Broadleaf Weeds 101: Identification Chart
Quick Answer
Broadleaf weeds — dandelion, clover, plantain, chickweed, ground ivy, and others — share wide, veined leaves that are visually and biologically distinct from grass. Most respond to the same category of selective broadleaf herbicide.
Common Broadleaf Weeds
- Dandelion: deep taproot, yellow flower, jagged leaves — see our dandelion control guide
- Clover: three-part rounded leaflets, creeping growth — see our clover guide
- Plantain: broad oval leaves in a low rosette, thin seed spikes
- Chickweed: small oval leaves, low mat-forming growth, tiny white flowers
- Ground ivy (creeping Charlie): scalloped leaves, minty smell when crushed, aggressive spreading vines
Why Broadleaf Weeds Establish
Nearly all broadleaf lawn weeds share one requirement: an opening. Thin, stressed, or bare turf gives weed seeds the light and space they need to germinate that a dense, healthy lawn simply doesn't provide.
Prevention beats repeated treatment
Treatment
A selective post-emergent broadleaf herbicide, applied while weeds are actively growing (spring or fall for most species), handles the majority of common broadleaf weeds in one application. See our post-emergent herbicide guide for application timing and technique.