Broomweed, ragweed, and sunflower are examples of which weed category?

• A. Summer annual broadleaf weeds
• B. Winter annual and biennial weeds
• C. Perennial broadleaf weeds
• D. Woody plants

Answer: (A)

These weeds are being categorized by their life cycle and leaf type. Broomweed, ragweed, and sunflower are all annuals that complete their entire life cycle in one growing season. They germinate in spring or early summer, flower and produce seeds by late summer or fall, and then die before winter. They also have broad leaves, not grasslike leaves, so they’re classified as broadleaf weeds. Since they don’t persist for multiple years and don’t have woody stems, they’re not winter annuals, biennials, perennials, or woody plants. Therefore, the best fit is summer annual broadleaf weeds.