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Weeds - Zoysia Lawn - Annual Pigweed

BES-TEX Weed ID Guide · Broadleaf Weeds

Annual Pigweed

Also called Redroot Pigweed · Amaranthus retroflexus

Summer Annual Broadleaf

Common Name

Annual Pigweed, Redroot Pigweed

Latin Name

Amaranthus retroflexus

Family

Amaranthaceae

Life Cycle / Type

Summer annual · Broadleaf

What Is It?

Annual pigweed is a fast-growing summer annual broadleaf weed. It thrives in disturbed soil, thin turf, and high-fertility areas.

How to spot it

Leaves: smooth to slightly hairy
Root: thick, reddish taproot
Growth habit: upright
Annual pigweed (redroot pigweed) plant
Pull one up: the reddish taproot is a giveaway. Photo: Michigan State University Extension.

Soil Temperature & Germination

Annual pigweed germinates when soil temperatures rise above 55°F, with heavier pressure as temperatures increase.

Too cool
Germination begins
Peak pressure
 
55°F
75°F

Above 55°F

Germination begins

Above 75°F

Peak germination and rapid growth

Decision Question

Is the weed visible above the soil right now?

YES

It is already up.

Post-Emergent Herbicide BMP

NO

It has not emerged.

Pre-Emergent Herbicide BMP

Why This Weed Comes Back

Missed spring pre-emergent timing

Soil disturbance or bare areas

Thin or stressed turf

Learn the Basics

A healthy, thick lawn is the best defense against weeds.

Lawn Care 101 BMP

BES-TEX Supply, LLC

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