Common Weeds with Yellow Flowers & How to Identify Them

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Weeds are a common nuisance for gardeners and landscapers, but some of these pesky plants can also be quite beautiful.

Many Common Weeds with Yellow Flowersthat add brightness to an outdoor space, from the bright yellow dandelion to the cheerful black-eyed Susan. In addition to providing color, many of these weeds are edible or medicinal, making them useful in more ways than one.

Read on to learn about some common weeds with yellow flowers that you may find growing in your yard or garden.

Common Weeds with Yellow Flowers

Common Weeds with Yellow Flowers

Dandelions

Scientific Name: Taraxacum

Other Popular Names: Lion’s tooth, Swine’s snout, puffball, blowball, monk’s head, priest’s crown

Plant Height: 4-20 inches

Identification: Dandelion weed is an easily identifiable plant that can be identified by its bright yellow flower and thick, jagged leaves. The stem of the dandelion is also hollow, with a milky-white substance that leaks out when cut or picked. It is believed to have originated in Europe but now grows all over the world. Dandelions can be found in both residential yards and wild areas, thriving in nutrient-rich soil.

Dandelion weed

Wild Parsnip

Scientific Name: Pastinaca sativa

Other Popular Names: Cow parsnip, wild celery, garden parsnip

Plant Height: 2-6 feet

Identification: Wild parsnip is a weed that can be identified by its yellow-green stems and jagged leaves. It also has small, yellow flowers that grow in umbrella-shaped clusters. The plant grows to about three feet tall and leaves a white sap on the skin if it is touched. Additionally, wild parsnip contains saponins, which give the plant a soapy odor when crushed. When identifying wild parsnip, it’s important to be aware of any toxic reaction or skin irritation that may occur when the plant is touched.

Wild Parsnip

Black-Eyed Susan

Scientific Name: Rudbeckia hirta

Other Popular Names: Brown-eyed Susan, Brown Betty, gloriosa daisy, yellow oxeye daisy

Plant Height: 2-3 feet

Identification: Black-eyed Susan is a weed that can be identified by its bright yellow or orange daisy petals surrounding a black center. The leaves of the weed are also jagged but typically have toothed edges. It blooms in late summer and can grow to a height of three feet. The weed also produces seeds that can be dispersed by wind, animals, or humans.

Common Mallow

Scientific Name: Malva neglecta

Other Popular Names: Cheese-weed, common cheeseweed, dwarf mallow

Plant Height: 6-18 inches

Identification: Common Mallow is a weed that can be identified by its yellow, five-petaled flowers and round, lobed leaves. The weed usually grows in clusters of three or more and produces seeds when it blooms. It is native to Europe and grows best in moist, well-drained soil. Common Mallow can be found in disturbed soils and can sometimes become invasive.

Creeping Buttercup

Scientific Name: Ranunculus repens

Other Popular Names: Creeping crowfoot, buttercup weed

Plant Height: 6-18 inches

Identification: Creeping Buttercup is a weed that can be identified by its small, yellow flowers and three-lobed leaves. The stems of the weed are slender and creeping, which allows it to spread quickly. It is native to Europe but has been introduced to North America where it can become an invasive species if allowed to grow unchecked. When identifying creeping buttercup, it’s important to note that the plant may contain toxins that can cause skin irritation or other reactions if touched or eaten.

Henbit

Scientific Name: Lamium amplexicaule

Other Popular Names: Deadnettle, purple dead-nettle

Plant Height: 4-12 inches

Identification: Henbit is a weed that can be identified by its square stems and dark green leaves with toothed edges. The flowers of the weed are usually purplish in color and grow in clusters at the tip of each stem. It has small hairs on its leaves which can cause skin irritation if touched. Henbit grows quickly during springtime but will die off once summer arrives. It is native to Europe but has been introduced to North America where it can become an invasive species if allowed to grow unchecked.

Purslane

Scientific Name: Portulaca oleracea

Other Popular Names: Verdolaga, little hogweed, pigweed

Plant Height: 2-6 inches

Identification: Purslane is a weed that can be identified by its succulent, fleshy leaves and stems. The leaves are usually oval or spoon-shaped with a reddish tinge at the edges. The flowers of the plant are yellow or pink in color and appear in clusters at the ends of the stems. The oxalic acid of purslane can cause skin irritation if touched and should be handled with caution. Purslane can reproduce quickly and, if left unchecked, can become an invasive species.

Canada Goldenrod

Scientific Name: Solidago canadensis

Other Popular Names: Canadian goldenrod, common golden rod

Plant Height: 3-6 feet

Identification: Canada Goldenrod is a weed that can be identified by its bright yellow flowers and lance-shaped leaves. The weed typically blooms in late summer to early fall and grows quickly in disturbed soils. It produces large amounts of pollen which can cause allergies or asthma in some people who are sensitive to it. It has also been known to become invasive if allowed to grow unchecked.

Wild Radish

Scientific Name: Raphanus raphanistrum

Other Popular Names: Jointed charlock, wild mustard

Plant Height: 2-3 feet

Identification: Wild Radish is a weed that can be identified by its yellow four-petaled flowers and pinnately divided leaves. The flowers typically have a strong odor and the plant produces seeds when it blooms. Caution should be exercised as this plant may contain toxins that provoke dermal reactions or other more severe adverse effects if touched or ingested.

Yellow Nutsedge

Scientific Name: Cyperus esculentus

Other Popular Names: Chufa sedge, nut grass

Plant Height: 2-3 feet

Identification: Yellow Nutsedge is a weed that can be identified by its yellow flowers and long, pointed leaves. The plant typically grows in clusters and has triangular, tubular stems that are often wider at the base than at the tip. Additionally, the plant has small nuts which can cause skin irritation if handled with bare hands. Yellow Nutsedge is an aggressive weed and should be controlled before it spreads.

Common Ragwort

Scientific Name: Senecio jacobaea

Other Popular Names: Stinking willie, ragweed

Plant Height: 3-4 feet

Identification: Common Ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) is a member of the Asteraceae family and is native to Europe. It is an invasive species in North America, where it is often found in pastures, meadows, and roadsides. Common Ragwort is a biennial plant that can grow up to 1.5 m in height. The leaves are lobed and the flowers are yellow. This plant reproduces by seed and the seeds can remain viable in the soil for up to 10 years. Common Ragwort is poisonous to horses, cattle, and other grazing animals and can cause liver damage if ingested. Humans can also be affected if they eat large quantities of plants.

Yellow Rocket

Scientific Name: Barbarea vulgaris

Other Popular Names: Herb Barbara, winter cress

Plant Height: 1-3 feet

Identification: Yellow rocket (Barbarea vulgaris) is a winter annual with yellow flowers and deeply lobed leaves. It is often found in disturbed areas, such as roadsides and fields. This plant can be a nuisance in gardens because it readily self-seeds. While the leaves and flowers of the yellow rockets are edible, they can be quite bitter. To identify yellow rockets, look for plants with yellow flowers and deeply lobed leaves. 

Marsh Yellowcress

Scientific Name: Rorippa palustris

Other Popular Names: Yellow marsh cress, lake cress

Plant Height: 6-18 inches

Identification: Marsh yellowcress (Rorippa Islandica) is a small, delicate flowering plant that is found in marshes and other wetland habitats. It has yellow flowers and leaves that are often tinged with red or purple. The plant can be identified by its small size, yellow flowers, and red or purple leaves.

Yellow Salsify

Scientific Name: Tragopogon dubius

Other Popular Names: Goatsbeard, oxtongue

Plant Height: 2-3 feet

Identification: Yellow Salsify can be found in open fields and meadows, as well as in disturbed habitats such as roadsides and waste areas. It prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. The plant grows best in moist soil but can also tolerate dry conditions. To identify Yellow Salsify, look for its characteristic yellow flowers. The stem of the plant can grow up to 1 meter tall, and the leaves are long and narrow with pointed tips.

Common St. John’s-Wort

Scientific Name: Hypericum perforatum

Other Popular Names: Klamath weed, goatweed

Plant Height: 2-3 feet

Identification: Common St. John’s-Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a herbaceous perennial plant with yellow flowers and black dots. It is native to Europe and Asia but has been introduced to North America, where it is now widely distributed. The plant grows to a height of 1-2 m and has opposite, oblong leaves that are 10-20 cm long. The flowers have five petals and are 15-20 mm in diameter. They bloom from June to August.

Lesser Celandine

Scientific Name: Ranunculus ficaria

Other Popular Names: Fig buttercup, pilewort

Plant Height: 4-6 inches

Identification: Lesser celandine (Ranunculus ficaria) is a low-growing, herbaceous plant that is native to Europe and Asia. It has been introduced to North America, where it is now considered to be an invasive species. Lesser celandine typically grows in damp, shady areas and can be found in woods, hedgerows, and along streams. The plant has glossy, dark green leaves and small, yellow flowers that bloom from February to April.

Yellow Sorrel

Scientific Name: Oxalis stricta

Other Popular Names: Sheep sorrel, red sorrel

Plant Height: 6-18 inches

Identification: Yellow sorrel (Oxalis stricta) is a perennial herbaceous plant in the family Oxalidaceae. It is native to Europe and Asia, but it has been introduced to North America, where it is now common in many states and provinces. The plant grows to 30 cm (12 in) tall and has small yellow flowers that bloom in summer. The leaves are trifoliate, meaning they have three leaflets. The leaflets are ovate or heart-shaped and have sharply toothed margins. Yellow sorrel is a common weed in lawns and gardens, and it can be difficult to control because it spreads rapidly through rhizomes (underground stems).

Cypress Spurge

Scientific Name: Euphorbia cyparissias

Other Popular Names: Cypress Spurge, Cemetery Spurge

Plant Height: 6-18 inches

Identification: The Cypress Spurge is a perennial herb that can be found in damp woods and shady areas. It has dark green leaves and yellow-green flowers. The plant gets its name from the spur-like structures on the tips of its leaves. These spurs contain a poisonous sap that can cause irritation to the skin. The sap is also used as an insecticide. The best way to identify Cypress Spurge is by its leaves. The leaves are alternate, oblong, and have serrated edges. They are dark green in color with yellow-green flowers. The plant can grow up to two feet tall and has a woody stem. Cypress Spurge can be found in damp woods and shady areas throughout North America.

Creeping Cinquefoil

Scientific Name: Potentilla reptans

Other Popular Names: Creeping Tormentil, Mountain Avens

Plant Height: 2-6 inches

Identification: Creeping cinquefoil (Potentilla reptans) is a low-growing, spreading plant that is common in pastures, meadows, and waste areas. It is a member of the rose family (Rosaceae) and is related to other common plants such as strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries. Creeping cinquefoil has two types of leaves – basal leaves which are long-stalked and deeply lobed, and stem leaves which are small and stalkless. The flowers are yellow and have five petals. They are borne singly or in clusters at the end of the stems. The fruit is a small dry capsule containing several seeds. To identify Creeping Cinquefoil, look for a perennial herbaceous plant that grows to 20-30 cm (8-12 in) tall with pinnate leaves 15-20 cm (6-8 in) long, each leaflet 3-5 cm (1-2 in) long. The flowers are yellow, 5-6 mm (0.2-0.24 in) in diameter, and have five petals. The fruit is achene.

Skeleton weed

Scientific Name: Chondrilla juncea

Other Popular Names: Rush skeleton weed

Plant Height: 6-18 inches

Identification: Skeleton weed (Chondrilla juncea) is a noxious weed that infests both crops and rangeland. It is difficult to control because it can produce thousands of seeds per plant which remain viable in the soil for up to 10 years. The plant also has a deep taproot that makes it resistant to drought and herbicides. To identify skeleton weeds, look for plants with long, narrow leaves that are covered in small, sharp spines. The flowers are yellow and clustered at the end of the stem. The plant can grow up to 2 feet tall. If you suspect you have found skeleton weed on your property, contact your local Cooperative Extension office for assistance in confirming the identification and developing a management plan.

About Tom Reynolds

My name is Tom Reynolds, and I like lawn mowing. When I was a kid, I used to help my dad in cutting grass using a reel mower, now, I have my own 6 different lawn mowers. Keeping my lawn healthy and beautiful gives me satisfaction, and I still enjoy working in my lawn.