The Most Common Weeds and Invasive Plants in Texas — And How to Get Rid of Them
Texas is home to a diverse range of plant life, but not all is welcome. From stubborn lawn weeds to aggressive invasive plants that threaten native ecosystems, unwanted vegetation can quickly take over if left unchecked. Common weeds in Texas include:
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Dandelions
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Henbit
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Crabgrass
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Sandbur
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Texas thistle
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Purslane
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Johnsongrass
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Dallisgrass
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Clover
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Chickweed
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Bindweed
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Nutsedge
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Wild garlic, and many more.
This guide explores the most common weeds in Texas, including those that plague residential lawns and broader invasive species that pose a threat to agriculture, wildlife, and natural landscapes. We’ll also discuss the best strategies for eradicating them effectively.
Common Lawn Weeds in Texas
Lawn weeds are those pesky invaders that creep into your turfgrass, stealing nutrients, water, and sunlight. They fall into three main categories: broadleaf, grassy, and sedges.
Broadleaf Weeds in Texas
These weeds are characterized by wide leaves and often produce flowers. They’re easy to identify and usually respond well to selective herbicides.
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
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What it looks like: Produces bright yellow flowers that turn into fluffy seed heads.
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Where it grows: Found in lawns, gardens, and roadsides.
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When it grows: Appears in early spring.
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Why it’s a problem: Deep taproot makes it difficult to remove completely.
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Safe herbicide to use for your Texas lawn: Celsius, Certainty, Recognition, Triad Select, Quinclorac.
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What it looks like: It has trifoliate leaves with small white or pink flowers.
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Where it grows: Common in nitrogen-deficient soil.
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When it grows: Grows in spring and remains green even in drought.
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Why it’s a problem: It spreads rapidly and competes with grass.
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Safe herbicide to use for your Texas lawn: Celsius, Certainty, Recognition, Triad Select, Quinclorac.
Chickweed (Stellaria media)
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What it looks like: Low-growing plant with tiny white star-shaped flowers.
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Where it grows: Prefers cool, moist, shaded areas.
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When it grows: Grows in winter and early spring.
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Why it’s a problem: Forms dense mats that smother grass.
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Safe herbicide to use for your Texas lawn: Celsius, Certainty, Recognition, Triad Select.
Spurge (Euphorbia spp.)
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What it looks like: Low-growing weed with small, oval leaves and reddish stems.
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Where it grows: Prefers dry, compacted soil.
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When it grows: Thrives in hot summer months.
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Why it’s a problem: Spreads quickly by seed.
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Safe herbicide to use for your Texas lawn: Recognition, Triad Select.
Purslane (Portulaca oleracea)
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What it looks like: Succulent plant with thick, paddle-shaped leaves and yellow flowers.
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Where it grows: Common in hot, dry soil.
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When it grows: Grows in summer.
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Why it’s a problem: Spreads aggressively and competes with grass.
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Safe herbicide to use for your Texas lawn: Celsius, Triad Select.
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What it looks like: A winter annual with square stems, purple flowers, and scalloped leaves.
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Where it grows: Found in lawns, gardens, and disturbed soil across Texas.
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When it grows: Grows in late fall and early spring.
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Why it’s a problem: Forms dense mats that compete with grass and other desirable plants.
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Safe herbicide to use for your Texas lawn: Celsius, Certainty, Triad Select.
Curly Dock (Rumex crispus)
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What it looks like: Has long, wavy-edged leaves and tall flower stalks with reddish-brown seed clusters.
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Where it grows: Found in pastures, roadsides, and disturbed areas.
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When it grows: Perennial that thrives in spring and summer.
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Why it’s a problem: Produces thousands of seeds that remain viable for years.
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Safe herbicide to use for your Texas lawn: Celsius, Triad Select.
Mallow (Malva spp.)
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What it looks like: Low-growing weed with round, lobed leaves and small purple or white flowers.
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Where it grows: Found in lawns, gardens, and disturbed soil.
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When it grows: Grows year-round but is most aggressive in spring and summer.
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Why it’s a problem: Forms deep roots and spreads easily.
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Safe herbicide to use for your Texas lawn: Recognition, Triad Select.
Texas Bluebell (Eustoma exaltatum)
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What it looks like: Produces large, showy blue to purple bell-shaped flowers.
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Where it grows: Found in prairies, open fields, and roadsides.
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When it grows: Blooms from late spring to early fall.
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Why it’s a problem: Though native, it can spread aggressively and compete with desired vegetation.
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Methods to control: Regular mowing, Glyphosate (non-selective).
Related: Which Lawn Weeds Have White Flowers?
Grassy Weeds Common in Texas
Grassy weeds blend in with your lawn but grow aggressively and disrupt turf uniformity.
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What it looks like: Forms coarse-textured clumps with wide, sprawling stems.
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Where it grows: Common in thin, open areas of lawns.
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When it grows: Germinates when soil temperatures reach 55°F in spring and thrives in summer.
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Why it’s a problem: Spreads aggressively, competing with desirable grass and weakening turf.
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Safe herbicide to use for your Texas lawn: Quinclorac, Fusilade II, Celsius.
Goosegrass (Eleusine indica)
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What it looks like: A low-growing, light green grass that forms dense rosettes.
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Where it grows: Thrives in compacted, overwatered lawns, and along driveways and sidewalks.
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When it grows: Germinates in late spring and grows throughout summer.
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Why it’s a problem: Difficult to control due to its deep root system and resilience to stress.
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Safe herbicide to use for your Texas lawn: Fusilade II.
Dallisgrass (Paspalum dilatatum)
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What it looks like: Grows in clumps with thick, coarse leaves and tall seed stalks.
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Where it grows: Found in poorly maintained lawns, pastures, and sports fields.
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When it grows: Perennial that grows actively in warm weather.
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Why it’s a problem: Spreads through underground rhizomes, making it difficult to remove.
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Safe herbicide to use for your Texas lawn: Certainty (suppression).
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What it looks like: Fine-textured grass with bright green leaves and small seed heads.
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Where it grows: Prefers moist, shaded areas and frequently appears in overwatered lawns.
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When it grows: A winter annual that germinates in fall and produces seed heads in spring.
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Why it’s a problem: Weakens lawn uniformity and dies out in summer, leaving bare patches.
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Safe herbicide to use for your Texas lawn: Certainty.
Sandbur/Grassbur (Cenchrus spp.)
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What it looks like: A clump-forming grass with sharp, spiny seed burs.
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Where it grows: Found in sandy soils, pastures, and disturbed areas.
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When it grows: Germinates in spring and thrives throughout summer.
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Why it’s a problem: Seed burs stick to clothing, pet fur, and bare feet, making it a nuisance.
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Safe herbicide to use for your Texas lawn: Celsius, Fusilade II.
Wild Garlic/Onion (Allium spp.)
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What it looks like: It has thin, grass-like leaves with a strong onion or garlic odor.
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Where it grows: Found in lawns, fields, and roadsides.
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When it grows: Thrives in fall and early spring.
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Why it’s a problem: Grows in dense clumps and is difficult to eradicate due to underground bulbs.
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Safe herbicide to use for your Texas lawn: Celsius, Certainty, Recognition, Triad Select.
Related: Which Lawn Weeds Have Yellow Flowers?
Sedges Found in Texas
Sedges resemble grass but have triangular stems and thrive in wet soil. They
Nutsedge (Nutgrass) (Cyperus spp.)
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What it looks like: A fast-growing, bright green sedge with triangular stems and a tall, upright growth habit.
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Where it grows: Prefers moist, poorly drained soil in lawns, gardens, and pastures.
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When it grows: Emerges in late spring and thrives through summer.
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Why it’s a problem: Spreads aggressively through underground tubers (nutlets) and grows faster than surrounding grass, making it difficult to control.
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Safe herbicide to use for your Texas lawn: Certainty, Recognition, SedgeHammer®.
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What it looks like: A low-growing, mat-forming sedge with bright green leaves and small, round green seed heads.
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Where it grows: Prefers wet, compacted soil in lawns, ditches, and golf courses.
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When it grows: Thrives in warm months, spreading rapidly.
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Why it’s a problem: Forms dense patches that crowd out desirable turfgrass and are resistant to many common herbicides.
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Safe herbicide to use for your Texas lawn: Celsius, Certainty, Recognition, SedgeHammer®.
Related: Which Lawn Weeds Have Purple Flowers?
Best Texas Lawn Weed Control Methods
Pre-Emergent Herbicides
Apply weed and feed products like Prodiamine 0-0-7 or Dimension 0-0-7 in early spring and fall to prevent weeds from germinating.
Alternatively, use a pre-emergent directly on your lawn in late summer or early fall. Spectacle Flo provides superior control of the most troublesome weeds. Note that you can only use it safely on warm-season grasses.
Post-Emergent Herbicides
Selective herbicides like Celsius WG or Certainty Herbicide for broadleaf and grassy weed control will eradicate most weeds in a warm-season lawn.
The Celsius and Certainty Herbicide Kit is designed to effectively manage weeds in warm-season grasses such as Bermuda, Zoysia, and St. Augustine. This comprehensive kit includes the two herbicides, a surfactant, and a blue marker dye to enhance application accuracy.
Key Features:
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Broad-spectrum weed control: The combination of Celsius and Certainty targets over 180 grassy and broadleaf weeds, including challenging species like sedges (nutsedge, kyllinga) and annual bluegrass (Poa annua).
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Grass compatibility: Safe for use on various warm-season grasses, except for Bahia, ensuring effective weed management without harming desirable turf.
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Comprehensive coverage: Each kit provides sufficient product to treat areas ranging from 72,000 to 130,000 square feet, making it suitable for residential and larger properties.
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Temperature flexibility: The herbicides in this kit can be applied across a broad temperature range, offering flexibility in different climatic conditions.
Kit Components:
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Celsius WG Herbicide: Effective against a wide array of broadleaf weeds and some grassy weeds.
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Certainty Herbicide: Specializes in controlling sedges and certain grassy weeds, complementing the action of Celsius.
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Hi-Yield Non-Ionic Surfactant: Enhances the adherence and penetration of the herbicides into weed foliage, improving efficacy.
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Turf Mark Blue Marker Dye: Visually indicates treated areas during application, ensuring uniform coverage and reducing the likelihood of missed spots or over-application.
This kit offers a robust solution for maintaining healthy, weed-free warm-season lawns by combining targeted herbicides with application aids — and you save money!
Cultural Practices
Maintain a healthy lawn by mowing at the correct height, watering deeply but infrequently, and aerating compacted soil.
Related: The Best Four Products for Killing Weeds without Killing Grass
Invasive Weeds and Plants in Texas
Beyond lawn weeds, Texas is plagued by invasive plant species that threaten native vegetation, agriculture, and ecosystems. These plants spread aggressively and are often difficult to eradicate.
Invasive Broadleaf Weeds
Giant Ragweed (Ambrosia trifida)
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What it looks like: A tall, fast-growing weed with deeply lobed leaves and greenish flowers.
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Where it grows: Common in disturbed soil, crop fields, and roadsides.
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When it grows: Thrives in late spring and summer.
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Why it’s a problem: Causes severe allergies and competes with crops for nutrients, reducing yields.
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Best weedkillers for the job: Celsius, Triad Select, SedgeHammer®.
Horsenettle (Solanum carolinense)
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What it looks like: A spiny plant with small purple flowers and toxic yellow berries.
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Where it grows: Found in pastures, fields, and roadsides.
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When it grows: Grows throughout the warm months.
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Why it’s a problem: Toxic to livestock and spreads aggressively through underground rhizomes.
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Best weedkillers for the job: Celsius, Triad Select.
Texas Thistle (Cirsium texanum)
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What it looks like: A spiky weed with purple flower heads and serrated leaves.
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Where it grows: Thrives in open fields and pastures.
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When it grows: Grows in spring and summer.
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Why it’s a problem: Spreads rapidly by wind-blown seeds and is difficult to remove due to its deep root system.
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Best weedkillers for the job: Celsius, Triad Select.
Bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis)
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What it looks like: A vining weed with arrow-shaped leaves and white or pink trumpet-shaped flowers.
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Where it grows: Found in fields, gardens, and roadsides.
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When it grows: Grows year-round but thrives in warmer months.
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Why it’s a problem: Spreads through deep, extensive roots and is highly resistant to herbicides.
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Best weedkillers for the job: Quinclorac.
Invasive Grasses
Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense)
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What it looks like: A tall, perennial grass with broad leaves and large seed heads.
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Where it grows: Found in pastures, fields, and along roadsides.
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When it grows: Thrives in warm seasons.
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Why it’s a problem: Spreads aggressively via rhizomes and seeds, outcompeting native plants.
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Best weedkillers for the job: Celsius, Certainty, Fusilade II.
King Ranch Bluestem (Bothriochloa ischaemum)
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What it looks like: A tall, bunch-forming grass with reddish-purple seed heads.
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Where it grows: Prefers disturbed soils, roadsides, and open fields.
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When it grows: Grows year-round but spreads aggressively in spring and summer.
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Why it’s a problem: Displaces native grasses, reducing biodiversity.
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Best weedkillers for the job: Glyphosate.
Buffelgrass (Pennisetum ciliare)
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What it looks like: A drought-tolerant grass with dense, brushy seed heads.
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Where it grows: Common in South Texas, often found along roadsides and open fields.
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When it grows: Grows in warm seasons, particularly in dry regions.
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Why it’s a problem: Highly flammable and disrupts native plant ecosystems, increasing wildfire risk.
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Problem: Forms dense thickets that choke out native vegetation and trees.
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Best weedkillers for the job: Glyphosate.
Related: How to Stop Invasive Grass Taking Over Your Lawn
The Best Control Methods for Invasive Plants in Texas
Mechanical Control
Mowing, hand-pulling, and cutting back invasive plants can help, but some species regrow aggressively.
Herbicides
Use systemic herbicides like Roundup QuikPRO Herbicide for broad-spectrum control, but note that this herbicide is non-selective. We do not recommend using it on your lawn unless you can tolerate injuring your grass. For some grassy invasives, use targeted products like Fusilade II.
Biological Control
Some invasive plants have natural predators or pathogens that can be introduced for long-term suppression.
Additional Lawn Care Tips for Texas Homeowners
Texas' hot and variable climate means proper lawn care goes beyond weed control. Here are some additional strategies to maintain a thick, weed-resistant lawn year-round:
1. Choosing the Right Grass Type
The best defense against weeds is a dense, healthy lawn. Popular warm-season grasses in Texas include:
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Bermudagrass — Excellent drought tolerance and best for sunny areas.
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St. Augustinegrass — Prefers partial shade but requires more water.
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Zoysiagrass — A slow-growing, low-maintenance option with good drought tolerance.
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Buffalograss — Ideal for low-maintenance lawns in dry regions of Texas.
NOTE: If you have a Bermudagrass lawn, do NOT use the herbicides Fusilade II and Recognition combined. They will kill Bermudagrass when used together.
2. Proper Mowing Practices
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Mow at the correct height for your grass type (Bermuda: 1-2", St. Augustine: 3-4", Zoysia: 1-2.5").
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Never remove more than one-third of the grass blade at a time to avoid stressing the lawn.
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Use sharp mower blades to create clean cuts and reduce disease risk.
3. Fertilization and Soil Health
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Test your soil annually to determine nutrient deficiencies.
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Apply slow-release nitrogen fertilizers in spring and summer to promote steady growth.
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Organic soil amendments like compost and biochar improve long-term soil quality.
The Final Pull: Keeping Texas Lawns Weed-Free
Weeds and invasive plants in Texas require a proactive approach for effective control. Whether you're dealing with lawn weeds like crabgrass and nutsedge or invasive species like Johnsongrass and kudzu, the key is to use the right combination of prevention, targeted herbicide application, and cultural lawn care practices. By staying vigilant and using the appropriate control methods, you can keep your lawn and natural landscapes healthy and weed-free.
For top-rated weed control solutions, check out the Golf Course Law store, where you can find professional-grade herbicides, fertilizers, and lawn care products tailored for Texas conditions.
Ron Henry
Ron Henry is the founder of Golf Course Lawn, which is dedicated to helping homeowners achieve golf course-quality lawns. He holds a certificate in Sports Turfgrass Management from the University of Georgia. With expert knowledge in turf care, fertilization, and weed control, he shares practical tips and product recommendations to create lush, healthy lawns.