Weeds with circle leaves are among the most common and persistent invaders in lawns, gardens, and landscapes. Their distinctive circular or nearly circular leaves make them relatively easy to identify, but their aggressive growth habits and prolific reproduction make them challenging to control. Recognizing these round-leaved weeds is the first step toward effective management and maintaining a healthy, attractive outdoor space.

From the familiar creeping charlie with its scalloped round leaves to the sprawling dollarweed that forms dense mats in moist lawns, these weeds share common characteristics that make them successful invaders. Many spread through creeping stems, rhizomes, or stolons that root at nodes, allowing them to colonize large areas quickly. Their round leaves often catch the eye, signaling their presence before they overtake desirable plants. Understanding the specific growth habits, preferred conditions, and vulnerabilities of each species is essential for effective control.

Choosing the right control strategy for Weeds With Circle Leaves ensures fast and long-lasting management, helping to protect your lawn and garden from these persistent invaders. The best methods come in various forms, from herbicides and manual removal to cultural practices and organic solutions, each offering unique benefits depending on the area of application. Whether you’re looking for a targeted herbicide application or a natural, eco-friendly approach, there’s a solution suited for every need.

In this guide, we will review the top 15 weeds with circle leaves, examining their identification characteristics, growth patterns, and ideal control scenarios. With the right management approach, you can efficiently control these round-leaved weeds and safeguard your lawn and garden from these unwelcome invaders.

Top 15 Weeds With Circle Leaves

1. Creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea) – Best Known Round-Leaf Lawn Weed

Creeping Charlie, also known as ground ivy, is perhaps the most recognizable weed with circle leaves in lawns and gardens. Its round, scalloped leaves grow opposite each other along creeping stems that root at nodes, forming dense mats that can quickly overtake large areas. The plant produces small, purple-blue flowers in spring and releases a distinct minty odor when crushed.

The leaves are roughly circular with scalloped margins, measuring about 1-2 inches across. The creeping stems can extend several feet, rooting at each node to form new plants. Creeping Charlie thrives in shaded, moist conditions and is most problematic in lawns with thin turf and poor drainage.

Control requires persistence. Broadleaf herbicides containing dicamba or triclopyr are most effective when applied in fall when the plant is actively storing nutrients in its roots. Improving lawn density through proper mowing, fertilization, and watering helps prevent establishment. Manual removal is difficult due to the extensive stem network.

Pros:

• Attractive groundcover appearance
• Minty fragrance when crushed
• Historical medicinal uses
• Can be controlled with persistence

Cons:

• Spreads rapidly through creeping stems
• Forms dense mats that smother grass
• Difficult to eradicate completely
• Shade tolerant and persistent

2. Dollarweed (Hydrocotyle spp.) – Best Shiny Round-Leaf Lawn Weed

Dollarweed is a common weed in moist, warm-season lawns, named for its shiny, round leaves that resemble silver dollars. This creeping perennial spreads through both seeds and rhizomes, forming dense patches in areas with consistent moisture. The leaves are peltate—attached to the stem at the center—creating a distinctive umbrella-like appearance.

The leaves are bright green, circular, and measure 1-3 inches in diameter. The stems are slender and creep along the ground, rooting at nodes. Dollarweed is most problematic in lawns with poor drainage, excessive irrigation, or compacted soil. The plant produces small, inconspicuous flowers in summer.

Control requires improving drainage and reducing soil moisture. Broadleaf herbicides containing 2,4-D, dicamba, or triclopyr provide control when applied during active growth. Manual removal is challenging due to the rhizome system. Aeration and proper irrigation practices help prevent establishment.

Pros:

• Attractive shiny leaves
• Indicates moisture issues
• Can be controlled with herbicides
• Low-growing habit

Cons:

• Spreads through rhizomes and seeds
• Thrives in moist conditions
• Difficult to remove manually
• Can form dense mats

3. Dichondra (Dichondra repens) – Best Creeping Round-Leaf Groundcover

Dichondra is a low-growing, creeping weed with small, kidney-shaped to nearly circular leaves. While sometimes used as a lawn substitute in warmer regions, it is often considered a weed in traditional turfgrass lawns. The small, bright green leaves grow alternately along creeping stems that root at nodes.

The leaves measure about ½ to 1 inch across, with a kidney to nearly circular shape. The plant forms dense, carpet-like mats that can overtake thin lawns. Dichondra thrives in partial shade to full sun with moderate moisture and is most common in lawns with poor grass density.

Broadleaf herbicides containing 2,4-D or dicamba provide effective control. Improving lawn density through proper fertilization, mowing, and watering prevents establishment. Manual removal is possible for small patches if the entire root system is removed. Maintaining thick turf is the best prevention.

Pros:

• Low-growing and attractive
• Can be controlled with herbicides
• Indicates lawn density issues
• Quick to respond to cultural changes

Cons:

• Spreads through creeping stems
• Forms dense mats
• Can be persistent in thin lawns
• Roots at nodes along stems

4. Pennywort (Hydrocotyle ranunculoides) – Best Round Leaf Water Weed

Pennywort is a creeping aquatic and wetland weed with distinctive circular leaves that float on water surfaces or creep along moist soil. This aggressive plant invades ponds, ditches, and consistently moist areas, forming dense mats that can cover large areas. The bright green, shiny leaves are peltate, with the stem attached at the center.

The leaves are circular, measuring 1-3 inches in diameter, with scalloped or smooth edges. The creeping stems root at nodes, allowing rapid spread. Pennywort is most problematic in landscapes with poor drainage, overwatered lawns, or in pond margins and can grow both in water and in consistently moist soil.

Control requires addressing the moisture source. Herbicides containing glyphosate or triclopyr are effective when applied to actively growing plants. Improving drainage and reducing irrigation helps prevent establishment. Manual removal is difficult due to the extensive creeping stems.

Pros:

• Indicates moisture problems
• Can be controlled with herbicides
• Attractive aquatic appearance
• Responds to drainage improvements

Cons:

• Thrives in wet conditions
• Spreads rapidly through creeping stems
• Can cover large areas quickly
• Difficult to remove manually

5. Wild Violet (Viola spp.) – Best Heart-Shaped To Round-Leaf Weed

Wild violets are perennial weeds with heart-shaped to nearly circular leaves that form dense rosettes in lawns and gardens. While their purple, white, or yellow flowers are attractive, these plants can become invasive in shaded lawn areas. The leaves are dark green, with scalloped edges and prominent veins.

The leaves measure 1-3 inches across, with a heart to nearly circular shape. The plants spread through both seeds and short rhizomes, forming clumps that expand over time. Wild violets thrive in shaded, moist conditions and are most problematic in lawns with thin turf.

Broadleaf herbicides containing 2,4-D, dicamba, or triclopyr provide control when applied in fall. Improving lawn density in shady areas through proper grass selection and cultural practices helps prevent establishment. Manual removal is possible but requires removing the entire root system.

Pros:

• Attractive flowers and foliage
• Indicates shade issues
• Can be controlled with herbicides
• Native species are beneficial

Cons:

• Spreads through rhizomes and seeds
• Thrives in shaded conditions
• Can be persistent
• Difficult to eliminate

6. Purslane (Portulaca oleracea) – Best Succulent Round-Leaf Weed

Purslane is a succulent annual weed with fleshy, oval to nearly circular leaves that form dense mats in gardens and disturbed areas. This common weed is known for its thick, reddish stems and small yellow flowers. The leaves are smooth, fleshy, and measure about ½ to 1 inch long.

The plant forms a low, spreading mat that can cover large areas quickly. Purslane is drought-tolerant and thrives in hot, dry conditions in poor, compacted soils. Each plant produces thousands of tiny seeds that remain viable in soil for many years.

Control requires preventing seed production. Systemic herbicides containing glyphosate or 2,4-D are effective when applied to young plants. Hand pulling is effective for small infestations but must be done before flowering. Mulching helps prevent germination, and removing the plant before flowering is essential.

Pros:

• Edible and nutritious
• Drought tolerant
• Annual lifecycle
• Can be controlled with persistence

Cons:

• Prolific seed production
• Spreads rapidly in hot conditions
• Can regenerate from stem fragments
• Seeds remain viable for years

7. Clover (Trifolium repens) – Best Circular Three-Leaf Weed

White clover is a common lawn weed with circular, three-part leaves and white flowers. While some appreciate its nitrogen-fixing properties, others consider it a weed in manicured lawns. The leaves are composed of three rounded leaflets, each with a pale crescent mark. The creeping stems root at nodes, forming dense patches.

The leaflets are circular to oval, measuring about ½ to 1 inch across. The plant spreads through both stolons and seeds. White clover thrives in lawns with low nitrogen levels and poor grass density, making it an indicator of soil fertility issues.

Control is achieved through improving lawn fertility with nitrogen fertilizer, which favors grass over clover. Broadleaf herbicides containing 2,4-D, dicamba, or triclopyr provide control. Maintaining thick, healthy turf prevents establishment. Manual removal is possible for small patches.

Pros:

• Nitrogen-fixing benefits
• Attracts pollinators
• Indicates low nitrogen
• Can be tolerated

Cons:

• Spreads rapidly
• Competes with grass
• Can be invasive
• Indicates poor fertility

8. Oxalis (Oxalis spp.) – Best Shamrock-Like Round-Leaf Weed

Oxalis, also known as wood sorrel, is a common weed with clover-like, rounded leaves and small yellow or white flowers. The leaves are divided into three heart-shaped leaflets that fold up at night. This low-growing weed forms patches in lawns, gardens, and container plants.

The leaflets are heart to nearly circular, measuring about ½ inch across. The plant spreads through both seeds and small bulbils that form at the base. Oxalis thrives in thin lawns and disturbed areas. Some species are winter annuals, while others are perennials.

Broadleaf herbicides containing 2,4-D or dicamba provide control. Maintaining thick, healthy turf prevents establishment. Manual removal is difficult due to the bulbils that can regenerate. Preventing seed production is essential for long-term control.

Pros:

• Attractive appearance
• Indicates thin turf
• Can be controlled with herbicides
• Some species are edible

Cons:

• Spreads through bulbils and seeds
• Can be persistent
• Difficult to remove manually
• Regenerates easily

9. Round-Leaf Mallow (Malva neglecta) – Best Circular, Creeping Mallow

Round-leaf mallow is a low-growing weed with circular, scalloped leaves and small white or pale pink flowers. This annual or biennial weed invades lawns, gardens, and disturbed areas, forming patches that can spread rapidly. The leaves are round with scalloped edges and prominent veins.

The leaves measure 1-3 inches in diameter, with a heart-shaped base. The stems are hairy and creep along the ground, rooting at nodes. Round-leaf mallow produces numerous seeds that remain viable in soil for many years. The plant is common in dry, compacted soils.

Broadleaf herbicides containing 2,4-D or dicamba provide control when applied to young plants. Manual removal is effective before seed production. Improving soil conditions and maintaining thick turf prevent establishment. Prevention of seed production is essential.

Pros:

• Annual lifecycle
• Can be controlled with herbicides
• Indicates soil compaction
• Manual removal possible

Cons:

• Prolific seed production
• Spreads through creeping stems
• Seeds remain viable for years
• Can be persistent

10. Water Pennywort (Hydrocotyle verticillata) – Best Circular Aquatic Weed

Water pennywort is a creeping aquatic weed with distinctive circular leaves that grow on long stems above the water surface. This plant invades ponds, wet ditches, and consistently moist areas, forming dense mats that can cover large areas. The leaves are peltate, with the stem attached at the center.

The leaves are circular, measuring 1-2 inches in diameter, with scalloped edges. The creeping stems grow in water or very wet soil, rooting at nodes. Water pennywort is most problematic in landscapes with poor drainage, pond edges, and overwatered lawns.

Control requires addressing the moisture source. Herbicides containing glyphosate or triclopyr are effective when applied to actively growing plants. Improving drainage and reducing irrigation helps prevent establishment. Manual removal is difficult due to the extensive creeping stems.

Pros:

• Indicates moisture problems
• Can be controlled with herbicides
• Attractive aquatic appearance
• Responds to drainage improvements

Cons:

• Thrives in wet conditions
• Spreads rapidly
• Can cover large areas
• Difficult to remove manually

11. Round-Leaf Cudweed (Gnaphalium spp.) – Best Silvery Round-Leaf Weed

Round-leaf cudweed is a low-growing weed with silvery, gray-green circular leaves that form rosettes in lawns and disturbed areas. This annual weed is often found in dry, sandy, or poor soils where grass struggles to grow. The leaves are covered with fine hairs, giving them a silvery appearance.

The leaves are circular to spatulate, measuring ½ to 1 inch across. The plant produces small, inconspicuous flowers in summer. Round-leaf cudweed is most problematic in poor soils with thin turf and can complete its lifecycle in one season.

Broadleaf herbicides containing 2,4-D or dicamba provide control. Improving soil conditions and maintaining thick, healthy turf prevents establishment. Manual removal is effective for small infestations. Prevention of seed production is essential for long-term control.

Pros:

• Annual lifecycle
• Indicates poor soil
• Can be controlled with herbicides
• Manual removal possible

Cons:

• Thrives in poor soils
• Prolific seed production
• Can be persistent
• Seed viability is long

12. Silverleaf (Potentilla spp.) – Best Strawberry-Like Round-Leaf Weed

Silverleaf is a creeping perennial weed with silvery-green, rounded leaves that resemble those of wild strawberry. The leaves have five to seven rounded leaflets, each silvery-white on the underside. The plant spreads through runners and forms patches in lawns and gardens.

The leaves are compound, with each leaflet measuring about ½ to 1 inch across. The yellow flowers appear in summer. Silverleaf thrives in dry, sunny locations and is often found in thin lawns and disturbed areas. The plant can be persistent once established.

Broadleaf herbicides containing 2,4-D or dicamba provide control. Maintaining thick, healthy turf prevents establishment. Manual removal is possible for small patches if the entire root system is removed. Improving soil conditions helps prevent recurrence.

Pros:

• Attractive foliage
• Indicates dry soil
• Can be controlled with herbicides
• Wildlife value

Cons:

• Spreads through runners
• Can form dense patches
• Persistent growth
• Can be invasive

13. Round-Leaf Speedwell (Veronica spp.) – Best Creeping Round-Leaf Weed

Round-leaf speedwell is a low-growing perennial weed with small, round leaves and blue or white flowers. This creeping plant forms dense mats that can overtake lawns and gardens, spreading through both seeds and creeping stems. The small, nearly circular leaves are dark green and slightly hairy.

The leaves measure about ½ to 1 inch across, with scalloped or toothed edges. The creeping stems root at nodes, allowing rapid spread. Round-leaf speedwell is most problematic in thin lawns and moist, shaded conditions. The small flowers appear in spring and summer.

Broadleaf herbicides containing 2,4-D, dicamba, or triclopyr provide control. Maintaining thick, healthy turf prevents establishment. Manual removal is difficult due to the extensive creeping stems. Improving light penetration and soil conditions helps reduce occurrence.

Pros:

• Attractive flowers
• Indicates moisture issues
• Can be controlled with herbicides
• Annual lifecycle in some species

Cons:

• Spreads through creeping stems
• Thrives in shaded conditions
• Can be persistent
• Difficult to remove manually

14. Round-Leaf Liverwort (Marchantia polymorpha) – Best Primitive Round-Leaf Weed

Round-leaf liverwort is a primitive, non-flowering plant with flattened, circular to lobed thalli that spread across the soil surface. This weed invades moist, shaded areas including nurseries, greenhouses, and overwatered gardens. The thalli are dark green with a distinct notch at the tip.

The thalli are flat, lobed structures that resemble rounded leaves, measuring ½ to 1 inch across. The plant reproduces through both spores and gemmae cups that produce tiny vegetative propagules. Liverwort thrives in consistently moist, compacted soils with poor drainage.

Control requires improving drainage and reducing soil moisture. Copper-based fungicides or products containing ammonium salts provide control. Reducing irrigation, improving aeration, and increasing light penetration help prevent establishment. Physical removal is effective for small areas.

Pros:

• Indicates moisture and compaction issues
• Can be controlled with cultural practices
• Responsive to drainage improvements
• Primitive plant group

Cons:

• Thrives in wet, compacted soil
• Spreads rapidly in moist conditions
• Difficult to eliminate in wet areas
• Can persist in shaded conditions

15. Common Mallow (Malva sylvestris) – Best Tall Round-Leaf Weed

Common mallow is a tall, branching weed with distinctive round to kidney-shaped leaves and purple to pink flowers. This biennial or perennial weed can reach 2-4 feet in height, often appearing in gardens, waste areas, and disturbed soil. The leaves are round with scalloped edges and prominent veins.

The leaves measure 2-4 inches in diameter, with a heart-shaped base. The stems are covered with fine hairs. Common mallow produces numerous seeds that can remain viable in soil for many years. The plant is common in disturbed areas and gardens.

Broadleaf herbicides containing 2,4-D or dicamba provide control. Manual removal is possible for small infestations but must remove the deep taproot. Preventing seed production is essential for long-term control. Maintaining dense vegetation helps prevent establishment.

Pros:

• Attractive flowers
• Medicinal and culinary uses
• Can be controlled with herbicides
• Indicates disturbed soil

Cons:

• Deep taproot
• Prolific seed production
• Tall growth habit
• Seeds remain viable for years

Tips for Selecting the Best Control Method for Weeds With Circle Leaves

• Consider the Application Area: Choose a control method specifically designed for the area where round-leaved weeds are a problem, whether it’s your lawn, garden beds, or landscape areas. Different methods work best in different settings.
• Look for Long-Lasting Results: Select management strategies with lasting effects to ensure ongoing weed suppression, reducing the need for frequent reapplication and providing continuous control over weed populations.
• Check for Safety Around Children and Pets: Make sure the control method is safe to use in households with children and pets, ensuring you can manage weeds without putting your family at risk.
• Select the Right Approach: Choose between cultural practices, manual removal, herbicide applications, or integrated approaches based on your specific weed problem and the areas where round-leaved weeds are most prevalent.
• Eco-Friendly Options: If you’re concerned about the environment, consider choosing organic or eco-friendly weed control methods to handle infestations while minimizing harm to beneficial insects and the surrounding environment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Weeds With Circle Leaves

1. What is the most common weed with circle leaves in lawns?

Creeping Charlie (ground ivy) is the most common weed with circle leaves in lawns, recognizable by its scalloped round leaves and minty odor. Dollarweed, dichondra, and wild violet are also frequently encountered round-leaved lawn weeds.

2. How do I identify weeds with circle leaves in my garden?

Look for plants with circular or nearly circular leaves growing in unwanted areas. Note the leaf size, edge type (smooth, scalloped, or toothed), growth habit (creeping, upright, or clumping), and any flowers or fruit present. Use plant identification apps or consult local extension services for accurate identification.

3. Are weeds with circle leaves harmful to my lawn?

Weeds with circle leaves compete with grass for water, nutrients, and sunlight, which can weaken turf and create bare patches. Some species, like creeping Charlie, form dense mats that smother grass. Excessive populations can compromise lawn health and appearance.

4. What herbicides work best on round-leaved weeds?

Broadleaf herbicides containing 2,4-D, dicamba, or triclopyr are effective against most round-leaved weeds. For creeping Charlie, products containing dicamba or triclopyr are most effective. Always follow label instructions carefully and apply when weeds are actively growing.

5. How can I prevent weeds with circle leaves from growing in my lawn?

Maintain a thick, healthy lawn through proper mowing, watering, and fertilization. Address underlying issues like shade, poor drainage, and soil compaction. Pre-emergent herbicides can prevent germination of annual weeds when applied at the right time.

6. Are round-leaved weeds edible or useful?

Some round-leaved weeds are edible or have medicinal uses. Purslane is nutritious and edible in salads. Clover flowers can be used for tea. Mallow has medicinal uses. Always ensure proper identification before consuming any wild plant.

7. How do I get rid of creeping Charlie in my lawn?

Control creeping Charlie with broadleaf herbicides containing dicamba or triclopyr, applied in fall for best results. Improve lawn density through proper fertilization, mowing, and watering. Increase sunlight by trimming trees and improve drainage to discourage growth.

Conclusion

Choosing the right control methods for weeds with circle leaves ensures effective and long-lasting management of these persistent lawn and garden invaders. Creeping Charlie is one of the most recognizable round-leaved weeds, forming dense mats that smother grass and require persistent control efforts. Dollarweed and wild violet are also common invaders that indicate underlying issues like moisture problems or shade conditions.

For homeowners seeking effective weed control, broadleaf herbicides containing 2,4-D, dicamba, or triclopyr provide reliable results when applied at the right time. For eco-conscious gardeners, cultural practices like improving lawn density, addressing drainage issues, and manual removal offer natural solutions for managing round-leaved weeds.

When selecting a control strategy, consider how it targets the specific weed species, whether it’s safe for your environment, and how long its effects last. By evaluating these factors, you can choose the best approach to keep weeds with circle leaves from overtaking your lawn and garden.