Eliminating White Flower Weeds in Lawns: Identifying and Eradicating Frequent Blossoms in Grass - Discover five prevalent white-flowered weeds in lawns and learn effective methods to eliminate them from your grass.
In my new home, I inherited a spacious lawn that turned out to be overrun with weeds - from dandelions to nettles, and a few varieties of white-flowering weeds. While I admit that some common weeds with flowers can be charming in their own way, they can become a real hassle when they take over your lawn.
But worry not! I've found that getting rid of weeds without damaging the grass isn't too difficult. To succeed in your efforts, you'll need to know what the white-flower weeds on your lawn are, and if you plan to get rid of them, understanding what they are can offer some clarity. So here are five common white-flowering weeds you might find on your lawn, along with some tips on how to evict them.
5 Common White-Flower Lawn Weeds
Though many gardeners are eager to quickly banish weeds, it's essential to pause and reconsider them. Sometimes, I'll choose to leave some flowering weeds for the pollinators as they offer plenty of nectar for these helpful critters. However, if they grow invasively and take over, competition for nutrients with your desired plants can ensue.
To help you identify the white-flower weeds on your lawn, I've assembled five common varieties:
- White clover
- Chickweed
- Common daisy
- Yarrow
- Hairy bittercress
1. White Clover
White clover (Trifolium repens) is one of the most prevalent lawn weeds around. Its compact, spherical white flower heads make it hard to miss. Interestingly, there are benefits to growing clover, such as improving soil structure thanks to its deep root system. In fact, many opt to cultivate a clover lawn as a low-maintenance alternative to grass. However, if it covers a large area, like I found on my lawn, it might not be so appealing.
To minimize white clover on your lawn, I recommend using a hand weeding tool, like this one from Amazon, to remove it by hand, making sure you dig up the roots to avoid regrowth. Be aware that clover self-seeds quickly, so keeping on top of this task is crucial.
2. Chickweed
Chickweed is often unwelcome on the list of white-flower weeds due to its invasive nature across the U.S. Its small white, star-shaped flowers and bright green, oval-shaped foliage are distinctive. To get rid of chickweed, you can remove it by hand or smother the weeds with mulch, tarps (Amazon link), or cardboard for effective weed control.
3. Common Daisy
I have plenty of common daisies (Bellis perennis) on my lawn, and while they bring a dose of nostalgia, they can be problematic if you aren't keen on having them around. They spread both via seed and rhizomes underground, so they can form dense patches on a lawn.
If you aren't fond of daisies, mowing regularly, fertilizing your lawn, and aerating it can help reduce their numbers as grass becomes stronger and outcompetes the daisies.
4. Yarrow
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) might be mistaken for an umbellifer, but it belongs to the daisy family. Many gardeners choose to cultivate common yarrow for its clusters of delicate white flowers – a beautiful addition to a cottage garden. However, if not maintained, it can become thick and invasive. If you're determined to rid yourself of unwanted yarrow, try manually pulling it up using essential gardening tools like this weed puller from Amazon.
5. Hairy bittercress
If you find white-flower weeds on your lawn with rosette, hairy leaves, small white flowers, and explosive seed pods, it's likely hairy bittercress (Cardamine hirsuta). As its name suggests, this edible weed is related to cress and has a peppery, cress-like flavor. Its seed pods explode when disturbed, contributing to its surprising appearance in lawns.
To get rid of hairy bittercress, manual removal works best before they have a chance to go to seed. A weed fork tool from Amazon is an effective choice. When removed, consider keeping some of the leaves to use in the kitchen. You can store them alongside other salad crops in your fridge.
FAQs
Are lawn weeds harmful to pets?
Some common lawn weeds can pose a risk to pets when ingested or even cause a skin reaction when touched. It's essential to identify the weeds in your lawn and research whether they pose a threat to your pets. Pet-safe methods for removing weeds can help create a safer environment for your furry friends.
Are there any DIY solutions for lawn weeds?
Yes, there are some DIY solutions you can try to control white-flowering lawn weeds. For instance, making weed killer with baking soda or using salt to kill weeds are options. If you end up with any bald patches after addressing your lawn weeds, fast-growing lawn patch seed from Amazon can help repair it.
