The Nightmare Weeds of 2025 Our annual weed survey reveals familiar names — and some new arrivals.
If weedy worries are keeping you awake at night, we have good news. First, you’re not alone. Based on the survey results of Corteva Agriscience Range & Pasture Specialists, ranchers across the country are fighting many of the same problems. Second, Corteva has a solution for just about any weeds that may be causing you grief. Ready to get back to sleep? Find the solution to your nightmare weeds below.
THISTLES > One of the more aggravating weed families, thistles come in a variety of species. Of the four main types that cause the most concern for U.S. growers and ranchers, musk, bull and Scotch thistles are all biennials, while Canada thistle is a hardy perennial. Thistles can be easily identified by the spiny leaves and round, purple or pink flowers that resemble pincushions. Not only do these prickly pests compete with forage grasses for moisture and nutrients but they also, in effect, shrink pastures because cattle avoid grazing near them. Treatment > For bull and musk thistle, apply 16 to 20 fluid ounces of HighNoon® herbicide per acre or 1¼ pints per acre of GrazonPD3™ herbicide at the rosette stage, or apply 2 to 2⅔ pints per acre of GrazonPD3 from bolting to bud stage. For Scotch thistle, apply 16 to 20 fluid ounces of HighNoon per acre or 1 ¼ pints per acre of GrazonPD3 at the rosette stage, or 2 to 2⅔ pints per acre of GrazonPD3 from bolting to bud stage. For Canada thistle, apply 16 to 20 fluid ounces of HighNoon per acre or 2½ pints per acre of GrazonPD3 prior to bud stage. WESTERN RAGWEED > Western ragweed can be found throughout much of the United States but is particularly prevalent in the Southwest. Western ragweed grows into a bushy plant, 1 to 2 feet tall, with silvery-green leaves that may be covered with fine hairs. This drought-hardy weed is a prolific reproducer, so multiple treatments may be necessary for complete control. Treatment > Apply 16 to 20 fluid ounces per acre of HighNoon® herbicide, or 5 pints of GrazonPD3 herbicide per acre per 100 gallons of spray. For best control, apply to weeds that are actively growing but prior to flowering. CAROLINA AND WESTERN HORSENETTLE > Carolina and western horsenettle have erect stems, loosely branched and covered with gray hairs, and yellow spines. The weeds grow to 2 feet tall. Leaves are dark green, oval, pointed at tip, and sharply lobed or wavy- toothed. Clusters of white to purple flowers look like tomato flowers. Bloom is May to October when yellow-orange berries form. Berries are poisonous. Treatment > Apply 16 to 20 fluid ounces of HighNoon herbicide per acre; for Carolina horsenettle, apply 1¼ to 2⅔ pints per acre of GrazonPD3 herbicide (using higher rates when plants are taller than 4 to 6 inches); or for western horsenettle, apply 5 pints of GrazonPD3 per acre per 100 gallons of spray when target weeds are 2 to 3 inches tall through early flowering.
05 ™ ® Trademarks of Corteva Agriscience and its affiliated companies. GrazonPD3 ™ and Tordon ® 22K are Restricted Use Pesticides. Under normal field conditions HighNoon ® is nonvolatile. HighNoon has no grazing or haying restrictions for any class of livestock, including lactating dairy cows, horses (including lactating mares) and meat animals prior to slaughter. Label precautions apply to forage treated with HighNoon and to manure and urine from animals that have consumed treated forage. Consult the label for full details. HighNoon is not registered for sale or use in all states. GrazonPD3 is not for sale, distribution or use in Nassau and Suffolk counties in New York state. U Contact your state pesticide regulatory agency to determine if a product is registered for sale or use in your state. Consult the label for full details. Always read and follow label directions. ©2025 Corteva.
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