Broadleaf Weeds vs. Grassy-type Weeds

Weeds are a persistent issue for homeowners, especially in Florida, often invading lawns and gardens. The two main categories of weeds are broadleaf weeds and grassy-type weeds, including sedges. Although they have distinct appearances, both types are equally unwanted and require proper identification and control measures.

What are Broadleaf Weeds

Broadleaf weeds are a common weed, characterized by their fibrous root systems and the presence of leaves. 

Common examples include spurge, dogfennel, old world diamond flower, chickweed, and broadleaf plantain. These weeds can infest both flower beds and grass, making it essential to control them before they spread.

Check out our previous post on types of weed killers to learn more.

Examples of Broadleaf Weeds with Photos

Annual Sow-thistle	Arrowleaf Clover	Asiatic Hawksbeard	Bitterweed	Black Medick
Bristly Mallow	Buckhorn Plantain	Burclover	Carolina Dichondra	Carolina Geranium
Carpetweed	Catchweed Bedstraw	Common Chickweed	Common Groundsel	Common Mallow
Cudweed	Curly Dock	Dandelion	Dogfennel	Dollarweed
Field Bindweed	Field Madder	Filaree	Frogfruit	Ground Ivy
Hairy Bittercress	Hairy Buttercup	Hedge Parsley	Henbit	Horrible Thistle
Horseweed	India Mock Strawberry	Japanese Mazus	Khakiweed	Lawn Burweed
Lespedeza	Mouse-ear Chickweed	Pepperweed	Pigweed	Pillpod Sandmat
Powderpuff	Prostrate Knotweed	Purple Deadnettle	Purslane	Ragweed
Reversed Clover	Scarlet Pimpernel	Shepherd’s-purse	Showy Evening Primrose	Silverleaf Nightshade
Slender Aster	Slender Fumewort	Slim-lobe Celery	Spiny Sowthistle	Sprawling Horseweed
Sticktight Buttercup	Sweet Clover	Toothed Spurge	Trampweed	Tropic Croton
Vetch	Violet Woodsorrel	Virginia Buttonweed	Virginia Copperleaf	Water Hyssop
Western Horsenettle	White Clover	Wild Clover	Wild Carrot	Winecup

How to Remove Broadleaf Weeds

Council Oxford recommends using selective herbicides, such as Agrisel 3-Way Max or MSM Turf from Quali-Pro, which effectively target broadleaf weeds without harming desired grasses. For more information on types of weed killers, we have a post on the topic.

What are Grassy-Type Weeds and Sedges

Grassy-type weeds and sedges closely resemble grass but have a less appealing appearance and tend to grow in various directions, unlike common grass species such as Bermuda, Saint Augustine, and Bahia, which grow vertically. 

Examples of Grassy Weeds and Sedges with Photos

Annual Blue-eyed Grass	Annual Bluegrass	Annual Ryegrass	Bahiagrass	Blue-eyed Grass
Common Dayflower	Crowfootgrass	Crow-Poison	Dallisgrass	Doveweed
Goosegrass	Johnsongrass	Jungle Rice	King Ranch Bluestem	Large Crabgrass
Ohio Spiderwort	Prairie Nymph	Red Sprangletop	Rescuegrass	Sandbur
Smooth Crabgrass	Smutgrass	Spring Starflower	Wild Onion	Sedges

How to Remove Grassy-type Weeds and Sedges

These weeds frequently appear in lawns, necessitating the use of selective herbicides to eliminate them without damaging the grass. Council Oxford suggests using products like Blindside, which targets both grassy-type weeds and broadleaf weeds, making it an excellent choice for homeowners. 

For sedge-specific control, Sedgehammer is an effective solution. Always verify that the chosen product is safe for use on your specific type of grass.

What Causes Invasive Weeds in Florida

Invasive weeds can be caused by a number of factors, common in many climates and locations.

Our team is based in Florida, and we primarily serve Florida’s residents where Florida’s unique climate, geography, and history contribute to the state’s high number of weeds, including both native and invasive species. 

Several factors make Florida particularly susceptible to weed proliferation:

Climate

Florida’s warm, humid climate allows many weed species to thrive year-round. The state’s mild winters and long growing seasons enable weeds to grow and reproduce continuously.

Rainfall

Abundant rainfall in Florida provides the moisture necessary for weed growth. Many weed species are well-adapted to taking advantage of the state’s frequent precipitation.

Soil

Florida’s sandy soils are low in nutrients, which may favor weed species that are better adapted to these conditions than many native plants or desired ornamental species.

Disturbance

Human activities, such as land development, agriculture, and landscaping, can create disturbed areas where weeds can easily establish themselves. Disturbed soils often lack the native plant cover that would otherwise compete with weeds.

Introduction of non-native species

Florida’s long history of human settlement, trade, and tourism has led to the intentional and accidental introduction of many non-native plant species. Some of these introduced species have become invasive weeds that spread aggressively and disrupt native ecosystems.

Lack of natural controls

When non-native weed species are introduced to Florida, they often lack the natural predators, parasites, or pathogens that would control their populations in their native ranges. This allows these weeds to grow and spread unchecked.

Herbicide resistance

Over time, some weed populations have developed resistance to commonly used herbicides, making them more difficult to control and increasing their prevalence in the state.

The combination of these factors contributes to the high diversity and abundance of weeds in Florida. Effective weed management in the state requires ongoing efforts in prevention, early detection, and control strategies that are tailored to Florida’s unique environmental conditions and the specific weed species present.

At Council Oxford, we are committed to providing our customers with the knowledge and products necessary to maintain beautiful, weed-free lawns and gardens. Our team of experts is available to offer personalized recommendations and guidance on product selection and application. For more information on our comprehensive range of weed control solutions, please visit our website or contact us directly.

FAQs On Grassy and Broadleaf Weeds

How do I know what kind of weeds I have?

Identify weeds by observing leaf shape, flower color, and growth habit. Compare photos with weed identification guides or consult local experts for help.

What weeds are most difficult to control?

Invasive species like cogongrass and kudzu, weeds with deep roots like nutsedge, and herbicide-resistant weeds like palmer amaranth are particularly challenging to control.

What is the best way to kill a large area of weeds?

The best method depends on the weed species and site conditions. Use a broad-spectrum herbicide, cover crops, or mulches for non-selective control. Choose targeted herbicides for selective control in lawns.

How do you fix a lawn full of weeds in Florida?

Identify the weeds and underlying causes. Mow properly, use targeted herbicides, improve soil health, and overseed with suitable grass species. Maintain consistent lawn care to prevent weed regrowth.