The encyclopaedia of arable weeds

This guidance provides an easy reference to the major broad-leaved and grass weeds in the UK, including how to identify and manage them based on an understanding of their biology.

Available in print

• Order a printed publication

To aid weed identification, our guidance features photographs of each weed at four growth stages – capturing the most striking features. It also provides details of the weeds’ life cycle and its typical distribution in the UK.

As it is relatively simple to classify a weed as either a broad-leaved weed or grass weed, a web page has been published to group weeds by each type. On each of these pages, the weeds are ordered alphabetically by common names.

Alternatively, use the online 'weed manager' tool to identify the populations present in your fields.

Originally put together with combined funds from AHDB and Defra, the Encyclopaedia of arable weeds was rebranded in 2018. To makes it even easier to identify and manage arable weeds, the publication was converted to web pages in 2021.

Before applying herbicides, always check product labels for recommendations and approvals.

Weed control is vital for high yields of good-quality arable crops and to help manage the spread of pests and diseases. Yet, with limited active ingredients, a need to protect water and manage herbicide resistance, the weed challenge must be managed across the rotation.