There are a few weeds that commonly grow on lawns in Texas. Knowing more about them could help with your lawn care. In Allen, TX, some of these weeds include dallisgrass, nutsedge, chickweed, henbit, and purple deadnettle. Each of these 5 common weeds has distinct features and grows at different times of the year. Dallisgrass, for example, is a perennial and grows in the summer. Nutsedge is another invasive perennial that thrives in summer and is often mistaken for turf. Chickweed, henbit, and purple deadnettle are all flowering annuals that thrive in the spring when the temperature is not too hot or too cold.

1. Dallisgrass

Dallisgrass, also known as paspalum dilatatum, is a common weed found in Allen, TX. This type of grass grows tall and produces "sticky" seeds at the ends of its stalks, earning it the nickname "sticky head". Dallisgrass is a perennial weed that grows during the summer. However, removing it can be challenging since dallisgrass has a tendency to grow back if its roots are not entirely removed. Dallisgrass also self-seeds, making it even more likely to return.

2. Nutsedge

Nutsedge, also known as cyperus rotundus, looks very similar to normal turf until it grows taller than your lawn. Because of this, it is often overlooked when searching for weeds. Nutsedge grows from tubers that resemble nuts, although they are not related, which is where the common name comes from. It grows in groups of three from around the base of the plant and has flowers that bloom in uneven spikes. Despite being a weed, nutsedge has been used for various purposes throughout history, including as a staple food for hunter-gatherer societies, folk medicine, water purification, and perfume. In modern times, nutsedge is used in a wide variety of chemicals. Nutsedge is a perennial, just like dallisgrass, and is known as one of the most invasive weeds throughout the world!

3. Chickweed

The scientific name of chickweed is stellaria media, which is derived from the Latin words "stella" and "media", meaning "star" and "mid-sized", respectively. This name accurately describes the plant's small white flowers that comprise five delicate petals. The presence of fine hairs along the stem is a key characteristic of chickweed, although it can sometimes be confused with mouse-ears, a similar weed that has hairs on both its stem and leaves. Chickweed is commonly used to feed various farm animals, including chickens, and can also be eaten raw in salads. Chickweed is an annual, meaning it will finish its lifecycle in one season, and it typically grows during the early spring and fall seasons in Allen, TX.

A single chickweed plant can produce 2,500 to 15,000 seeds!

4. Henbit

The botanical name for the weed commonly known as Henbit is lamium amplexicaule. Henbit is a herbaceous plant that grows short and erect, with hairy stems that usually reach up to a height of 16 inches. Henbit's flowers bloom in shades of pink and purple. Although considered a weed, henbits are a valuable source of nectar and pollen for honeybees and serve as forage for animals. Being an annual plant, henbit has a relatively short lifespan but can quickly spread due to its ability to self-pollinate. Henbit can usually be found sprouting in the springtime in Allen, TX.

5. Purple Deadnettle

Lamium purpureum, commonly known as purple deadnettle, is an annual that is a member of the mint family. It is characterized by its fuzzy spade-shaped leaves, which can often be mistaken for nettles; however, the deadnettle's leaves do not sting, hence the name "dead" and "nettle". It will produce purple-pink flowers and typically emerges in the month of April. Despite its striking appearance, this plant is devoid of any fragrance, though it is an important pollen and nectar source for bees, just like henbit. It has shallow roots and tends to wither away during the summer months.

The Greek translation of the purple deadnettle's binomial name is "the devouring purple monster."

Call us and schedule our weed control service for your lawn!

If you want to beautify your lawn and increase its curb appeal, call us at Weedex Lawn Care, and we can help keep your lawn weed-free all year long! We use pre- and post-emergent weed control treatments multiple times in order to help prevent weeds from sprouting and kill any existing weeds on your lawn, and our weed control service includes fertilization treatments to help supply your turf with all the nutrients it needs to flourish. We provide our lawn care services to property owners in Allen, Argyle, and Arlington, TX, as well as to other nearby areas. Call us at (972) 727-9207 to schedule our weed control service.