Which of the following does NOT represent a common summer annual weed in ornamental settings in Iowa?

Dandelion is a perennial weed, which means it survives for multiple years through its root system and does not follow the life cycle of summer annual weeds. Summer annual weeds, on the other hand, complete their life cycle—from germination to seed production—within a single growing season and die off with the arrival of colder temperatures.

Carpetweed, Common Chickweed, and Lambsquarter are all classified as summer annuals. They germinate in the spring, grow and produce seeds during the summer, and die off by the fall. Recognizing the differences between perennial and annual weeds is crucial for effective management in ornamental settings, as their growth habits and life cycles influence control strategies. Understanding this distinction helps in selecting appropriate herbicides or cultural practices to manage these weeds effectively.