• by Ron Henry
  • Jul 19, 2024

Which Lawn Weeds Have Pink Flowers?

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Imagine walking through your lawn, admiring the lush green grass, only to find unexpected bursts of pink flowers scattered throughout. While these pink blossoms may add a splash of color, they often signal the presence of invasive weeds that can harm your lawn's health and aesthetics. Identifying and controlling these weeds is crucial for maintaining a vibrant and thriving lawn.

Some of the most common lawn weeds with pink flowers include:

  • Red clover
  • Pink purslane
  • Pink wood sorrel
  • Henbit
  • Common mallow
  • Carolina geranium
  • Field bindweed
  • Wild onion
  • Milk thistle
  • Common milkweed.

In this article, we will guide you on these common lawn weeds that sport pink flowers, help you recognize them, and provide effective herbicide recommendations. By understanding which weeds you’re dealing with, you can take the necessary steps to keep your lawn beautiful and weed-free. Let's dive into the world of pink-flowered weeds and learn how to manage them effectively.

1. Red Clover

Red Clover

Identification: Red clover (Trifolium pratense) is a common weed that many homeowners encounter in their lawns. It is characterized by its distinctive pink to red flower heads, which are small and round, typically consisting of numerous tiny florets. The plant has trifoliate leaves, meaning each leaf is divided into three leaflets, often marked with a pale chevron pattern. Red clover can grow up to 20 inches tall and tends to form dense patches.

Impact on lawns: While red clover can be visually appealing due to its colorful flowers, it competes aggressively with grass for nutrients, water, and sunlight. Its dense growth habit can crowd out desirable grass species, leading to an uneven and patchy lawn. Furthermore, clover can thrive in various soil conditions, making it a resilient invader.

Herbicide: 

Cultural practices: Maintain a healthy lawn by mowing regularly, watering deeply but infrequently, and fertilizing appropriately to outcompete clover. Adjust soil pH to discourage clover growth, aiming for a slightly acidic to neutral range (pH 6.0-7.0).

2. Pink Purslane

Pink Purslane

Identification: Pink purslane (Portulaca pilosa) is a weed characterized by its small, vibrant pink flowers and succulent leaves. The flowers typically have 5 petals and bloom in clusters. The leaves are fleshy, cylindrical, and often grow in clusters along reddish stems. This low-growing plant can form dense mats, spreading across the ground and rooting at nodes.

Impact on lawns: Pink purslane is known for its rapid growth and ability to thrive in poor soil conditions. It can quickly dominate lawn areas, particularly in sunny, well-drained spots. Its succulent nature allows it to withstand drought conditions, giving it an edge over many grass species. As it spreads, pink purslane competes with lawn grass for nutrients and space, leading to a patchy and uneven lawn.

Herbicide: 

Cultural practices: Improve lawn density through overseeding and proper fertilization. Ensure good lawn care practices to prevent thin areas where purslane can take root.

3. Pink Wood Sorrel

Pink Wood Sorrel

Identification: Pink wood sorrel (Oxalis debilis) is easily recognizable by its delicate pink flowers and distinctively shaped leaves. The flowers typically have 5 petals and can vary from light pink to deep magenta. The leaves are trifoliate, resembling clover, with 3 heart-shaped leaflets that fold up at night or in harsh weather. This perennial weed often grows low to the ground and spreads via bulbs and rhizomes.

Impact on lawns: Pink wood sorrel can be particularly troublesome in lawns due to its persistent nature and rapid spread. It tends to thrive in shady, moist areas and can quickly form dense mats, crowding out grass and other desirable plants. Once established, it is difficult to eradicate because of its ability to regrow from small bulb pieces left in the soil.

Herbicide: 

Cultural practices: Increase lawn health through regular mowing and fertilization. Remove any visible wood sorrel manually to reduce seed spread. Aerate the soil to improve grass growth and reduce soil compaction.

4. Henbit

Henbit

Identification: Henbit (Lamium amplexicaule) is a common annual weed recognized by its pink to purple tubular flowers and square stems, which is why it made it onto our “Which lawn weeds have purple flowers?” list, too. The flowers bloom in whorls around the upper part of the stems, which are covered with fine hairs. Henbit leaves are rounded, deeply lobed, and grow opposite each other along the stem, with the upper leaves clasping the stem directly without a petiole.

Impact on lawns: Henbit typically emerges in the fall and can thrive through the winter and early spring, taking advantage of cooler temperatures when many desirable lawn grasses are dormant. This can lead to early-season infestations that outcompete grass for sunlight, nutrients, and water. Henbit can quickly become widespread if not controlled, forming dense patches that disrupt the uniformity of the lawn.

Selective pre-emergent herbicides: Apply pre-emergent herbicides in the fall to disrupt the life cycle of seeds, minimizing the chance of infestations.

Selective post-emergent herbicides: Use specialized herbicides designed for broadleaf weed control in lawns. Apply during active weed growth to target purple deadnettle and henbit while preserving grasses. 

Cultural practices: Maintain a thick, healthy lawn by overseeding bare patches and ensuring proper fertilization. Regularly mow the lawn to keep henbit from flowering and seeding.


Related: The Best 4 Products for Killing Weeds Without Killing Grass 


5. Common Mallow

Common Mallow

Identification: Common mallow (Malva neglecta) is a widespread weed identifiable by its round, scalloped leaves and small, pale pink to white flowers. The flowers, which bloom from late spring to early fall, have 5 petals and are relatively inconspicuous compared to the plant's distinctive leaves. Common mallow has a sprawling growth habit, with stems that can spread out horizontally and root at the nodes, allowing it to cover large areas quickly.

Impact on lawns: Common mallow can be a persistent nuisance in lawns due to its robust root system and ability to spread. It thrives in various soil conditions, often colonizing areas where grass is thin or weakened. As it grows, common mallow can form dense mats that overshadow and outcompete lawn grasses for light, water, and nutrients, leading to patches of bare soil and an overall decline in lawn health.

Herbicide: 

Cultural practices: Improve lawn density with overseeding and proper fertilization. Manually remove young mallow plants before they set seed. Ensure adequate watering practices to support grass health.

6. Carolina Geranium

Carolina Geranium

Identification: Carolina geranium (Geranium carolinianum) is a common weed that features small, pale pink to lavender flowers and deeply lobed leaves. The flowers typically have 5 petals and bloom in clusters at the ends of the stems. The leaves are deeply cut into several lobes, giving them a fern-like appearance. This weed grows in a rosette form close to the ground and can reach up to 2 feet in height if left unchecked.

Impact on lawns: Carolina geranium thrives in poor, compacted soils and can quickly become established in lawns that are not well-maintained. Its deep root system allows it to survive in harsh conditions and outcompete grass for water and nutrients. As it spreads, it can create dense patches that are difficult to eradicate, leading to an uneven and unattractive lawn.

Herbicide: 

Cultural practices: Aerate the soil to reduce compaction and improve grass growth. Regular mowing and fertilization can help create a dense lawn that resists weed invasion. Manually remove plants before they flower and set seed.

7. Field Bindweed

Field Bindweed

Identification: Field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) is a perennial vine known for its creeping nature and distinctive pink-to-white funnel-shaped flowers. The flowers have a sweet fragrance and typically bloom in the morning. The leaves are arrowhead-shaped and arranged alternately along the stems. This weed spreads aggressively through its extensive root system and can grow up to 6 feet in length, forming dense mats that smother other vegetation.

Impact on lawns: Field bindweed is highly invasive and difficult to control due to its deep, persistent root system. It competes with grass for sunlight, water, and nutrients, often forming dense patches that crowd out desirable lawn grasses. Once established, it can be very challenging to eradicate because even small root fragments left in the soil can regenerate into new plants.

Herbicide: 

Cool and warm-season lawns — Quinclorac 75 DF, Mirimich Green Organic Weed Control (non-selective), Roundup QuikPRO Herbicide (non-selective).

Cultural practices: Regularly mow and fertilize the lawn to keep it healthy and competitive. Remove bindweed manually, ensuring that as much of the root system is removed as possible. Consider using landscape fabric or mulch in garden beds to suppress bindweed growth.

8. Wild Onion

Wild Onion

Identification: Wild onion (Allium vineale) is a perennial weed that can be identified by its slender, cylindrical, hollow leaves that resemble those of chives or green onions. It produces small, white to pinkish flowers that grow in clusters at the top of a thin, upright stalk. This plant emits a strong onion-like odor when crushed, which is a distinctive characteristic. Wild onion grows from underground bulbs that allow it to spread and persist in lawns and gardens.

Impact on lawns: Wild onion can be particularly troublesome in lawns due to its rapid spread and persistence. It tends to grow in clumps, disrupting the uniform appearance of a lawn. The presence of wild onion can be more than just an aesthetic issue; it competes with grass for nutrients and space, leading to thinner, weaker turf. Its tough, fibrous leaves are resistant to mowing, allowing it to quickly bounce back and continue growing.

Herbicide: 

  • Cool-season lawns (Kentucky Bluegrass, all Fescues, Ryegrass) and warm-season lawns (Bermuda and Zoysia) —Triad Select™ Herbicide.

Cultural practices: Aerate compacted soils to improve grass growth and make conditions less favorable for wild onion. Additionally, consider adjusting soil pH if necessary, as wild onion tends to thrive in acidic soils. 

9. Milk Thistle

Milk Thistle

Identification: Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is a distinctive weed known for its spiny leaves and vibrant purple to pink flowers. The leaves are large, glossy, and have white marbling, with sharp spines along the edges. The flowers are spherical, surrounded by spiny bracts, and bloom from spring to summer. This biennial plant can grow up to 6 feet tall, making it a conspicuous presence on any lawn.

Impact on lawns: Milk thistle can be particularly problematic in lawns due to its large size and aggressive growth habit. Its spiny foliage can make it difficult to handle and unpleasant to walk on, while its dense growth can overshadow and outcompete grass. The plant’s deep taproot allows it to access water and nutrients beyond the reach of most lawn grasses, making it tough to eradicate once established.

Herbicide: 

Cool and warm-season lawns — Roundup QuikPRO Herbicide (non-selective).

Cultural practices: Manually remove young plants, ensuring to remove the taproot. Regular mowing, fertilization, and watering can help maintain a healthy lawn that resists thistle invasion. Avoid letting milk thistle flower and set seed. 

10. Common Milkweed

Common Milkweed

Identification: Common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) is a perennial weed recognized by its tall stalks and clusters of pink to purple star-shaped flowers. The flowers, which bloom from late spring to early summer, are highly fragrant and arranged in umbels. The leaves are large, broad, and oval-shaped, growing in opposite pairs along the stem. This plant can reach heights of up to 6 feet and is known for its milky sap that exudes when the stem or leaves are broken.

Impact on lawns: Common milkweed can be a troublesome weed in lawns due to its robust growth and deep root system. It spreads both by seed and underground rhizomes, making it difficult to control. Its tall stature and dense foliage can overshadow lawn grasses, depriving them of sunlight and space. While it is beneficial to pollinators like butterflies, it can disrupt the uniform appearance and health of a lawn.

Herbicide: 

Cultural practices: Regularly mow the lawn to prevent milkweed from flowering and spreading. Manually remove plants, including as much of the root system as possible. Improve lawn health through proper fertilization, watering, and overseeding to prevent bare patches where milkweed can establish itself.


Related: Which Lawn Weeds Have Yellow Flowers?


Importance of Proper Lawn Care for Weed Control

Maintaining a healthy and vibrant lawn through proper care is essential for controlling the spread of all weeds, not just those with pink flowers. The following practices can help create a robust lawn that's ready to ward off weeds:

Regular mowing: Mow at the correct height to deprive weeds of sunlight, limiting their growth and spread.

Adequate watering: Ensure the overall health of desirable grasses, creating an environment less favorable for invasive species.

Fertilization: High-quality fertilizers provide essential nutrients to the grass, promoting robust growth that can outcompete weeds.

Biostimulants: Contribute to soil health and stimulate vigorous grass growth by using biostimulants, establishing a competitive ecosystem that naturally inhibits weed proliferation.

Thatch reduction and soil aeration: Enhance water and nutrient absorption, strengthening the lawn's resilience against weed encroachment.

Proactive measures: Prune overhanging branches to reduce shade, contributing to a well-balanced ecosystem that discourages weed development.

Mulching: Acts as a protective barrier, restraining the proliferation of weeds by blocking sunlight and creating unfavorable conditions for weed establishment.

Pre-emergent herbicides: Use products like Prodiamine, Dimension, and Specticle FLO to inhibit the germination of weed seeds before they can sprout.


Related: Which Lawn Weeds Have White Flowers?



Regular monitoring, proper mowing, fertilization, and watering are crucial in preventing weed infestations and ensuring your lawn remains lush and green. Remember, the key to a beautiful lawn is not just treating weeds when they appear but also maintaining a robust and healthy environment that resists their attack.

Take action today to inspect your lawn, identify any pink-flowered weeds, and apply the appropriate treatments to enjoy a pristine, weed-free lawn year-round.

To keep your lawn healthy after weed treatment, check out our non-toxic biostimulants and fertilizers that make lawn care a breeze.

 

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