Weeds of sportsturf and amenity turf

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The scientific name for the weed Heath Pearlwort.

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The scientific name for Autumn Hawkbit.

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An uncommon weed of coastal turf areas, primarily from saltmarsh turf. It is rare nowadays in well maintained turf, unlike in the past when sea-washed turf was commonly used for the laying of bowling greens. A fairly fine but stout narrow leaved plant, with typically 3 to 5 veins. It flowers mainly from May to September, producing an unfurrowed flowering stalk. Its scientific name Is Plantago maritima.

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A common perennial weed of turf surfaces, especially those which have lower maintenance inputs or neglected surfaces. It spreads by short creeping runners. It has sparsely hairy oval shaped leaves, with a stalk at the base. The leaf margin might be smooth in appearance but also with very finely toothed edges on closer inspection. It prefers neutral to alkaline soils; a moist soil and will tolerate light levels of shade. It flowers during June to October, with purple coloured flowers. Its scientific name is Prunella vulgaris.

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The former scientific name for the weed Ragwort.

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The scientific name for the weed Groundsel.

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An uncommon perennial weed of acidic and well-drained turf surfaces. It has narrow ear-like forward, or side-ways, pointing lobes. Its leaves are 20mm to 40mm in length, and 20mm to 60mm in width. It spreads by rhizomes. It flowers from May to August-September, having reddish coloured flowers. Its scientific name is Rumex acetosella.

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An annual weed of disturbed soil and newly seeded areas, especially where sterilised soil has not been used. It is easily controlled by regular mowing. It has very small white flowers which can appear in any month of the year. Its scientific name is Capsella bursa-pastoris.

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An uncommon weed of less frequently maintained turf surfaces, especially of open swards, being less able to establish in dense grass swards. Its scientific name is Potentilla anserina. It is a Perennial, which spreads by stolons. Its leaves are arranged pinnately and slightly alternately on the stem; with the leaves being toothed, and with a silvery white colour on the underside of the leaf. The main flowering period is May to August, extending to April to October in some areas; with yellow flowers, with the flower head on a long stalk, of 5 petals, typically being about 20mm in diameter. Its

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An uncommon annual weed of fine turf areas, being present on sandy, acidic soils only. It has longer internodes between the leaves and more slender stems than Parsley Piert, however, it is difficult to separate the two species. Its scientific name is Aphanes australis.