Asked on Jul 24, 2019

Can you help me identify this weed (pic attached)?

Janet
by Janet

I have these weeds all over my yard this year and even in my grass! They are driving my crazy. I pull them out and within a day or two they are all back again. They grow fast and tall if you don't catch them. They are under shrubs, mixed in with plants and in the grass which really drives me crazy. In past years I'd have a few here and there but this year they are literally all over. Even lining the edge of my lawn ion the driveway. What are they and how do I get rid of them. The pull out easily but I am sick of almost daily weeding. They are kinda fuzzy.

Here are some growing with some of that clover and some other weed. The plant I HAD there was either eaten by rabbits or was killed by these weeds.

  13 answers
  • Fiddledd224 Fiddledd224 on Jul 24, 2019

    It is called the spotted spurge weed, also known as the prostrate spurge, is the most common type of spurge and is toxic to animals if eaten in large amounts. The leaves of spotted spurge have a "spot" or line of maroon in the center of the leaf vein. Stems will grow outward but will also grow upward when competing for sunlight with other plants. The stems of spotted spurge are purple or pink and are the easiest way to distinguish spotted spurge from other species of spurge.

    • Janet Janet on Jul 26, 2019

      Oh thanks for that. I didin't realize that was even in the picture. I was actually talking about the larger weeds on the outside of the circle. But I am glad you saw the other one. I will try the vinegar on that as I do have that in some spots.

  • Dmotan Dmotan on Jul 24, 2019

    If you are pulling out without getting all the roots, it will come back.

    YOu might want to try argricultural vinegar . It is much stronger than store bought vinegar.

  • Jan Clark Jan Clark on Jul 24, 2019

    Ugh. Spurge. The salt/vinegar/dish soap mix should work. But, yeah, agricultural vinegar has a lower pH. It should be okay to use in an area where the plants you want to keep are not next to where you spray.

  • Wanda Barnes Wanda Barnes on Jul 24, 2019

    Take this picture to your nearest Nursery they should be able to tell you what weed it is. Other wise use the Agricultural vinegar.

  • Robyn Garner Robyn Garner on Jul 24, 2019

    This does not look like spotted spurge to me at all. They generally grow laterally, not tall and have far smaller leaves.

    https://www.google.com/search?newwindow=1&rlz=1C1SQJL_enUS800US800&q=spotted+spurge+weed&tbm=isch&source=univ&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwihpbW9-c3jAhUCa60KHYUzCEwQsAR6BAgGEAE&biw=1280&bih=913


    It appears to be pigweed.

    https://articles.extension.org/pages/65208/weed-profile:-pigweeds-amaranthus-spp


    These are difficult to control. I suggest taking one to your local nursery for ID and tips on eradication.

  • spotted spurge is low growing and forms a carpet like plant. The taller ones aren't spurge.

  • Dee Dee on Jul 24, 2019

    Spurge is a type of fast-growing weed that can quickly become a problem if not treated. This annual summer weed grows low to the ground and spreads fast. The earlier you catch this weed growing in your lawn, the quicker you can control it

    To help lessen the chances of it coming back, remove spotted spurge before it has a chance to flower and produce seeds. Small patches of spotted spurge plants can also be killed using a read-to-use lawn weed killer, like Scotts® Spot Weed Control for Lawns.

  • Adrenaguy Adrenaguy on Jul 25, 2019

    There is an app called Pl@ntnet that uses facial recognition software to help id plants it's pretty accurate.

  • Andrew Davenport Andrew Davenport on Jul 25, 2019

    Pigwwed/Hogweed/Fireweed

  • Chris Morrison Chris Morrison on Jul 25, 2019

    American burnweed is the taller ones, they grow in thatch layer and easy to pull up like you say.


    • See 1 previous
    • Chris Morrison Chris Morrison on Jul 26, 2019

      They grow in thatch layer and pre emergent doesnt work to well on them, thankfully they are easy to pull up.

  • Rumple Rumple on Jul 25, 2019

    Burnweed and spurge, I don't use vinegar.

    I work for a lawn care company, we use "surepower" in the summer months. It works fast, and its thorough. It's glyphosphate free and will preserve cool climate grasses.

    • Janet Janet on Jul 26, 2019

      My lawn service will only do may lawn of course and although it is starting to spread to my lawn, most of it is in my flower gardens and under shrubs. What can I use to kill it without killing my plants?

  • Rumple Rumple on Jul 25, 2019

    Burnweed and spurge, I don't use vinegar.

    I do work for a lawn care company, we use "surepower" in the summer months. It works fast, and its thorough. It's glyphosphate free and will preserve cool climate grasses.

  • Kathleen Church Kathleen Church on May 02, 2021

    Get rid of it ! All root also !!