weed gallery
Black Henbane
Black henbane is an annual or biennial, unpleasantly scented, growing to 1 m. tall. Leaves are stalkless, lobed and covered with sticky hairs. Flowers are tubular, yellowish-green with purple veins. It has an unpleasant odor and all parts are poisonous. It spreads readily from seed and grows in pastures, waste areas and roadsides.
EF - Black henbane can be cut down regularly to inhibit growth and prevent it from producing seeds.
RP - A non-selective herbicide applied to the leaves will kill black henbane. Do not apply to desired plants.
Broadleaf Dock
Broadleaf dock is a perennial growing to 1.5 m. tall with erect stems and large basal leaves. They are wavy, 8-20 cm. long. Flowers are small clusters on tall spikes, that turn reddish-brown in the fall. They are common in wet ditches.
EF - Tap roots of broadleaf dock are very deep and difficult to pull but you can try. Hoeing can reduce seed production.
RP - A non-selective herbicide applied to the leaves will kill broadleaf dock. Do not apply to desired plants.
Wild Mustard
Wild mustard is an annual growing to 1 m. tall with stiff, hairy, well-branched stems. Leaves are alternate, 5-20 cm. long, 2-10 cm. wide, lobed or toothed. Flowers are bright yellow with four petals, clustered at the ends of branches. Seed pods are long and narrow and spread rapidly.
EF - Wild mustard can be pulled out or cut down to prevent it from producing seeds.
RP - Lawn weedkillers, applied before flowering, will control wild mustard. Do not apply to desired plants.
Salsify (goatsbeard)
Salsify (goatsbeard) is a biennial with a taproot and narrow stems that grow to 1 m. tall. It has long narrow leaves, and pale yellow rayflower heads on the top of the stems. It grows in roadsides and waste sites.
EF - Salsify can be cut down regularly to inhibit growth and prevent it from producing seeds.
RP - Lawn weedkillers applied before flowering will control salsify. Do not apply to desired plants.
Prostrate Pigweed
Prostrate pigweed is an annual that radiates in all directions from a central taproot. Stems are fleshy and red or purple, leaves are oval, small flowers are in clusters in the leaf axils. It is a common garden weed.
EF - Redrot pigweed can be pulled out or cut down to prevent it from producing seeds.
RP - Lawn weedkillers containing dicamba, applied before flowering, will control redroot pigweed. Do not apply to desired plants.
Black Medic
Black medic is an annual with branches up to 60 cm. in length that radiate outwards from a taproot. Compound leaves have three leaflets with finely toothed edges. The small flowers are yellow, in clusters. This weed is found in lawns and roadsides.
EF - Black medic can be pulled out or hoed to prevent it from producing seeds.
RP - Black medic can be controlled with lawn weedkillers applied before flowering. Do not apply to desired plants.
Pink or White Clover
Pink or white clover can be considered a weed in lawns because it spoils the appearance of a mowed lawn, or a valuable ground cover on slopes and hard-to-mow areas. The three-leaved plant and its flowers are easy to recognize. Clover attracts bees, which is a plus or minus, depending on your viewpoint. It usually grows in areas where grass does not thrive.
EF - Clover can be controlled by aerating the lawn and mowing often but not too short.
RP - Lawn weedkillers applied before flowering will control clover. Do not apply to desired plants.
Lambsquarters
Lambsquarters is an annual that can range in height from 30 cm. to almost 2 metres high. It has grooved stems and alternate, wavy, lobed leaves with a white undersurface. The small flowers are greenish-grey, in ball-like clusters at stem tips and in leaf axils. It is common in cultivated fields and gardens. Young plants can be eaten in salads.
EF - Digging or hoeing lambsquarters will prevent it from producing seeds.
RP - Lawn weedkillers, applied before flowering, will control lambsquarters. Do not apply to desired plants.
Broadleaf Plantain
Broadleaf plantain is a perennial weed with a rosette of large ribbed, pointed oval leaves. The stem, up to 60 cm. tall, is topped with spikes of small, densely crowded green flowers. It is a common weed of lawns and high traffic areas. Birds like the tiny, dark brown seeds.
EF - Broadleaved plantain can be controlled by hoeing regularly to reduce seed production. Hand pulling is difficult. It cannot compete with a healthy lawn.
RP - Lawn weedkillers will control broadleaved plantain. Do not apply to desired plants.
Common Chickweed
Common chickweed is an annual weed in lawns and gardens. It has small, opposite oval leaves on thin, creeping stems and tiny white, star-like flowers with five petals. It grows in compacted, shady, moist soil and spreads by seed and rooting stems.
EF - Pulling chickweed is a temporary control. Aerating in lawns will help.
RP - Non-selective herbicides carefully applied directly to chickweed in gardens will kill it.
Hairy and Common Vetch
Hairy and common vetch are annual weeds with stems up to 2 m. long. Leaves have many small, narrow leaflets and clasping tendrils. Purplish-red flowers are 2 cm. long. Common vetch has larger flowers and seeds than hairy vetch.
EF - Digging or hoeing vetch will prevent it from producing seeds.
RP - Lawn weedkillers containing dicamba, applied before flowering, will control vetch. Do not apply to desired plants.
Two-Grooved Milkvetch
Two-grooved milkvetch is a tufted perennial that forms dense clumps to 1 m. tall. Compound leaves have many narrow leaflets and purple flowers that resemble those of pea flowers. It spreads by seeds but is not a particular problem.
EF - Digging or hoeing vetch will prevent it from producing seeds.
RP - Lawn weedkillers applied before flowering will control vetch. Do not apply to desired plants.
Wild Oats
Wild oats is an annual grass with smooth, erect stems to 1.5 m. tall. Leaves are broad and flat and flowers are drooping, with two or three seeds per spikelet. It is a serious weed of annual crops in Alberta and seeds in the ground can remain viable for several years.
EF - Digging or hoeing oats will prevent it from producing seeds. This is important, as seeds remain viable in the soil for several years.
RP - Lawn weedkillers will not control oats in lawns, as it is the same family as the grass. If it is in a patch, non-selective weedkillers will kill it, but will also kill any grass it comes in contact with. The area can be reseeded or a piece of sod added. Non-selective weedkillers can be used carefully in gardens, but do not apply to desired plants.
Quack Grass
Quack grass is an aggressive perennial grass that invades lawns and gardens. Leaves are wider than usual lawn grasses and stems are up to 1 m. tall. It spreads readily by seeds, cut stems and by from severed portions of its creeping roots.
EF - Broadleaved lawn weedkillers will not control quack grass in lawns, as it is the same family as the grass. Quack grass can be controlled in lawns by watering well and allowing the grass to become quite dry (its roots are shallower that lawn grass and suffer from drought sooner than the lawn will). Cut frequently to remove only a portion of the leaves at one time (lawn plants need leaves, so will be healthier and choke out quack grass).
RP - A non-selective weedkiller can be used if quack grass is in clumps but will kill lawn grass as well. The area can be reseeded or patch of sod added.
Spotted Catsear (false dandelion)
Spotted catsear is a perennial that reaches .5 m. Oblong hairy leaves are 5-10 cm. long in a basal rosette, and the yellow flower heads are found at the ends of stems. It is found in gardens, lawns, and cultivated areas.
EF - Cut off regularly to prevent seeds from developing. Dig out or hoe.
RP - Lawn weedkillers, applied before flowering, will control spotted catsear. Do not apply to desired plants.
Hawksbeard (Smooth or Rough)
Hawksbeard is a taprooted annual with flowers that resemble a dandelion. There are several stems growing from the base, to .5 m., with a milky sap. Basal leaves are long and thin, some lobed and others with small teeth. There can be many yellow flower heads on one plant. Seeds spread readily in the wind.
EF - Cut off hawksbeard regularly to prevent seeds from developing. The deep taproot is difficult to pull out.
RP - Lawn weedkillers, applied before flowering, will control hawksbeard. Do not apply to desired plants.
Yellow Sweetclover
Yellow sweetclover is an annual legume growing to 2 m. tall with leaflets in threes. Small yellow flowers are in clusters at the ends of the stems and in leaf axils. White sweetclover is similar. They are common along roadsides and in waste areas. It is used in honey production but harmful to cattle.
EF - Sweetclover is more common in roadsides than in gardens and lawns. Cut it off or dig it out.
RP - Non-selective weedkillers can be used to kill sweetclover on roadsides. Do not apply to desired plants.
Silver Sagebrush
Silver sagebrush is a native perennial that reproduces from seeds, and sprouts from roots when tops are destroyed. Silvery leaves are narrow and covered with a fine hair. Yellowish stems can grow to 2 m. Tiny yellow flowers form in late summer along the stems. It is highly competitive with perennial grasses and grows in poor, sandy soil.
EF - Cutting sagebrush off regularly will prevent seeds from developing, and give temporary control, but it will grow again from the root. Dig put individual plants, getting as much root as possible.
RP - A non-selective herbicide will kill silver sagebrush. Do not apply to desired plants.
Creeping Bellflower
Creeping bellflower is a perennial with alternate, oval to heart-shaped leaves, somewhat fuzzy, erect stems stems to 1 m. tall and blue, bell-shaped flowers at the bases of upper leaves. It is an introduced, aggressive weed that invades lawns and gardens and spreads by seed and creeping rootstalks.
EF - Continuous cultivation as new growth occurs will eventually control creeping bellflower.
RP - A lawn weedkller containing dicamba, applied before flowering, will control creeping bellflower.
Ground Ivy
Ground ivy is a fibrous rooted perennial with spreading stems to 40 cm. long. Stolons can spread for several metres, sending up stems that form dense mats above ground. Opposite leaves are rounded and shallowly lobed and small, blue-violet flowers are on short stalks at the bases of the upper leaves. It is very aggressive in lawns.
EF - Continuous hoeing is an on-going task to control ground ivy.
RP - A lawn weedkiller containing dicamba will help keep ground ivy under control but it is difficult to eliminate.
Bluebur
Bluebur is an annual with basal leaves, erect stems to 60 cm. and small blue flowers. Leaves and stems are covered with stiff white hairs. The prolific seed is spread by animals and grows in undisturbed ground.
EF - Cutting back bluebur regularly will prevent it from going to seed.
RP - A lawn weedkiller applied before flowering will control bluebur. Do not apply to desired plants.
Green Smartweed
Green smartweed is an annual with alternate, stalked leaves on branched stems to 80 cm., and clusters of green flowers on short stems. It grows in cultivated fields and waste places where moisture is adequate.
EF - Digging and hoeing will keep smartweed under control
RP - Smartweed is resistant to chemicals in lawn weedkillers. A non-selective herbicide used as a spot treatment will kill it on contact. Do not apply to desired plants.
Tartary Buckwheat
Tartary buckwheat is an annual with alternate, triangular leaves on erect stems that grow from 10-80 cm. tall. Flowers are small, greenish-white with five lobes in stalked clusters. It is a prolific seed producer.
EF - Hoeing regularly to reduce seed production will help control Tartary buckwheat. Germination is sporadic and new plants will emerge throughout the summer.
RP - Buckwheat is resistant to chemicals in lawn weedkillers. A non-selective herbicide used as a spot treatment will kill it on contact. Do not apply to desired plants.
Wild Buckwheat
Wild buckwheat is a tap-rooted annual that spreads by seeds. Alternate, triangular leaves grow on thin, twining stems that can climb over other plants or fences and tangle in equipment. It grows in cultivated fields.
EF - Hoeing and pulling will reduce seed production in wild buckwheat.
RP - Buckwheat is resistant to chemicals in lawn weedkillers. A non-selective herbicide used as a spot treatment will kill it on contact. Do not apply to desired plants.
Low Larkspur
Low Larkspur is a biennial with few basal, segmented leaves on long stalks that grow to 50 cm. Dark blue, hairy flowers are borne singly and each has a backward-pointing spur. It is poisonous to cattle.
EF - Hoeing and pulling will reduce seed production in low larkspur. It is a weed of grasslands and forests, not normally a garden problem.
RP - A non-selective herbicide used as a spot treatment will kill it on contact. Do not apply to desired plants.
Tall Larkspur
Tall larkspur is a perennial that spreads from seed. It has numerous shallowly lobed leaves in 5 or 7 wedge-shaped segments, on erect stems from 1-2 m. tall. Dark blue flowers are borne singly on short stalks. It grows in forests of western Alberta.
EF - Hoeing and pulling will reduce seed production in tall larkspur. Individual plants can be dug. It is a weed of forested areas.
RP - A non-selective herbicide used as a spot treatment will kill it on contact. Do not apply to desired plants.
Kochia
Kochia is an annual with erect stems .5-1.5 m. tall, freely branching and smooth linear leaves to 6 cm. long with long hairs on the undersides. Leaves turn red in the fall. Small, inconspicuous flowers, lacking petals, are in clusters of two to six. It is a prolific seed producer.
EF - Hoeing and pulling kochia will reduce seed production. It is no longer considered an appropriate annual for gardens, as it is such a prolific seed producer. Hoeing and pulling will reduce seed production.
RP - A non-selective herbicide used as a spot treatment will kill it on contact. Do not apply to desired plants.
Russian Thistle
Russian thistle is an annual with stems to 1.2 m., multi-branched, as wide as it is tall and often with red stripes. The alternate leaves are thread-like and sharply pointed, and inconspicuous flowers are green or pinkish and borne where the upper leaves join the stem. It is a prolific seed producer and when dry, breaks off at ground level, rolls with the wind and spreads seeds as it goes.
EF - Hoeing and pulling Russian thistle will reduce seed production.
RP - A non-selective herbicide used as a spot treatment will kill it on contact. Do not apply to desired plants.
Barnyard Grass
Barnyard grass is an annual grass with smooth leaves on much branched, round, horizontally spreading stems that grow to 1.5 m. The flower has green spiklets 5-45 cm. long. It is a very common garden weed that grows in cultivated ground where moisture is adequate. It is often found in vegetable gardens, spreading readily from seed.
EF - Hoeing and pulling barnyard grass will reduce seed production.
RP - Grasses are not killed by lawn weedkillers. A non-selective herbicide used as a spot treatment will kill it on contact. Do not apply to desired plants.
Downy Brome
Downy brome is an annual grass with flat blades covered with soft hairs on round hollow stems from 20-50 cm. tall. Flowers on much branched stems are spiklets that droop. It is a prolific seed producer.
EF - Hoeing and pulling downy brome grass will reduce seed production.
RP - Grasses are not killed by lawn weedkillers. A non-selective herbicide used as a spot treatment will kill it on contact. Do not apply to desired plants.
Foxtail Barley
Foxtail barley is a perennial grass with round, hollow stems from 30-7- cm. tall. Greyish, rough leaves are often rolled towards the upper surface. Flowers are nodding 5-12 cm. greenish or purplish colored foxtails. Barbed seeds spread by sticking to clothing and fur. It is a prolific seed producer.
EF - Hoeing and pulling downy brome grass will reduce seed production.
RP - Grasses are not killed by lawn weedkillers. A non-selective herbicide used as a spot treatment will kill it on contact. Do not apply to desired plants.
Green Foxtail Grass
Green foxtail grass is an annual tufted grass with erect stems to 1 m. Leaves are smooth, and flowers are dense spike, to 10 cm. looking like a bottle brush. It is a prolific seed producer that will grow where moisture is adequate.
EF - Hoeing and pulling green foxtail grass will reduce seed production.
RP - Grasses are not killed by lawn weedkillers. A non-selective herbicide used as a spot treatment will kill it on contact. Do not apply to desired plants.
Red bartsia (restricted weed)
Red bartsia is an annual with narrow, purplish-green leaves on single stems. Leaves and stems are densely hairy. Small, tubular flowers, dull rose in color, resembling tiny snapdragons, are found towards the tips of one-sided spikes. It grows from 15-30 cm. tall.
EF - Hoeing and pulling will eventually eliminate red bartsia. It is not a common plant but it is a restricted weed and must be destroyed.
RP - A non-selective herbicide used as a spot treatment will kill it on contact. Do not apply to desired plants.
Diffuse Knapweed (Restricted Weed)
Diffuse knapweed is an introduced annual or biennial, to 1.5 m. tall, hairy and well branched, with hairy divided leaves and many flowering heads. Small flowers are white or pink. It is found in roadsides and disturbed areas and is highly competitive. Seed spreads mainly by wind as the plants break off and roll.
EF - Hoeing and pulling will reduce seed production and help control diffuse knapweed. It is a restricted weed and must be destroyed.
RP - A non-selective herbicide used as a spot treatment will kill it on contact. Do not apply to desired plants.
Spotted Knapweed (Restricted Weed)
Spotted knapweed is a biennial or short-lived perennial. It has several stems, to 1m. tall. Basal rosette leaves are narrow, lobed, and stem leavees are narrowly divided. Pinkish-purple flowers are at the ends of branches. This weed is a major problem in crops as other plants cannot compete.
EF - Hoeing and pulling will reduce seed production and help control spotted knapweed. It is a restricted weed and must be destroyed.
RP - A non-selective herbicide used as a spot treatment will kill it on contact. Do not apply to desired plants.
Nodding Thistle (Restricted Weed)
Nodding thistle is a tap rooted biennial growing to 2.5 m. tall, unbranched until just below the flower heads. Leaves are deeply lobed, spiny, to 25 cm. long. Numerous large flowers are red to purple, in groups of up to 3 per plant. It spreads rapidly by seed.
EF - Hoeing and pulling will reduce seed production and help control nodding thistle. It is a restricted weed and must be destroyed.
RP - A non-selective herbicide used as a spot treatment will kill it on contact. Do not apply to desired plants.
Eurasian Water Milfoil (Restricted Weed)
Eurasian water milfoil is an aquatic plant that spreads rapidly to form a dense mat of vegetation on the surface of the water. Leaves are always submerged, and collapse when removed from water. Mature leaves grow in whorls of four, 3 cm. long, and are divided into twelve or more leaflets. Stems can grow to 3 m. or more in length. Tiny reddish flowers are held above water. It is very invasive.
EF - Remove all parts of plants from boat motors and trailers. It can be transferred from one area to another when small pieces are left on boat trailers and motors.
RP - No products can be put into water to control weeds.
Baby's Breath (Restricted Weed)
Baby's breath is a perennial that has multi-branched stems to 1m. Opposite leaves are long and narrow. Tiny flowers have five petals and are in clusters at the ends of branches. This is an escaped garden ornamental that is a weed problem where native grasses are growing. It spreads by seed when the dry plant breaks off and tumbles in the wind.
EF - Hoeing and pulling will reduce seed production and help control baby's breath.
RP - A non-selective herbicide used as a spot treatment will kill it on contact. Do not apply to desired plants.
Yellow Star Thistle (Restricted Weed)
Yellow star thistle is a taprooted annual spread by seed. Seeds can remain fertile in the ground for ten years until suitable conditions are met for growth. It is multi-branched, with a star of spines around the yellow flower head, one on each branch, and 2 cm. needle-like spines. Cottony hair on the narrow leaves gives it a grey-green color. It chokes out native plants and a chemical it contains stunts the growth of nearby plants. It is very poisonous to horses.
EF - Hoeing and pulling will reduce seed production and help control yellow star thistle. It is a restricted weed and must be destroyed.
RP - A non-selective herbicide used as a spot treatment will kill it on contact. Do not apply to desired plants.
Pineapple-Weed
Pineapple-weed is an annual that grows to 30 cm. tall. Leaves are very finely divided with yellow, cone-shaped flower heads at the ends of the branches. The plant has an odor of pineapple when crushed. It is common on roadsides and in gardens.
EF - Hoeing and pulling will reduce seed production and help control pineappleweed. Aerating and hoeing compacted soil will give desired plants a better chance of competing.
RP - A lawn weedkiller will control it in lawns and ditches. Do not apply to desired plants.
Field Bindweed (Noxious Weed)
Field Bindweed is an introduced perennial with a deep tap root (to 20 m.) and an extensive lateral root system, forming dense mats or climbing other plants and fences. Stems can grow to over 1 m. long. Leaves are opposite, twining, arrow shaped. Flowers are trumpet-shaped in white or pink. It is a serious weed problem, growing in cultivated fields and waste areas. Root pieces broken off by cultivation will grow into new plants and seeds can survive in the soil for 30 years.
EF - Hoeing and pulling will reduce seed production and help control field bindweed. It is a noxious weed and should be controlled.
RP - A non-selective herbicide used as a spot treatment will kill it on contact. Do not apply to desired plants.
White Campion (Noxious Weed)
White campion is a biennial or short-lived perennial, much branched that grows from 45 to 100 cm. tall. Opposite leaves are long and pointed. Fragrant white flowers with five petals grow in clusters at the ends of the stems. It reproduces from seeds.
EF - Hoeing and pulling will reduce seed production and help control white campion. It is a noxious weed and should be controlled.
RP - A non-selective herbicide used as a spot treatment will kill it on contact. Do not apply to desired plants.
Common Tansy (Noxious Weed)
Common tansy is an aromatic perennial that spreads by seed. It is multi-stemmed and grows to 1.5 m. Leaves are 10-20 cm. long, divided into many leaflets. Yellow flowers are small, button-like heads about 1 cm in diameter, in groups of up to 200, in a flat-topped cluster. It is a problem in pastures as it can cause death in animals.
EF - Hoeing and pulling will reduce seed production and help control common tansy. It is a noxious weed and should be controlled.
RP - A non-selective herbicide used as a spot treatment will kill it on contact. Do not apply to desired plants.
Cleavers or Bedstraw (noxious weed)
Cleavers or bedstraw is a taprooted annual that reproduces from seed. The square stems have downward-pointing hooks on the corners that cling to fur, hair and clothes. It can trail to 1.5 m. Leaves are in whorls, rough, long and pointed, and 2-5 cm. long. Tiny white flowers with four petals are borne in axils of upper leaves. It grows in damp cultivated ground.
EF - Hoeing and pulling will reduce seed production and help control common tansy. It is a noxious weed and should be controlled.
RP - Lawn weedkillers will control cleavers. A non-selective herbicide used as a spot treatment will kill it on contact. Do not apply to desired plants.
Hoary Cress (Noxious Weed)
Hoary cress is a deep-rooted perennial that spreads from seeds and root segments. It has long blue green leaves on stems 70 cm. tall. Small white flowers with four petals grow in a flat-topped cluster. It grows in alkaline, disturbed soils and is highly competitive.
EF - Hoeing and cutting will reduce seed production and help control hoary cress. It has a deep taproot that is difficult to dig out and it will reproduce from pieces in the soil. It is a noxious weed and should be controlled.
RP - A non-selective herbicide used as a spot treatment will kill it on contact. Do not apply to desired plants.
Perennial Sow Thistle (Noxious Weed)
Perennial sow thistle is a perennial that spreads from horizontal roots and seeds. Leaves are somewhat prickly and deeply toothed. Stems can grow to 1 m. or more and excrete a milky juice when damaged. Yellow, daisy-like flowers are 5-10 cm. in diameter, in heads of several flowers. Flower stalks are hairy. It is common in gardens, meadows, ditches and waste areas where water is sufficient. Seeds can remain viable in the ground for several years.
EF - Hoeing and cutting will reduce seed production and help control perennial sow thistle. It has an extensive, very deep root system that is difficult to dig out and it will reproduce from pieces in the soil. It is a noxious weed and should be controlled.
RP - A lawn weedkiller applied in early spring or early fall will control perennial sow thistle. Do not apply to desired plants.
Leafy Spurge (Noxious Weed)
Leafy spurge is a perennial which reproduces by creeping rootstalks and seed. Long, narrow leaves, up to 8 cm. long, grow in whorls up the stem, which can reach 1 m. tall. Groups of yellowish-green flowers grow on the tops of stems. All parts of the plant contain a milky juice. It is poisonous to cattle and grows in sandy and poor quality soils.
EF - Hoeing and cutting will reduce seed production and help control perennial sow thistle. It has an extensive, very deep root system that is difficult to dig out and it will reproduce from pieces in the soil. It is a noxious weed and should be controlled.
RP - A non-selective herbicide used as a spot treatment will kill it on contact. Do not apply to desired plants.
Stork's Bill (Noxious Weed)
Stork's bill is an annual or biennial that spreads by seeds. Stems grow to .5 m long, spreading in a low rosette. Leaves are divided into feather-like leaflets covered with short, stiff hairs. Purplish-pink flowers are pink with five petals. It can crowd out commercial crops.
EF - Hoeing and pulling will reduce seed production and help control stork's bill. It is a noxious weed and should be controlled.
RP - A non-selective herbicide used as a spot treatment will kill it on contact. Do not apply to desired plants.
Canada Thistle (Noxious Weed)
Canada thistle is a perennial that is spread by seed and by sprouting horizontal roots. Stems can grow to 1.5 m. tall, and leaves are deeply cut with sharp spines. Flower heads are purple or pink, occasionally white. Male and female flowers occur on different plants. Male flowers produce no seed. It is a vigorous grower, with an extensive root system, that spreads quickly from shoots and from seeds.
EF - Hoeing and cutting will reduce seed production and help control perennial sow thistle. It has an extensive, very deep root system that is difficult to dig out and it will reproduce from pieces in the soil. It is a noxious weed and should be controlled.
RP - A non-selective herbicide used as a spot treatment will kill it on contact. Do not apply to desired plants.
Yellow Toadflax or Butter and Eggs (Noxious Weed)
Yellow toadflax or Butter and Eggs is a perennial introduced from Europe as an ornamental. It reproduces from seed and underground rootstocks. Long, thin, pointed leaves grow on .6 m on stems. Yellow flowers with an orange throat resemble snapdragons. It is an aggressive invader of grasslands, roadsides and cultivated fields.
EF - Hoeing and cutting will reduce seed production and help control perennial sow thistle. It has an extensive, very deep root system that is difficult to dig out and it will reproduce from pieces in the soil. It is a noxious weed and should be controlled.
RP - A non-selective herbicide used as a spot treatment will kill it on contact. Do not apply to desired plants.
Persian Darnel (Noxious Weed)
Persian darnel is an annual grass grown from seed. Stems are 20-45 cm. tall, branched at the base, and leaves are narrow and rough on the upper surface. The flower spike is ¼ to ½ the length of the stem. It is a problem in grain fields.
EF - Hoeing and pulling will reduce seed production and help control Persian darnel. It is a noxious weed and should be controlled.
RP - A non-selective herbicide used as a spot treatment will kill it on contact. Do not apply to desired plants.
Scentless Camomile (Noxious Weed)
Scentless camomile is an annual or short-lived perennial on erect, multi-branched stems from 25-60 cm. Leaves are alternate, very finely divided into narrow segments. Flowers are like white daisies with yellow centres. It is found in undisturbed areas and croplands, and is a prolific seed producer.
EF - Hoeing and pulling will reduce seed production the second year and help control scentless camomile. It is a noxious weed and should be controlled.
RP - None registered.
Redroot Pigweed
Redroot pigweed is a broadleafed annual that reproduces from seed. It has alternate leaves and rough stems that are red near the base. Flowers are green spikes. Seeds remain viable in the soil for years.
EF - Hoeing and pulling will reduce seed production and help control redroot pigweed.
RP - A lawn weedkiller containing 2,4-D will control it in lawns. Do not apply to desired plants.
Shepherdspurse
Shepherdspurse is an annual, up to 80 cm. tall, with erect stems covered with gray hairs and a basal rosette of deeply lobed leaves. The small white flowers have four petals are clustered at the ends of the stems. It occurs in cultivated fields, gardens and roadsides.
EF - Hoeing and pulling, particularly in the fall, will destroy rosettes and reduce seed production the second year.
RP - A lawn weedkiller containing 2,4-D applied in spring or fall will control it in lawns. Do not apply to desired plants.
Dandelion
Dandelion is a common tap-rooted perennial with hollow stems up to 30 cm. and coarsely toothed basal leaves with a milky sap. Flowers are bright yellow, one to each stem, and seeds form a round ball of silky parachutes that spread readily in the wind.
EF - Digging with a dandelion digger will control it in lawns and gardens.
RP - A lawn weedkiller containing 2,4-D applied in early spring or early fall will control it in lawns. Do not apply to desired plants.
Dalmation Toadflax
Dalmation toadflax is a perennial with alternate, pointed-oval, waxy leaves on unbranched stems, to 1m. Flowers are yellow with an orange throat, with a long spur, borne in axils of upper leaves. It spreads by seeds and by the extensive and deep root system, making it difficult to control.
EF - Hoeing and digging will reduce seed production and help control dalmation toadflax but likely not eliminate it.
RP - A non-selective herbicide used as a spot treatment will kill it on contact. Do not apply to desired plants.
Rough Cinquefoil
Rough cinquefoil is an annual or shirt-lived perennial growing to 80 c. tall. It has a taproot and compound leaves, with 5-7 leaflets, on hairy stalks. Leaves are hairy and look like strawberry leaves, with three leaflets. Flowers are yellow, with five petals, in small clusters. It grows in waste areas and roadsides.
EF - Hoeing and digging will reduce seed production and help control rough cinquefoil.
RP - A non-selective herbicide used as a spot treatment will kill it on contact. Do not apply to desired plants.
Round Leafed Mallow
Round leafed mallow is an annual with alternate leaves on spreading stems that can grow to 1 m. long. Alternate leaves are circular, 2-5 cm in diameter, shallowly lobed, on long stalks. Inconspicuous white flowers are in groups at the bases of the root stalks. It is a prolific seed producer, and the seed remains dormant in the soil for many years.
EF - Hoeing and cutting before flowering will reduce seed production and help control round-leaved mallow. Digging is difficult because it is a deep taproot.
RP - Repeated applications of a lawn weedkiller will control it. Do not apply to desired plants.
Hempnettle
Hempnettle is an annual with opposite, oval, toothed leaves. Square stems have bristly spines and grow to 1 m. Flowers are short, white or purple, in clusters where leaves join stems. It is a prolific seed producer and seeds can remain dormant for several years before germinating. It grows in gardens, pastures, open woods and shelterbelts.
EF - Hoeing and cutting before flowering will reduce seed production and help control hempnettle.
RP - A non-selective herbicide used as a spot treatment will kill it on contact. Do not apply to desired plants.
Henbit
Henbit is an annual, much branched at the base, spreading horizontally before turning upward. Opposite leaves are heart-shaped, coarsely toothed with rounded teeth. Flowers are pink, tubular, in clusters at the bases of leaves. It is common in gardens and crops.
EF - Hoeing and cutting before flowering will reduce seed production and help control henbit. It cannot compete with a healthy lawn.
RP - Henbit is not readily controlled by chemicals.
Flixweed
Flixweed is an annual with alternate leaves erect stems from .3 to 1 m. tall. Stems are hairy, and leaves are divided into narrow segments and covered with hairs. Flowers are pale yellow, small, in dense clusters, with four petals. It is a very common weed in gardens, roadsides and any cultivated land.
EF - Hoeing and cutting before flowering will reduce seed production and help control flixweed.
RP - A non-selective herbicide used as a spot treatment will kill it on contact. Do not apply to desired plants.
Purple Loosestrife (Noxious Weed)
Purple loosestrife is a wetland perennial that grows to 1-3 m. It has square, woody stalks and and opposite leaves. Flowers are in pinkish-purple spikes, 10-40 cm. tall. It invades wetland areas and eliminates bird, mammal and fish life. It spreads mostly from seed but can also reproduce from cut stems and roots. Seeds can remain dormant in the soil for years.
EF - Entire plant must be removed to prevent regrowth. It can spread from pieces of root. This should be done before flowers go to seed. It is a noxious weed and should be controlled.
RP - No herbicide can be used in or near water.
Stinkweed
Stinkweed is an annual with branched stems to 60 cm. and many branches from a basal rosette. Leaves are alternate narrow and toothed. Small white flowers with four petals are clustered at the ends of stems. Seed pods are obvious and make it easy to identify. They plants are a problem in pastures.
EF - Hoeing and cutting before flowering will reduce seed production and help control stinkweed. This must be done early as seeds are produced very early in the summer and repeated throughout the growing season.
RP - A lawn weedkiller applied in early spring or early fall will control it. . Do not apply to desired plants.
Lens-Podded Hoary Cress
Lens-podded hoary cress is a perennial that reproduces by seed and rootstock. Erect stems are 20-40 cm. tall with few branches. Alternate leaves are narrow and small white flowers have four petals. It is a deep-rooted plant that is difficult to control.
EF - Hoeing and cutting before flowering will reduce seed production and help control lens-podded hoary cress. It has a deep root and is difficult to eliminate.
RP - A non-selective herbicide used as a spot treatment will kill it on contact. Do not apply to desired plants.
Stinging Nettle
Stinging nettle is a perennial that reproduces by underground stems and seeds. Stems are 1-3 m. tall, four-sided and hairless. Opposite leaves are narrowly oval, somewhat heart-shaped and coarsely serrated. They can have many stinging hairs, or a few along with normal ones. Numerous flowers with green sepals 1-2 mm. long are in clusters at the bases of leaf stalks. It is a major concern because of the irritation from the stinging hairs.
EF - Hoeing and cutting before flowering will reduce seed production and help control stinging nettle.
RP - A non-selective herbicide used as a spot treatment will kill it on contact. Do not apply to desired plants.
Wild Radish
Wild radish is an annual or biennial that spreads from seed. Stems are erect, to 80 cm., with few long branches from the base of the plant. Leaves are alternate, with lower ones divided into several leaflets and upper ones toothed but not lobed. Flowers are yellow with four petals on long stalks. It is becoming a problem in crops, particularly canola.
EF - Hoeing and cutting before flowering will reduce seed production and help control wild radish.
RP - A lawn weedkiller applied before flowering will control wild radish. Do not apply to desired plants.
Cow Cockle
Cow cockle is an annual that spreads by seed. Stems are erect, to 1 m. tall, much branched. Leaves are opposite, pointed ovals. Flowers are red or deep pink, with 5 petals. It is a threat to livestock, as all parts of the plants are toxic.
EF - Hoeing and cutting before flowering will reduce seed production and help control cow cockle.
RP - A non-selective herbicide used as a spot treatment will kill it on contact. Do not apply to desired plants.
Bittersweet Nightshade
Bittersweet nightshade is a perennial that spreads by seed. Sprawling stems can spread to 3m. Alternate leaves are triangular in shape with one or more leaflets at the base. Flowers are star-shaped with purple petals and prominent yellow anthers. Fruit is bright red in open clusters. It grows in moist areas and can invade residential gardens. All parts are poisonous.
EF - Hoeing and digging before flowering will reduce seed production and help control bittersweet nightshade.
RP - A non-selective herbicide used as a spot treatment will kill it on contact. Do not apply to desired plants.
Purslane
Purslane is an annual that spreads by seed. Stems are reddish, fleshy, spreading to 30cm. long. Leaves are fleshy, wedge-shaped, at the ends of branches. Inconspicuous small flowers have yellow petals in groups at the bases of leaves. It is a prolific seed producer that is a problem in gardens.
EF - Hoeing and digging frequently before flowering will reduce seed production and help control purslane.
RP - A lawn weedkiller applied before flowering will control purslane. Do not apply to desired plants.
Cocklebur
Cocklebur is an annual that spreads by seed. Thick stems are branched and grow to 1.5m tall. Alternate leaves are heart-shaped and shallowly lobed, and yellow flowers are in clusters. Seeds are poisonous but are enclosed in prickly burs that are rarely eaten. Seedlings are also poisonous and can cause problems in cattle near water. Cocklebur grows in moist areas such as slough edges and creek banks.
EF - Hoeing and digging frequently before flowering will reduce seed production and help control cocklebur.
RP - A non-selective herbicide used as a spot treatment will kill it on contact. Do not apply to desired plants.
White Cockle (Noxious Weed)
White cockle is a biennial or short-lived perennial that reproduces from seed. Stems are covered with short hairs and grow to 1m tall. Leaves are opposite, narrow ovals. Flowers are white, cup-shaped. It is found on roadsides and hay and grain fields.
EF - Hoeing and digging frequently before flowering will reduce seed production and help control white cockle.
RP - A non-selective herbicide used as a spot treatment will kill it on contact. It is a noxious weed and should be controlled. Do not apply to desired plants.
Field Scabious (Noxious Weed)
Field scabious is a taprooted perennial that spreads by seeds. Stems are sparsely branched and covered with hairs. Leaves are opposite, long pointed ovals, covered with hairs and the middle ones on a stem are lobed. Blue to purple flowers are at the tops of stems. It is common on roadsides and pastures.
EF - Hoeing and cutting before flowering will reduce seed production and help control field scabious.
RP - A non-selective herbicide used as a spot treatment will kill it on contact. It is a noxious weed and should be controlled. Do not apply to desired plants.
Mushrooms
Mushrooms live on decomposing wood, often dying roots from trees that have been removed. They grow during wet weather and disappear during hot, dry weather, but the spores are still in the ground. Most mushrooms in lawns are not poisonous and a minor nuisance.
EF - Rake mushrooms off lawns, water lawn well and allow to become quite dry before watering again. Remove roots from trees that have been removed.
RP - There is no product that will kill spores in the soil.
Spreading Dogbane (Noxious Weed)
Spreading dogbane is a perennial with much-branched stems growing to two feet or more. Opposite leaves are pointed ovals, and both stems and leaves exude a milky juice which is toxic to cattle. Pink flowers are bell-shaped, in loose clusters in the axils of upper leaves and the ends of branches. It grows along roadsides and waste areas. The milky juice can be toxic to livestock.
EF - Hoeing and cutting before flowering will reduce seed production and help control spreading dogbane.
RP - A non-selective herbicide used as a spot treatment will kill it on contact. It is a noxious weed and should be controlled. Do not apply to desired plants.
Oxeye Daisy (noxious weed)
Oxeye daisy is a shallow-rooted perennial that spreads by rhizomes and seeds. Unbranched stems can grow to 1m tall. Flowers are borne singly on stems and narrow leaves have wavy margins. Flowers are daisy-like with white petals and yellow centres. It is a problem to dairy farmers as it can invade pastures.
EF - Hoeing and pulling, particularly in the fall, will destroy rosettes and reduce seed production the second year.
RP - A non-selective herbicide used as a spot treatment will kill it on contact. It is a noxious weed and should be controlled. Do not apply to desired plants.
Buffalobur
Buffalobur is an annual that grows to 60 cm. tall. Large oval leaves are lobed and covered with spines. Flowers are yellow with five petals. It is common in dry soil in disturbed ground and attracts potato beetles.
EF - Hoeing and cutting before flowering will reduce seed production and help control buffalobur.
RP - A non-selective herbicide used as a spot treatment will kill it on contact. Do not apply to desired plants.
Curly Dock
Curly dock is a tap-rooted perennial that grows from 60 to 150 cm. Reddish stems are ridged, and branched at the top. Large basal leaves are oval with wavy edges. Small green flowers are in spikes at the ends of the branches. They turn reddish brown as they mature. Seeds are spread by wind and water.
EF - Hoeing and cutting before flowering will reduce seed production and help control curly dock.
RP - A non-selective herbicide used as a spot treatment will kill it on contact. Do not apply to desired plants.
Showy Locoweed
Showy locoweed is a perennial growing from 15 to 30 cm. tall. Stems emerge from a central point in a rosette. Leaves are divided and covered with fine silky hairs. Flowers are pink and grow as a clump in the centre of the plant. All parts are poisonous and dangerous to cattle and sheep.
EF - Hoeing and cutting before flowering will reduce seed production and help control showy locoweed.
RP - A non-selective herbicide used as a spot treatment will kill it on contact. It must be applied when plants are actively growing but before they reach the bud stage. Do not apply to desired plants.