Broadleaf weeds are usually quite distinctive and are not similar in appearance to grasses or sedges. Broadleaf weeds are dicots, meaning that they produce leaves in pairs. In many instances leaves are attached to the stem by a sub-stem called a petiole. The leaves of many broadleaf weed species often have veins extending out from a central axis, producing a netted appearance.

Many grassy weeds have a similar appearance and growth habit as turfgrasses. Grassy weeds are monocots, meaning that they produce leaves one at a time. Leaves usually are narrow, have a blade like appearance, and are not detached from the stem. Veins within the leaves of grassy weeds run parallel to one another. Stems of grassy weeds are either flat or round in shape.

Sedges (and Kyllinga spp.) are similar in appearance to grassy weeds but they have a triangular stem. Some sedges develop from nutlets below the soil surface. Leaves of sedges are also arranged in three vertical rows, compared to two for grassy weeds.