Various Types Of Weeds

Why are wild orchids that grow in Hawaii considered weeds? It is only our point of view as to what makes a weed a weed. Weeds are those plants that are disliked by farmers as well as garden enthusiasts, as they block the view of the even expanse of greenery. They are unwanted plants that grow in any particular area of the land, including lawns and gardens. While some weeds are invasive and fast growing that overtake the cultivated plant turfs, others are extremely noxious and cause problems to humans, if they get in contact with them. Weeds are mainly divided into three different categories, namely, grassy-type weeds, grass-like weeds and broadleaf weeds. To know more about the various types of weeds, read through the following lines.

 

Different Kinds Of Weeds 

Grassy-like weeds are actual grasses that germinate and grow just like the grasses that we see in our lawns. Examples of such weeds are foxtails, goosegrass, crabgrass and quackgrass. Though these weeds look like grass, when inspected from a closer look, these grass stems are triangular, instead of the usual round shape. Wild garlic, nutsedge and star of Bethlehem are some examples of grass-like weeds. Broadleaf weeds are the most common among all weeds. These weeds have broad, wide and flat leaves that are set up on a stem like a flower. Examples of broadleaf weeds include dandelions, ground ivy, white clover, chick weed, carpet weed and violets, to name a few.

 

Given here are some common weeds that can be found in our gardens, fields and lawns.

 

Ground thistle is a perennial weed that grows hidden in the grass and is detected only when it starts flowering. The spiny leaves of the weed grow in a circular pattern forming a flat bed. The deep pink flowers of this weed grow in the center of the cluster of leaves.

 

The giant foxtail is an erect grass that is found amongst the cultivated crops. It is characterized by the hairy ligules and dense hair that grows on the upper surface of the leaves. These characteristics distinguish this weed from the other grass types.

 

The stems of field bindweed are thin and wiry and twine around anything that is close by. The white or light pink colored flowers are trumpet-shaped. The rootstock of the weed is woody and is very difficult to get rid off.

 

The stinging nettle spreads via seed, roots and stolons, making it very difficult to get rid of it. The woody stem resists normal trimming. The deep green leaves are crinkled and have strings of tiny green flowers. Although the weed is known to have herbal uses, its nettle stinks badly.

 

A very common weed, the ivy grows by creeping upon walls and trees. While spreading in the tree canopy, the weed covers the branches, thereby killing the tree gradually. While on the ground, the weed displaces the native plant growing there. It bears heart-shaped leaves with 3 to 5 lobes, while the greenish-yellow flowers are clustered.

 

Dandelion is a major problem in tilled fields, alfalfa fields and pastures. This weed interferes with established cultivated species, like legumes, and destroys them by establishing its seedlings and plants. The dandelion reproduces via seeds that are attached to a hairy parachute carried by the wind. Since the weed is stemless, the leaves grow in a rosette, in various long and lobed shapes. The bright yellow-colored flower grows on a long stem of about 11 to 18 inches of height.

 

The barnyard grass is an annual grass with flat, long leaves that are purplish in color at the base. This weed is distinguished by the large-sized seed heads that are purplish in color and resemble a millet. The barnyard grass results in crop yield reduction and failure of forage crops, by removing about 80% of the nitrogen from the soil and is hence, considered as one of the worst weeds. It can even poison farm animals, as it accumulates high amounts of nitrates on its surface.