30 Types of Weeds and How to ID Them

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It’s been said that a weed is just a plant growing where you don’t want it to. Some are aggressive to the point of being invasive, while others have redeeming qualities you might want to consider before eradication efforts begin. (We’re talking about you, white clover.)

Download a PDF version of this chart.

What Kind of Weed Killers to Use

The best way to get rid of weeds once they’re growing it simply to pull them up. You can use your hands or, better yet, specialized tools for pulling weeds that help you get the plant at the roots and save some wear and tear on your back and knees.

You’ll notice that many of the weeds on this list can be taken care of with a broadleaf herbicide. If you choose to go that route, we recommend organic weed killers that are safe your family and pets, as well as the water and land around your home.

Read on for all you need to identify the most common yard and garden weeds, plus tips for treatment.

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Annual Sow Thistle (Sonchus oleraceus)

Spot It: Throughout the U.S. and southern Canada.
ID It: Upright plants with smooth, thick stems and bluish green, deeply lobed leaves; yellow dandelion-type flowers that mature into white puffs of seeds.
What to Know: The small brown seeds are carried on white puffs through air and water, much like dandelion. Unopened flowers have a telltale funnel shape.

How to Get Rid of Annual Sow Thistle: Hoe at juvenile stage, hand-pull before it goes to seed or treat with post-emergent herbicide.

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