Last Updated on July 10, 2022 by Kimberly Crawford
If you’re looking for an interesting garden project, why not try planting some invasive weeds? These plants can be beautiful and add a splash of color to your yard. However, it’s important to be aware of the dangers they pose to your local ecosystem. In this blog post, we will discuss eight invasive weeds with pink flowers. We’ll tell you what makes them so dangerous, and how you can help prevent them from spreading.
1. Bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis)
What is bindweed?
Bindweed is a common weed found in gardens and fields. It has long, winding stems that can grow up to six feet tall. The leaves are green and the flowers are white or pink. Bindweed is a member of the morning glory family.
Where does bindweed come from?
Bindweed is native to Europe and Asia. It was introduced to North America in the 1600s and has since become naturalized throughout the continent.
What does bindweed look like?
Bindweed is a herbaceous, perennial plant that grows up to two meters in length. The stem is slender and twining, with small, arrowhead-shaped leaves. The flowers are white or pink, and they bloom in summer.
Why is bindweed a problem?
Bindweed is a problem because it is very difficult to control. Once it has established itself in an area, it can spread rapidly, smothering other plants and causing problems for farmers and gardeners.
How to get rid of bindweed:
The best way to get rid of bindweed is to pull it up by the roots. However, this can be difficult, as the plant has a deep root system.
If you don’t want to use herbicides, you can try smothering the plant with black plastic or cardboard. This will prevent it from getting sunlight, which it needs to grow.
2. Dove’s Foot Cranesbill (Geranium molle)
What is a dove’s foot cranesbill?
Dove’s foot cranesbill is a member of the geranium family. The plant gets its name from its leaves, which are shaped like a dove’s foot.
Dove’s foot cranesbill is native to Europe and Asia. The plant has been introduced to North America, where it is considered an invasive species.
Dove’s foot cranesbill is a low-growing plant that typically reaches a height of 15 cm (0.59 in). The plant has hairy leaves and pink, white, or purple flowers. The flowers bloom from May to September.
What does dove’s foot cranesbill look like?
Dove’s foot cranesbill is a small, delicate-looking plant with pale pink flowers. The leaves are deeply divided into narrow segments, giving the plant a fern-like appearance.
The flowers have five petals and are borne in clusters at the ends of the stems. The plant gets its common name from its resemblance to a dove’s foot.
How to get rid of dove’s foot cranesbill:
To get rid of dove’s foot cranesbill, you’ll need to remove the plant and its roots. You can do this by pulling it up by hand or using a shovel.
If the plant is large, you may need to use a weed whacker or mower to cut it down first. Once the plant is removed, make sure to dispose of it properly so it doesn’t spread. You can also use a herbicide to kill the plant, but this may not be necessary.
3. Henbit (Lamium amplexicaule)
What is henbit?
Henbit is a common winter annual weed in the mint family that is found throughout the United States. The plant is native to Europe and Asia, but was introduced to North America in the early 1800s. Henbit has a taproot system with fibrous lateral roots.
What does henbit look like?
The stem is erect and square-shaped with hairy, opposite leaves. The leaves are triangular or heart-shaped with toothed margins and hairy surfaces. The flowers are borne in clusters at the leaf axils and have purple petals.
How to get rid of henbit:
Henbit can be a problem in spring when it flowers and sets seed. The best way to control henbit is to prevent it from flowering and setting seed. This can be done by mowing the plants before they flower.
Henbit can also be controlled with herbicides, but this is best done by a professional. If you have henbit in your garden, you can remove it by hand or with a hoe. Be sure to dispose of the plants so that they don’t spread.
4. Herb Robert (Geranium robertianum)
What is herb robert?
Herb robert is a plant in the geranium family. It is native to Europe and Asia, but can now be found in many parts of the world. The plant has a long history of use in herbal medicine.
The leaves, stems, and flowers of herb robert are all used medicinally. The leaves can be eaten fresh or dried, and the flowers can be made into a tea. The plant is said to have many health benefits, including helping with digestion, reducing inflammation, and boosting the immune system.
What does herb robert look like?
Herb Robert is a small, delicate-looking plant that often goes unnoticed in the garden. It has thin, reddish-purple stems and tiny pink flowers. The leaves are deeply lobed and covered in tiny hairs.
How to get rid of herb robert:
If you’re looking for a natural way to get rid of herb robert, try using white vinegar. Simply mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and apply it to the affected areas.
You may need to reapply several times, but eventually the herb robert will die off. If you have pets or children, make sure to keep them away from the treated areas until the vinegar has dried.
If you have a serious infestation of herb robert, you may need to resort to using a chemical herbicide. Glyphosate is one option that will kill the plant quickly.
However, it is also very toxic to humans and animals, so be sure to use it with caution. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using any type of herbicide.
5. Red clover (Trifolium pratense)
What is red clover?
Red clover is a member of the pea family, Fabaceae. It is native to Europe, but has been introduced to many other parts of the world.
The red flowers are hermaphrodite and are pollinated by bees. The plant produces a small, dry, dark brown seed which is dispersed by wind or animals.
Red clover is found in meadows, pastures, and roadsides throughout Europe, Asia, and North America. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Red clover can grow in a variety of soil types but prefer soils that are high in nitrogen.
What does red clover look like?
The leaves are trifoliate, meaning they have three leaflets. The leaflet edges are serrated and the leaves are arranged alternately on the stem. The leaves are a dark green color on top and a lighter green color underneath.
The stems are hollow and can be either red or green in color. The flowers of red clover are small, pink, and clustered together in groups of 20-60 blooms. Red clover is a short-lived perennial that blooms from May to September.
How to get rid of red clover:
The best way to get rid of red clover is to mow it down before it goes to seed. You can also dig it up, but be sure to get all the roots. If you let even a small piece of the root remain, it will grow back.
Red clover is also a good candidate for herbicides. Glyphosate (Roundup) will kill red clover. Be sure to follow the label directions.
6. Rosebay Willowherb (Epilobium angustifolium)
What is rosebay willowherb?
Rosebay willowherb (Epilobium angustifolium) is a member of the Onagraceae family, which includes evening primrose and fuchsia.
It’s a perennial herb that can grow up to two meters tall, with pink or white flowers that bloom from June to September. The leaves are narrow and lance-shaped, and the stem is hairy.
Where does rosebay willowherb grow?
Rosebay willowherb is native to Europe and Asia, but it has been introduced to North America and New Zealand. It grows in open areas, such as fields, roadsides, and railway embankments.
What does rosebay willowherb look like?
This perennial herb can grow up to two meters tall and is usually found near water sources. It has long, thin leaves that are arranged in an opposite pattern on the stem. The flowers are small and pinkish-white in color, and they bloom in late summer.
How to get rid of rosebay willowherb:
Cutting and burning is the most effective method of removing rosebay willowherb. However, this needs to be done on a regular basis as the plant can regrow from even a small piece of root.
Rosebay willowherb is also very tolerant of herbicides, so Roundup or similar products are not likely to be effective. The best time to carry out treatment is in late summer when the plant is flowering.
7. Selfheal (Prunella vulgaris)
What is selfheal?
Selfheal is a plant that has a long history of use in traditional medicine. The leaves and flowers of the plant are used to make teas and infusions that are said to have a number of health benefits. Selfheal is also known by its scientific name, Prunella vulgaris.
What does selfheal look like?
Selfheal typically has a square stem with opposite, lance-shaped leaves. The small, two-lipped flowers are usually lavender or purple and bloom in tight clusters at the ends of the stems.
Each flower has four stamens sticking out from the center. selfheal can be found in woods, fields, and along roadsides throughout the United States.
How can selfheal be used?
The entire plant is edible and has a long history of being used for medicinal purposes. The leaves can be eaten raw in salads or cooked like spinach. The flowers are also edible and make a pretty addition to salads. Selfheal can be made into teas or tinctures.
Selfheal is most commonly used for digestive issues, such as stomachaches, indigestion, and diarrhea. It can also be used to help heal wounds and burns.
Selfheal is a soothing herb that can be helpful in reducing inflammation. It has also been traditionally used to treat respiratory conditions such as bronchitis and coughs.
How to get rid of selfheal:
To get rid of selfheal, you’ll need to dig up the plant and remove the root system. You can then place the plant in a plastic bag and dispose of it in the trash. If you have selfheal growing in your lawn, you can use a herbicide to kill the plant.
8. Spear Thistle (Cirsium vulgare)
What is spear thistle?
Spear thistle (Cirsium vulgare) is a perennial herb in the daisy family Asteraceae. It is native to Europe and Asia, and has been introduced to North America, Australia, and New Zealand.
The plant grows up to two meters tall, with branched stems and spiny leaves. The flowers are pink, purple, or white, and bloom from July to September.
Spear thistle is considered an invasive species in many areas outside of its native range. The plant spreads rapidly by seed, and can form dense stands that crowd out native vegetation.
How to get rid of spear thistle:
If you have spear thistle on your property, there are a few things you can do to get rid of it. You can mow the plants down repeatedly throughout the growing season, which will eventually weaken and kill them.
You can also dig up the roots of the plant, making sure to get as much of the root system as possible.
Finally, you can use a herbicide that contains glyphosate. Glyphosate will kill the plant, but it will also kill any other plants it comes in contact with, so be careful when using it.
Related:
- 12 Weeds With White Flowers: Identification and Control Tips
- 13 Weeds With Blue Flowers: Identification and Control Methods
- 5 Weeds that Look Like Dandelions: How to Identify and Remove Them
- 29 Weeds with Yellow Flowers: Identification and Removal Tips
- 11 Weeds with Purple Flowers: Identification and Removal Tips
Conclusion
Weeds with pink flowers are not only pretty, but they can also be beneficial to your garden. By adding them to your landscape, you can help attract pollinators and improve the overall health of your plants.
Be sure to research each species before adding it to your garden, as some may be invasive. With a little care and planning, you can turn your garden into a haven for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
