

General Weed Prevention Strategies

Mow Properly: Maintain a healthy lawn height according to your turfgrass type. Regular mowing helps suppress weeds and encourages a thicker, more competitive lawn.
Water Wisely: Water deeply and infrequently based on your turfgrass needs and weather conditions. Overwatering can encourage weed growth.
Aerate Regularly: Aeration improves drainage and airflow in the soil, creating a less hospitable environment for weeds.
Mulch Effectively: Apply a layer of mulch to suppress weed seed germination and retain moisture in the soil.

Organic Weed Control Methods

Hand-pulling: This is a great option for small infestations, especially young weeds, allowing for targeted removal.
Corn Gluten Meal: A pre-emergent weed preventer that can be helpful for certain types of weeds. Apply according to package directions.
Natural Herbicides (Caution): Use natural options like vinegar for spot treatment of broadleaf weeds, but be very cautious as it can harm desired plants. Consider spot application methods to minimize risk.
Boiling Water (Caution): Effective for eliminating small weeds in patios or walkways, but use with caution as it can damage hardscaping materials. Boiling water is not recommended for use in lawns.

Weed Name (Common Name)	Scientific Name	Weed Description	Growth Habit	Preferred Conditions	Problems Caused
Crabgrass	Digitaria spp.	Low-growing, green grass with spreading stems.	Annual	Full sun, moist soil	Invades lawns, competes with turfgrass
Dandelion	Taraxacum officinale	Bright yellow flower with single taproot.	Perennial	Full sun, various soil types	Displaces grass, spreads quickly through wind-dispersed seeds
Chickweed	Stellaria media	Low-growing winter annual with small white flowers.	Annual	Cool, damp conditions	Forms dense mats, crowds out turfgrass
Carpet Grass	Axonopus compressus	Dense, low-growing grass with broad blades.	Perennial (Warm-Season)	Full sun to partial shade, moist soil	Can become invasive in warm climates, difficult to mow
Purslane	Portulaca oleracea	Fleshy, reddish stems with small yellow flowers.	Annual	Full sun, well-drained soil	Rapid growth, competes with turfgrass for water and nutrients
Johnsongrass	Sorghum halepense	Tall, aggressive perennial grass with thick blades.	Perennial	Full sun, various soil types	Difficult to eradicate, crowds out turfgrass, spreads through seeds and underground rhizomes
Spurge	Euphorbia spp. (Several varieties)	Varies depending on species, but often has milky sap and green leaves.	Annual or Perennial (depending on variety)	Full sun to partial shade, various soil types	Some varieties can irritate skin, competes with desired plants
Henbit	Lamium amplexicaule	Small, hairy plant with purple or pink flowers.	Winter Annual	Cool, damp conditions, prefers loose soil	Forms dense mats, competes with turfgrass, may trigger allergies in some people
Pigweed	Amaranthus spp. (Several varieties)	Upright plant with reddish stems and green leaves.	Annual	Full sun, warm temperatures, well-drained soil	Rapid growth, competes with desired plants, some varieties can trigger allergies
White Clover	Trifolium repens	Creeping perennial with three-lobed leaves and white flower heads.	Perennial	Full sun to partial shade, moist soil	Can be beneficial (nitrogen fixation) or a nuisance, spreads quickly and competes with turfgrass
Wood Sorrel	Oxalis spp. (Several varieties)	Low-growing plant with clover-like leaves and small yellow flowers.	Perennial	Partial shade to dappled sun, moist soil	Spreads quickly through bulbils and rhizomes, can be difficult to control

Weeds in Oklahoma

Crab Grass

Crab Grass Characteristics: Crabgrass is a common warm-season annual weed in Oklahoma known for its low-growing, sprawling habit. It has flat, broad leaves and forms dense patches that can quickly take over a lawn. Crabgrass seed heads emerge as finger-like clusters that rise above the foliage.

Interesting Crab Grass Facts: Despite its name, crabgrass is not actually a true grass! It belongs to the Digitaria genus, which includes several species of finger grasses.

Problems Caused by Crab Grass: Crabgrass is a fast-growing weed that can quickly outcompete desired turfgrass for water, nutrients, and sunlight. It creates an unsightly appearance in lawns and can be difficult to control once established. Crabgrass patches can also become muddy after rain and create uneven mowing surfaces.

Crab Grass Life Cycle: Crabgrass germinates in warm soil temperatures (usually late spring/early summer) and grows rapidly throughout the summer. It produces large quantities of seeds in the fall that lie dormant in the soil until the following spring. Crabgrass dies with the first frost.

Preferred Conditions for Crab Grass: Crabgrass thrives in warm, sunny areas with compacted soil and low moisture levels. It can also tolerate poor soil quality.

Crab Grass Identification: Crabgrass can be identified by its low-growing, sprawling habit, with finger-like stems radiating outward from a central point. The leaves are flat and broader than most turfgrass blades. Look for crabgrass seed heads emerging above the foliage in late summer/fall. These seed heads are clusters of finger-like projections that turn brown as they mature.

Control Methods for Crab Grass:

Pre-Emergent Herbicides: Apply a pre-emergent herbicide in early spring before crabgrass seeds germinate. Follow package directions carefully.

Thick, Healthy Lawn: Maintaining a thick, healthy lawn with proper mowing, watering, and fertilization practices can help prevent crabgrass establishment.
Hand-Pulling: Effective for small infestations, especially young crabgrass plants. However, ensure you remove the entire root system to prevent regrowth.

Proactive Crabgrass Prevention: Crabgrass spreads quickly in Oklahoma’s warm summers, taking over your lawn before you know it. Weed Free Lawns can develop a customized pre-emergent weed control plan to prevent crabgrass seeds from germinating in the first place. This proactive approach keeps your lawn healthy and crabgrass-free throughout the season. Don’t wait until crabgrass takes hold – call Weed Free Lawns today for a free quote on our pre-emergent weed control services!

Dandelion

Dandelion Characteristics: The common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is a perennial broadleaf weed found throughout Oklahoma. It’s easily recognized by its cheerful, bright yellow flower head and long, serrated leaves forming a rosette at the base. Dandelions have a milky sap that can stain clothes.

Interesting Dandelion Fact: Did you know dandelions are actually edible? The leaves can be added to salads for a slightly bitter flavor, and the flowers can be used to make dandelion wine or jelly.

Problems Caused by Dandelions in Oklahoma Lawns: While dandelions can be a nuisance in Oklahoma lawns, they are not harmful to the grass itself. However, their aggressive growth can crowd out desired plants, and their deep taproots can make mowing uneven. Additionally, their prolific seed production, with those familiar white puffball heads, can quickly spread throughout your lawn if left unchecked.

Dandelion Life Cycle: Dandelions are persistent perennials with a deep taproot system that allows them to survive harsh Oklahoma winters and re-sprout in the spring. They reproduce quickly through wind-dispersed seeds, making them a common weed problem for Oklahoma homeowners. Dandelions can germinate throughout the spring and summer, so be vigilant!

Preferred Conditions for Dandelions in Oklahoma: Dandelions can tolerate a wide range of soils but prefer areas with low calcium and high nitrogen levels. Their presence can indicate slightly acidic soil conditions, a common issue in some Oklahoma lawns.

Dandelion Identification: The key identification features of dandelions are the bright yellow flowerhead, the white, puffball-like seed head, and the long, serrated leaves forming a rosette at the base. Look for dandelions popping up in your Oklahoma lawn throughout the spring and early summer.

Control Methods for Dandelions in Oklahoma:

DIY Options:

Hand-Pulling: Effective for young dandelions in Oklahoma lawns if you can remove the entire taproot. Persistence is key, as dandelions can regrow from root fragments.

Organic Herbicides (Caution): Consider natural options like vinegar for spot treatment of dandelions in your Oklahoma lawn. However, be very cautious, as vinegar can harm desired plants as well. A targeted approach is recommended.

Eradicating Persistent Dandelions: Dandelions seem to have a knack for popping up everywhere in Oklahoma lawns. Weed Free Lawns can provide a long-term solution by utilizing specialized techniques that target the deep taproots of these persistent weeds, preventing them from coming back season after season. Our targeted approach ensures a dandelion-free lawn you can enjoy all year round. Contact Weed Free Lawns today to learn more about our dandelion control services!

Chickweed

Chickweed Characteristics: Chickweed (Stellaria media) is a common winter annual broadleaf weed found throughout Oklahoma. It’s a low-growing plant that forms dense mats, often carpeting areas of your lawn during the cooler months. Chickweed is easily identified by its small, star-shaped white flowers and smooth, oval-shaped leaves.

Interesting Chickweed Fact: Believe it or not, chickweed has a history of medicinal uses! While its effectiveness is debatable, chickweed has been used traditionally to soothe coughs and skin conditions.

Problems Caused by Chickweed in Oklahoma Lawns: While chickweed isn’t as aggressive as some other weeds, it can still be a nuisance in Oklahoma lawns. Its dense mats can smother desired turfgrass, hindering growth and preventing sunlight and nutrients from reaching the soil. Additionally, chickweed can create an unsightly appearance on your lawn, especially during the spring when it starts blooming.

Chickweed Life Cycle: Chickweed is a winter annual, germinating in the cooler temperatures of fall and early spring in Oklahoma. It thrives in mild weather and goes dormant during the hot summer months. Chickweed reproduces quickly through seeds, so it’s important to address infestations early to prevent them from spreading.

Preferred Conditions for Chickweed in Oklahoma: Chickweed favors moist, shaded areas with loose, fertile soil. It’s a common sight in Oklahoma lawns that haven’t been aerated or overseeded recently, as compacted soil creates ideal conditions for chickweed growth.

Chickweed Identification: The key identification features of chickweed are its low-growing, mat-forming habit, small star-shaped white flowers, and smooth, oval-shaped leaves with opposite arrangements on the stem. Look for chickweed in your Oklahoma lawn during the cooler months, particularly in shaded areas or areas with compacted soil.

Control Methods for Chickweed in Oklahoma Lawns

DIY Options:

Hand-pulling: Effective for small chickweed infestations in Oklahoma lawns, especially when the soil is moist. Ensure you remove the entire plant, including the roots, to prevent regrowth.

Corn Gluten Meal: This natural pre-emergent weed control option can help prevent chickweed seeds from germinating in your Oklahoma lawn. Apply according to package directions in the early fall or late winter.
Organic Herbicides (Caution): Some organic herbicides can be effective against chickweed. However, be cautious and choose a product specifically labeled for chickweed control in Oklahoma lawns. Always follow the application instructions carefully to avoid harming desired plants.

Carpet Grass

Carpet Grass Description: Carpet Grass (Axonopus spp.) isn’t your typical grassy weed. This warm-season perennial can be a real headache for Oklahoma homeowners, forming a dense, carpet-like layer that crowds out desired turfgrass. It has reddish-green leaves and spreads aggressively through stolons (above-ground runners) and seeds.

Interesting Carpet Grass Fact: Believe it or not, Carpet Grass is sometimes used as a low-maintenance turfgrass alternative in certain areas. However, in Oklahoma lawns, it’s an unwelcome guest!

Problems Caused by Carpet Grass in Oklahoma Lawns: Carpet Grass is a fast-growing and aggressive weed that thrives in warm, humid conditions common in Oklahoma summers. It quickly forms a dense mat, smothering your desired turfgrass and preventing it from receiving sunlight, water, and nutrients. This not only weakens your lawn but can also create an uneven mowing surface and an overall unattractive appearance.

Carpet Grass Life Cycle: Carpet Grass is a perennial weed that persists year after year. It spreads rapidly through stolons that root at the nodes, forming new patches throughout your lawn. Additionally, it produces an abundance of seeds that can germinate readily in warm Oklahoma soil.

Preferred Conditions for Carpet Grass in Oklahoma: Carpet Grass prefers moist, shaded areas with compacted soil. It can be a particular problem in Oklahoma City lawns that haven’t been aerated or overseeded recently, as these conditions favor its growth.

Carpet Grass Identification: The key identification features of Carpet Grass are its dense, carpet-like growth habit, reddish-green leaves, and stolons (above-ground runners) that spread outward from the central plant. Look for narrow seed heads emerging above the foliage in late summer and fall.

Control Methods for Carpet Grass in Oklahoma Lawns:

DIY Options:

Manual Removal: For very small infestations, you can attempt to remove Carpet Grass manually by carefully digging up the entire plant, including the stolon’s (above-ground runners) and roots. Persistence is key, as any remaining fragments can sprout new growth. Be aware that this method is labor-intensive and may not be effective for widespread infestations.

Professional Oklahoma Lawn Care Options: Given the aggressive nature of Carpet Grass, Weed Free Lawns recommends professional control methods for complete eradication. Our experienced technicians can apply specialized herbicides that target Carpet Grass while minimizing harm to your desired turfgrass. We can also develop a long-term and effective weed control plan to prevent Carpet Grass from returning and ensure a healthy, weed-free lawn for your Oklahoma home.

Spurge

Spurge Characteristics: Spurge isn’t just one weed but a group of summer annual weeds commonly found throughout Oklahoma City and Oklahoma in general. These broadleaf weeds are known for their low-growing, mat-forming habit and reddish stems. Spurge leaves are typically small and oval-shaped, often with a distinctive red spot in the center. Be cautious when handling Spurge, as it contains a milky white sap that can irritate the skin.

Interesting Spurge Fact: Did you know that there are over 2,000 species of Spurge worldwide? While some varieties have medicinal uses, the Spurge species common in Oklahoma lawns are unwanted visitors.

Problems Caused by Spurge in Oklahoma Lawns: Spurge can quickly spread and form dense patches in your Oklahoma lawn, competing with desired turfgrass for water, nutrients, and sunlight. They can also create an unsightly appearance, especially when they flower and produce small green seed capsules. Additionally, the milky sap from Spurge can irritate the skin if you come into contact with it while mowing or weeding.

Spurge Life Cycle: Spurge germinates in warm Oklahoma soil temperatures, typically in early spring. These summer annuals grow rapidly throughout the season, producing large quantities of seeds in the fall that lie dormant in the soil until the following spring. With favorable conditions, Spurge infestations can worsen quickly if left unchecked.

Preferred Conditions for Spurge in Oklahoma City: Spurge thrives in warm, sunny areas with compacted soil and low moisture levels. They can also tolerate poor soil quality, making them a common problem in Oklahoma lawns that haven’t been properly cared for.

Spurge Identification: The key identification features of Spurge are its low-growing, mat-forming habit, reddish stems, small oval-shaped leaves (often with a red spot), and milky white sap. Look for Spurge emerging in your Oklahoma lawn during the spring and summer months, particularly in areas with compacted soil or thin turfgrass.

Control Methods for Spurge in Oklahoma Lawns:

DIY Options:

Hand-Pulling: Effective for small Spurge infestations in Oklahoma lawns, especially when the soil is moist. Ensure you wear gloves to avoid skin irritation from the sap and remove the entire plant, including the roots, to prevent regrowth.

Organic Vinegar Spray (Caution): A vinegar solution can be a spot treatment option for individual Spurge plants. However, be very cautious, as vinegar can harm desired plants as well. A targeted approach and proper dilution are crucial. Consider alternative methods for larger infestations.

White Clover

White Clover Characteristics: White Clover is a perennial broadleaf weed found throughout Oklahoma. It’s easily recognized by its low-growing habit of forming dense mats close to the ground. The hallmark feature is its trifoliate leaves, meaning each leaf has three individual leaflets. These leaflets are typically egg-shaped, smooth with a small notch at the tip, and often have a distinctive white, V-shaped marking in the center.

Blooming White Clover: During spring and summer, White Clover produces clusters of white, clover-shaped flowers. While some variations may have a tinge of purple, the white color is most common in Oklahoma lawns.

Interesting White Clover Fact: Did you know that White Clover has a symbiotic relationship with certain bacteria in the soil? These bacteria fix nitrogen from the air, making it available to nearby plants, which can be a benefit in some situations.

Potential Benefits of White Clover in Oklahoma Lawns (Limited):

Nitrogen Fixation: As mentioned, White Clover can contribute some fixed nitrogen to the soil, potentially reducing the need for nitrogen-based fertilizers in certain situations.

Problems Caused by White Clover in Oklahoma Lawns (More Common):

Aggressiveness: White Clover can be quite aggressive in establishing itself and can crowd out desired turfgrass, especially in areas with thin or compacted soil.

Uneven Growth: White Clover has a lower mowing height than most turfgrasses, creating an uneven mowing surface and potentially scalping your desired grass.

Appearance: While some find White Clover aesthetically pleasing, it can be unwanted in manicured lawns where a uniform green carpet is preferred.

White Clover Life Cycle: White Clover is a perennial weed that persists year after year in Oklahoma lawns. It spreads through stolons (above-ground runners) and seeds. Seeds can remain dormant in the soil for several years, making it challenging to eradicate completely.

Preferred Conditions for White Clover in Oklahoma: White Clover thrives in moist, compacted soil conditions with full sun or partial shade. It’s often seen in areas where desired turfgrass struggles, such as under trees or in heavily shaded areas.

Control Methods for White Clover in Oklahoma Lawns:

Maintain a Thick, Healthy Lawn: A healthy lawn with proper mowing, watering, and fertilization practices can help crowd out White Clover naturally.

Aerate Compacted Soil: Aeration improves drainage and allows your desired turfgrass to thrive, making it less hospitable to White Clover.

DIY Herbicide Options (Caution): Selective broadleaf herbicides can be effective against White Clover. However, choose a product specifically labeled for White Clover control in Oklahoma lawns and follow application instructions carefully to avoid harming your desired turfgrass.

Remember: While White Clover can offer some benefits, it can become a nuisance in Oklahoma lawns. By following these tips and consulting with Weed Free Lawns if needed, you can achieve a healthy, White Clover-free lawn you’ll enjoy throughout the year.

Purslane

Purslane Characteristics: Purslane is a common summer annual weed found throughout Oklahoma. It spreads quickly and forms a dense, mat-like layer that can smother your desired turfgrass. While some might mistake it for a succulent due to its fleshy leaves, Purslane is a persistent weed best controlled before it takes over your lawn.

Mat-like growth: Purslane spreads horizontally, forming dense mats that crowd out your desired turfgrass.

Reddish-purple stems: The stems of Purslane are typically thick, waxy, and have a reddish-purple color.

Shiny green leaves: Purslane’s leaves are fleshy and have a glossy, bright green appearance.

Bright Yellow Flowers: Another distinctive feature of Purslane is its bright yellow flowers. These flowers open in the morning sun and close after a few hours, adding a fleeting splash of color to your lawn (if you can see them through the dense foliage!).

Interesting Purslane Fact: Believe it or not, Purslane is actually a succulent plant and is considered edible in some cultures! However, its presence in your Oklahoma lawn is more likely a nuisance than a culinary opportunity.

Problems Caused by Purslane in Oklahoma Lawns:

Rapid Growth: Purslane is a prolific grower, especially in hot, humid Oklahoma summers. It can quickly form dense mats that smother your desired turfgrass, hindering its growth and preventing it from receiving sunlight, water, and nutrients.

Seeding and Persistence: Purslane produces an abundance of tiny seeds that readily germinate in warm Oklahoma soil. This allows Purslane populations to establish quickly and persist year after year if left unchecked.

Preferred Conditions for Purslane:

Warmth and Humidity: Purslane thrives in hot, humid conditions common in Oklahoma summers.

Moist Soil: While tolerant of drought conditions, Purslane flourishes in moist soil, particularly in areas where your lawn isn’t draining properly.

Disturbed Soil: Purslane can readily take hold in disturbed areas of your lawn, such as those recently tilled or lacking established turfgrass.

Control Methods for Purslane in Oklahoma Lawns:

DIY Options (Limited Effectiveness):

Hand-Pulling: For very small infestations, you can attempt to hand-pull Purslane when the soil is moist. Ensure you remove the entire plant, including the roots, to prevent regrowth. Be aware that this method is labor-intensive and may not be effective for widespread infestations.

Johnsongrass

Johnsongrass Characteristics: Johnsongrass isn’t your typical lawn weed. This aggressive, perennial grass can be a real headache for Oklahoma homeowners. Some people consider Johnsongrass to be invasive weeds, but that is debatable. Johnsongrass grows tall and coarse, reaching heights of up to 2 meters (over 6 feet) and outcompeting your desired turfgrass for sunlight, water, and nutrients. It is a stubborn weed that spreads rapidly through an extensive network of underground rhizomes (modified stems) that make complete eradication challenging.

Tall and Coarse: Johnsongrass grows taller than most turfgrasses in Oklahoma, reaching heights of up to 2 meters (over 6 feet) with coarse, ribbon-like leaves.

Lignified Stems: Unlike the soft stems of most turfgrasses, the stems of Johnsongrass become woody and hardened as they mature.

Auricles: Look for small, clasping structures (auricles) where the leaf blade meets the stem. This is a characteristic feature of Johnsongrass.

Interesting Johnsongrass Fact: While Johnsongrass is a villain in Oklahoma lawns, it was once planted as a forage crop in some areas. However, its aggressive nature often outweighs any potential benefits.

Problems Caused by Johnsongrass in Oklahoma Lawns:

Aggressive Growth:Johnsongrass is a highly aggressive grower that spreads quickly through its underground rhizomes. These rhizomes can extend several feet underground, making it difficult to remove completely.

Competition for Resources: Johnsongrass competes fiercely with your desired turfgrass for essential resources like sunlight, water, and nutrients. This weakens your lawn and makes it more susceptible to other problems.

Unsightly Appearance: The tall, coarse blades of Johnsongrass stand out in your lawn, creating an unsightly and unkempt appearance.

Johnsongrass Life Cycle: Johnsongrass is a perennial weed that persists year after year. It spreads primarily through its underground rhizomes, but it can also reproduce by seed. Seeds can remain dormant in the soil for several years, germinating when conditions are favorable.

Preferred Conditions for Johnsongrass in Oklahoma:

Warmth and Humidity: Johnsongrass thrives in hot, humid conditions common in Oklahoma summers.

Moist Soil: While somewhat drought-tolerant, Johnsongrass flourishes in moist soil, especially in areas where your lawn isn’t draining properly.

Disturbed Soil: Johnsongrass can readily take hold in disturbed areas of your lawn, such as those recently tilled or lacking established turfgrass.

Control Methods for Johnsongrass in Oklahoma Lawns:

DIY Options (Limited Effectiveness): Due to its aggressive nature and extensive root system, DIY control methods for Johnsongrass are very limited.

Hand-pulling:Not recommended for established Johnsongrass infestations. Pulling can break off rhizomes, potentially worsening the problem.

Professional Oklahoma City Lawn Care Options: Given the complexity of controlling Johnsongrass, Weed Free Lawns recommends professional solutions for complete eradication. Our experienced technicians have the knowledge and tools to tackle tough weeds like Johnsongrass. We may utilize a combination of methods, including:

Targeted Herbicides: We can apply specialized herbicides that target Johnsongrass while minimizing harm to your desired turfgrass.

Multiple Treatments: Eradicating Johnsongrass often requires multiple herbicide applications throughout the growing season to control both existing plants and emerging seedlings.

Henbit

Henbit Characteristics: Henbit is a common winter annual weed found throughout Oklahoma lawns. This low-growing broadleaf weed can form dense patches, creating an unsightly appearance and competing with your desired turfgrass for resources. While some consider its small purple flowers attractive, Henbit is best controlled before it takes hold in your lawn.

Low-Growing and Spreading: Henbit grows close to the ground, forming dense mats with square stems that spread outward.

Scalloped Leaves: The leaves of Henbit are typically heart-shaped with a scalloped or wavy edge, distinguishing them from the smooth blades of most turfgrasses.

Small Purple Flowers: In spring, Henbit produces small, trumpet-shaped flowers that are typically a light to medium purple color.

Interesting Henbit Fact: Despite its weedy status in lawns, Henbit is actually a member of the mint family! However, it doesn’t possess the refreshing minty scent of its more desirable relatives.

Problems Caused by Henbit in Oklahoma Lawns:

Competition: Henbit forms dense patches that compete with your desired turfgrass for sunlight, water, and nutrients. This weakens your lawn and makes it more susceptible to other problems.

Seeding and Persistence: Henbit readily produces seeds that germinate in cool fall and winter temperatures. These seeds can lie dormant in the soil until conditions are favorable for growth, making Henbit a persistent weed.

Unsightly Appearance: While some find the small purple flowers of Henbit charming, its overall appearance can detract from the beauty of a well-maintained lawn.

Preferred Conditions for Henbit in Oklahoma:

Cool, Moist Conditions: Henbit thrives in cool, moist conditions that are common in Oklahoma winters. It germinates readily in fall and early spring when soil temperatures are cooler.

Thin or Bare Patches: Henbit often takes hold in areas with thin or bare turfgrass, where it can easily establish itself due to less competition for sunlight and resources.

Moist Soil: Henbit prefers moist soil conditions and may be more prevalent in areas with poor drainage.

Control Methods for Henbit in Oklahoma Lawns:

Maintain a Thick, Healthy Lawn: A healthy lawn with proper mowing, watering, and fertilization practices creates a dense turf that discourages Henbit germination.

Fall Overseeding: Seeding your lawn with cool-season grasses in the fall helps fill in bare patches where Henbit might take root.

Pre-Emergent Herbicides: As for targeted control, applying a pre-emergent herbicide in late summer or early fall can prevent Henbit seeds from germinating in the cooler months.

Pigweed

Pigweed Characteristics: Pigweed isn’t just one weed but a group of fast-growing summer annual broadleaf weeds common throughout Oklahoma City. These aggressive invaders quickly establish themselves in warm weather, forming dense patches that crowd out your desired turfgrass. Pigweed species can vary in height, and some have reddish pigments on their stems and leaves. Be aware that some Pigweed varieties produce spiny burs that can be unpleasant to step on.

Upright Growth Habit: Pigweed grows upright with a central stem and branching side shoots. Depending on the species, it can reach heights ranging from a few inches to several feet.

Reddish Tinge: Many Pigweed varieties have a reddish coloration in their stems and sometimes even in their leaves.

Small Green Flowers: Pigweed produces clusters of small, green flowers along the upper portions of the stems and branches, typically blooming in mid to late summer.

Spiny Burs: Certain Pigweed species, like Palmer Amaranth, develop spiny burs that can cling to clothing and be uncomfortable to step on. While not all pigweed varieties have these burs, they are helpful identification features if they are present.

Interesting Pigweed Fact: Did you know that some Pigweed species are actually cultivated as food crops in certain parts of the world? However, in Oklahoma lawns, Pigweed is strictly unwelcome.

Problems Caused by Pigweed in Oklahoma Lawns:

Rapid Growth: Pigweed germinates quickly in warm Oklahoma soil and grows at an alarming rate, outcompeting your desired turfgrass for sunlight, water, and nutrients.

Competition and Resource Depletion: Dense Pigweed patches deprive your lawn of essential resources, weakening it and making it more susceptible to disease and other pests.

Seeding and Persistence: Pigweed produces an abundance of tiny seeds that readily germinate in warm soil. These seeds can remain dormant for years, creating a persistent threat to your lawn if left uncontrolled.

Preferred Conditions for Pigweed:

Warmth and Sun: Pigweed thrives in hot, sunny Oklahoma summers.

Disturbed Soil: These opportunistic weeds readily establish themselves in disturbed areas of your lawn, such as those recently tilled or lacking established turfgrass.

Moist Soil: While somewhat drought-tolerant, Pigweed flourishes in moist soil, particularly in areas with poor drainage.

Control Methods for Pigweed:

Early Removal: For small infestations, hand-pulling Pigweed seedlings when the soil is moist is an option. Ensure you remove the entire plant, including the roots, to prevent regrowth. Be aware that this method becomes impractical for larger infestations.

Pre-Emergent Herbicides: Applying a pre-emergent herbicide in early spring can help prevent Pigweed seeds from germinating in the first place.

Post-Emergent Herbicides:Targeted post-emergent herbicides can be effective for established pigweed populations. However, choosing the right herbicide and applying it correctly is crucial to avoid harming your desired turfgrass.

Wood Sorrel

Wood Sorrel Characteristics: Often mistaken for clover, Wood Sorrel is a fast-growing perennial weed found throughout Oklahoma. While some find its delicate appearance charming, Wood Sorrel can become a nuisance in lawns. It spreads quickly through bulbs, rhizomes (underground stems), and seeds, forming dense patches that can crowd out your desired turfgrass. Be aware that Wood Sorrel contains oxalic acid, which can be harmful if ingested in large quantities.

Clover Lookalike: Wood Sorrel closely resembles clover leaves, but upon closer inspection, you’ll notice key differences:

Leaf Shape: Wood Sorrel leaves have a heart-shaped form with a single central notch at the tip, while clover leaflets are more rounded.

Leaflets: Wood Sorrel has three leaflets per leaf (trifoliate), whereas clover typically has three rounded leaflets without a central notch.

Yellow Flowers: Wood Sorrel produces small, delicate yellow flowers with five petals, blooming in spring and throughout summer.

Folding Leaves: Observe the leaves, particularly in the evening or during hot weather. Wood Sorrel leaves have a unique characteristic of folding inwards along the central vein.

Interesting Wood Sorrel Fact: Did you know that Wood Sorrel leaves have a unique adaptation? During the night or in hot weather, the leaves fold inwards along the central vein, resembling a tiny butterfly.

Problems Caused by Wood Sorrel in Oklahoma Lawns:

Aggressive Growth: Wood Sorrel spreads rapidly through various means, forming dense patches that compete with your desired turfgrass for sunlight, water, and nutrients.

Unsightly Appearance: While some find its small yellow flowers attractive, Wood Sorrel’s overall low-growing, dense patches can detract from the beauty of a well-maintained lawn.

Persistence: Wood Sorrel’s extensive underground network of bulbs and rhizomes makes complete eradication challenging. Seeds can also remain dormant in the soil for several years, allowing the weed to return if not controlled properly.

Preferred Conditions for Wood Sorrel in Oklahoma Lawns:

Shade or Partial Shade: Unlike many lawn grasses that prefer full sun, Wood Sorrel thrives in shaded or partially shaded areas.

Moist Soil: Wood Sorrel prefers moist, well-drained soil conditions. It may be more prevalent in areas with poor drainage or under trees with heavy shade.

Disturbed Soil: Wood Sorrel can readily establish itself in disturbed areas of your lawn, such as those recently tilled or lacking established turfgrass.

Control Methods for Wood Sorrel in Oklahoma Lawns:

Cultural Practices: The following practices can help discourage Wood Sorrel growth and favor your desired turfgrass:

Maintain a Thick, Healthy Lawn: A healthy lawn with proper mowing and fertilization practices can help crowd out Wood Sorrel naturally.

Improve Drainage: If Wood Sorrel is prevalent in shaded areas, consider improving drainage to create less hospitable conditions for the weed.

Hand-pulling (Limited Effectiveness): For very small infestations, hand-pulling Wood Sorrel plants when the soil is moist is an option. However, ensure you remove the entire plant, including the bulbs and rhizomes, to prevent regrowth. This method becomes labor-intensive for larger infestations.

Organic Herbicides (Caution): Certain organic herbicides formulated for broadleaf weeds may be effective against Wood Sorrel. Always follow the product label instructions carefully to avoid harming your desired turfgrass, and be aware that organic herbicides may require multiple applications for complete control.

Oklahoma Weed Resources

Oklahoma State University Extension – Weed Science: This website offers informative guides on various weeds commonly found in Oklahoma, including identification tips and control methods.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – Pesticide Safety: The EPA website offers extensive resources on safe herbicide use, including information on reading labels, proper application techniques, and protecting yourself and the environment

Weed Free Lawns: Your Oklahoma Lawn Care Partner

Taking care of your lawn can be a challenge, especially in Oklahoma’s hot summers. Many homeowners find juggling busy schedules, extreme heat, and dealing with chemicals daunting.

Remember, consistency is key! Regular prevention and control measures are essential for long-term success in managing weeds and keeping your Oklahoma lawn looking its best. That’s where Weed Free Lawns can help!

We can quote many projects over the phone, so give us a call today to get started – (405) 659-5168.