Broadleaf Weeds - Zoysia Lawn - Common Groundsel
BES-TEX Weed ID Guide · Broadleaf Weeds
Common Groundsel
Senecio vulgaris
Winter annual Broadleaf
Common Name
Common Groundsel
Latin Name
Senecio vulgaris
Family
Asteraceae
Life Cycle / Type
Winter annual · Broadleaf
What Is It?
Common groundsel is a winter annual broadleaf weed with soft, lobed leaves and small yellow flower heads that do not have showy petals. It produces fluffy white seed heads similar to dandelion and spreads rapidly by seed. It commonly appears in thin turf, landscaped beds, and disturbed soil.
Soil Temperature & Germination
Common groundsel germinates as soils cool in the fall.
Below 55°F
Germination begins
Cool winter soils
Continued emergence
Decision Question
Is the weed visible above the soil right now?
Why This Weed Comes Back
Missed fall pre-emergent timing
Bare or disturbed soil
Thin or stressed turf
Learn the Basics
A healthy, thick lawn is the best defense against weeds.
