WEED ID · PERENNIAL BROADLEAF

Curly dock

Also called Curled dock, yellow dock

A tough broadleaf with wavy-edged leaves and a thick taproot. It moves into thin, weak turf.

When you’ll see it: Year-round

Curly dock rosette in grass with long, lance-shaped leaves that have wavy, curly edges — Photo: Thayne Tuason, CC BY-SA 4.0

How to spot it

Leaves grow from a rosette at the base of the plant
Leaves are long and lance-shaped, with wavy or curly edges
Leaves can have a reddish-purple tint
Plants get more upright as they mature
Small greenish flowers that turn reddish-brown, if left to grow

Why it shows up

Curly dock does best in weak, thin turf that is not well cared for. It has a thick taproot, so it is a perennial that keeps coming back. It seldom makes seed in lawns that are mowed regularly.

How we treat it

Curly dock is a perennial, so one visit may not finish it. We spot treat with a product labeled for your grass type and come back as needed. We also fertilize to thicken your turf, because thick turf is the best defense.

What you can do

Dig out small plants early and get as much taproot as you can.
Mow on a regular schedule so it cannot make seed.
Keep up with feeding, mowing, and watering to thicken weak spots.

WANT IT HANDLED?

Let a licensed applicator take it from here.

Tell us about your lawn. We’ll get back to you with a free quote.

Prefer to talk? 817-382-1722

Licensed applicator, Texas Department of Agriculture · License #0984138