What Types of Weeds Are Common in Florida?

The earlier you can identify a weed or invasive plant in your lawn, the sooner you can treat the problem and prevent it from spreading throughout your landscape. That’s why it’s helpful to know about the most species in your local neighborhood. Here in Florida, some of the most common weeds include:

Dove Weed

This type of weed is a succulent plant that grows in a low, spreading or sprawling fashion. Dove weed typically lacks traditional leaves, but it has tiny, scale-like structures along the stems. These structures serve to reduce water loss in dry environments, which is how they can survive hot weather or drought conditions. The plant has thick, fleshy stems that are often grayish-green or blue-green in color. The stems are segmented and can grow up to 18 inches in height.

Kyllinga

Also known as sedge, Kyllinga is a grass-like plant that is often found in tropical and subtropical climates. These plants typically have slender, upright or creeping stems that can grow to varying heights, depending on the species. Some species may have a more clumping growth habit, while others form dense mats of grass-like foliage. They may also produce small brown or green flowers, though these flowers are often challenging to notice. Kyllinga is most likely to invade waterlogged lawns with poor drainage.

Spanish Needles

These flowery plants are also commonly called “beggars-ticks” or “butterfly needles”. They produce distinctive daisy-like flowers that are usually yellow or white in color with a cluster of needle-like bracts around the center, which is how they get their name. Spanish needles are adaptable plants that can grow in a variety of habitats, including fields, roadsides, waste areas, and gardens. They tend to thrive in sunny locations and can tolerate a range of soil types.

Crabgrass

Crabgrass thrives in sunny, open areas, though it prefers nutrient-rich and dry soils. It’s known for quickly spreading across lawns and outcompeting the more desirable grass in a short amount of time. These plants have light green or pale yellow leaves that are covered in a light fuzz. The leaves often resemble crab legs, which is how this plant gets its common nickname. Thankfully, crabgrass is an annual plant that completes its life cycle within one growing season.

Torpedograss

Torpedograss thrives in wetlands, marshes, and along the edges of bodies of water. While it’s usually found near lakes or rivers, it may also invade lawns that have too much moisture. Torpedograss is considered a highly invasive species that can outcompete native plants and disrupt ecosystems by growing in extremely thick patches or ‘mats’ of sprawling stems. These stems are usually round and look waxy.

What to Do If You Have Weeds

If you have weeds in your lawn or garden, it’s essential to take action to manage and control them to prevent them from competing with your landscape. If you have a severe weed problem or are dealing with invasive or persistent weeds, consider consulting a lawn care professional for targeted solutions and advice.