Best drought-resistant, weed-resistant grass for Laporte, CO - Ask Extension
What kind of grass is most drought-resistant and weed-resistant for Laporte, CO?
We have low standards for a lawn. All we want is something green ...
Knowledgebase
Best drought-resistant, weed-resistant grass for Laporte, CO #943243
Asked August 24, 2026, 11:54 AM EDT
What kind of grass is most drought-resistant and weed-resistant for Laporte, CO?
We have low standards for a lawn. All we want is something green that from a distance of 6 feet or more looks lawn-like. For 50 years we’ve been happy with field grass with occasional low-growing weeds that blend in with the grass. But in recent years kochia, mallow, and whatever this is, in the photo, have invaded. (Could you please identify the weed in the photo for us?) Those three weeds seem to kill the surrounding grass and leave behind big areas of bare ground.
What could we plant that would choke out weeds, or at least co-exist with the grass and not create patches of bare ground? Thank you for your thoughts.
Larimer County Colorado
Expert Response
Hello,
For the weed in question, does it smell stinky if it's crushed or broken?
It looks like yellow toadflax, Linaria vulgaris, also known as "butter and eggs". It's a Class B noxious weed and it's strongly recommended that you control it.
You can contact the Larimer County Weed District (https://www.larimer.gov/naturalresources/weeds) for herbicide suggestions - a couple include: Chlorsulfuron, Imazapyr, and Picloram* (*this is a restricted use herbicide; you must have a pesticide license to purchase and use). From what I've read, it's resistant to 2,4-D.
Whether or not you can reseed will depend on the herbicide you use - some may have extended soil longevity and seeding will not be successful. It will be worth talking to the Weed District about the proper steps for weed management and then reseeding - and the order it should happen.
For reseeding grass, if you can mow as little as possible, that will help with weed control. Mowing usually results in more weed pressure. But seeding will be most successful if you can water to get the seed established. While you could do dormant seeding, we'd need to get moisture.
I would recommend that you talk to one of the grass seed dealers and see what they recommend - there are many mixes that can be used with varying heights and purposes.
Pawnee Buttes Seed: https://pawneebuttesseed.com/
Buffalo Brand Seed: https://www.buffalobrandseed.com/
For the weed in question, does it smell stinky if it's crushed or broken?
It looks like yellow toadflax, Linaria vulgaris, also known as "butter and eggs". It's a Class B noxious weed and it's strongly recommended that you control it.
You can contact the Larimer County Weed District (https://www.larimer.gov/naturalresources/weeds) for herbicide suggestions - a couple include: Chlorsulfuron, Imazapyr, and Picloram* (*this is a restricted use herbicide; you must have a pesticide license to purchase and use). From what I've read, it's resistant to 2,4-D.
Whether or not you can reseed will depend on the herbicide you use - some may have extended soil longevity and seeding will not be successful. It will be worth talking to the Weed District about the proper steps for weed management and then reseeding - and the order it should happen.
For reseeding grass, if you can mow as little as possible, that will help with weed control. Mowing usually results in more weed pressure. But seeding will be most successful if you can water to get the seed established. While you could do dormant seeding, we'd need to get moisture.
I would recommend that you talk to one of the grass seed dealers and see what they recommend - there are many mixes that can be used with varying heights and purposes.
Pawnee Buttes Seed: https://pawneebuttesseed.com/
Buffalo Brand Seed: https://www.buffalobrandseed.com/
