Weeds, weeds, and more weeds

Regular weeding is one of the most important chores in the garden.  Pulling weeds when they are still small is key to good weed control.  Always pull weeds before they go to seed. The first step is identifying that what you are pulling out is actually a weed and not just a perennial that you forgot you planted last year. Following are some common weeds in Minnesota landscapes.

Field Bindweed has a vining growth habit with arrowhead shaped leaves.  It spreads via rhizomes and has very deep roots, making it a difficult weed to control.

Creeping Charlie is a low growing perennial weed.  When blooming, it has small purple flowers.  The leaves are round and scalloped, making it easy to identify. If caught early, creeping charlie is easy to pull. Creeping Charlie is commonly a problem in turf grass.  If in grass, a dethatching rake can aid with removal.

Dandelions can be easily removed by digging up the tap root.  However, several inches of root will need to be removed to prevent it from coming up again.  Always make sure to pull dandelions before they go to seed.

 

Lambsquarters have triangular or diamond shaped leaves and often have red tinted stems and leaves.  This plant is considered invasive and a threat to native plants.  It can be easily pulled as a young seedling.  Full grown plants can get up to 6 feet tall.

 

Bishop's Weed is often planted intentionally as a ground cover in the landscape.  However the variegated form, which is somewhat attractive, reverts to a plain form when propagated by seed.  This plant will readily self seed in places where it is not wanted.   It also spreads via rhizomes, so removal can be a bit trickier. All of the plant needs to be removed. It's leaves come in three's with a slightly variegated edge.

Common Burdock produces a large rosette of leaves that are broadly heart shaped and loosely hairy.  Burdock has a long tap root which should be removed to prevent reemergence.