It’s getting to be that time of year: Get to know your weeds

GARDEN PATCH

Phyllis Webster earned a degree in journalism before embarking on a long career in public relations and marketing. A Granbury resident since 1998, she has been deeply involved in the community. She is an award-winning writer and photographer, as well as a Master Gardener. She has authored Garden Patch since 2001.

After last year’s drought, we are grateful for the recent rains. But if there is a negative to water soaking the landscape, it is the emergence of pesky weeds. Yes, they’re back!

While it’s been said that some plants are weeds only to those that dislike them, Texas does have its fair share of opportunistic vegetation. Weeds invade in the blink of an eye, spreading and thriving in planting beds, lawns and beyond. At worse, they rob garden plants of water and nutrients, strangle trees and clog waterways. Left to their own devices, many weeds can spoil landscapes and disrupt ecosystems. What’s more, some are poisonous.

However, weeds are not without their good qualities. Some are edible, such as the dandelion. Others sport flowers that produce pollen and nectar for pollinators. Many are attractive. Identifying the weeds present in your landscape will help you to know how best to manage them. Common Texas weeds include:

Dandelion — A non-native, this broadleaf perennial produces pretty yellow flowers, which are followed by wispy seed balls. Its greens are edible, and its flowers are used to make wine. Pollinators benefit from their pollen and nectar. Dandelions spread by seed, taproot or root crowns. In winter, the plants sprout green rosettes at their base. Pull dandelions when they are young. If they age and form a taproot, they are difficult to eradicate. Adding mulch to garden beds and mowing lawns regularly will discourage dandelions and other weeds.

Henbit — This Asian native in the mint family is edible. It germinates in the fall and blooms in late winter. Also known as dead nettle, these broadleaf annuals have coarsely toothed green-to-purple leaves. In late winter/spring, henbit boasts small pink/purple flower clusters. Pull henbit in winter or early spring to prevent seed spread. Preemergent or post-emergent products may be used to control henbit in lawns. In gardens, spot treat plants with herbicidal soap or glyphosate. Tip: In a wildlife garden, allow henbit to bloom, providing nectar to pollinators when little else is available.

Spotted Spurge — A native plant, spurge is not beneficial or edible. Look for it in late spring/early summer. This annual weed produces a milky substance when cut. It is particularly aggressive since it quickly produces seeds in large quantities. Spotted spurge grows from a shallow taproot, forming a multi-branched, creeping mat. The oblong leaves have reddish-brown spots on their upper sides. Dig up plants soon after sprouting or spot treat them with a post-emergent product. If more control is needed, apply a preemergent next fall.

To further identify weedy Texas plants, see photos online at aggieturf.tamu.edu. Note that several “weeds” are also considered garden-worthy wildflowers, perennials, groundcovers, etc. Remember, a weed is simply a plant growing where someone doesn’t want it!

For answers to your horticulture questions, please call the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Hood County, at 817-579-3280 or go online to visit lakegranburymastergardeners.org.

pwebsterco@gmail.com | 817-680-4849