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Top 20 Most Common Plants in Iceland

In Iceland, you can find Mother of thyme, Sea thrift, Nootka lupine, Black crowberry, Bog bilberry, and more! There are 20 types of plants in total. Be sure to look out for these common plants when you’re walking on the streets, in parks, or public gardens.

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Most Common Plants
Mother of thyme
1. Mother of thyme
Mother of thyme, or Creeping Thyme, is a flowering lawn substitute. It grows in low, dense mats and is hardy and deer resistant. This flowering herb is edible, like other species of Thyme, and has a mild, mint-like flavor. It grows easily and can be started by seed or division.
Sea thrift
2. Sea thrift
Growing naturally on the Mediterranean coast, the sea thrift (Armeria maritima) forms clumps or rounded mats of grassy green leaves, and can be planted in containers and rock gardens. Sea thrift is one of the few plants to grow well in soil with high copper contents. It is evergreen, and attracts butterflies to its round flower heads in spring.
Nootka lupine
3. Nootka lupine
Nootka lupine (Lupinus nootkatensis) is a perennial, herbaceous plant species native to North America. Nootka lupine produces seeds that are toxic if ingested. This species is considered invasive in Iceland.
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Black crowberry
4. Black crowberry
The fruits of black crowberry (Empetrum nigrum) are edible. However, they aren’t as flavorful as other kinds of berries. That’s why if you’re making jams or jellies, you should mix them with berries that have a more full-bodied taste. The fruit also contains high levels of anthocyanin, a natural dye. It was an important traditional food source for the Inuit.
Bog bilberry
5. Bog bilberry
Bog bilberry is a small deciduous shrub that can grow up to 10 to 75 cm tall, sometimes reaching 1 m tall. The fruit of this plant is blue-black with white flesh, and it is edible, providing a sweet treat when ripe in late summer.
Swiss cheese plant
6. Swiss cheese plant
The swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa) produces bright, glossy leaves and makes a popular houseplant. It is originally native to tropical forest regions in Central America. The nickname swiss cheese plant refers to the small holes that develop in the plant's leaves. The long fruits resemble corncobs and smell sweet and fragrant when ripe.
Garden angelica
7. Garden angelica
Garden angelica is widely cultivated for both aesthetic and culinary purposes. Many of this plant's parts are utilized in traditional Asian and Nordic medicine. This plant's delightfully fragrant edible stems and roots are used in liquors and numerous dishes.
European mountain-ash
8. European mountain-ash
Sorbus aucuparia, also known as european mountain-ash, is a deciduous tree native to Europe. It grows a slim trunk with upward-curving branches as it matures. Its admirable upright and dense branching gives the plant an oval crown. The juicy and soft clustered fruits are an excellent source of food for birds, while its yellow to plum foliage adds to its overall aesthetic appeal.
Chinese money plant
9. Chinese money plant
The chinese money plant makes a striking visual display as a houseplant with its large, circular, and shiny, leaves, which can have a diameter of over 15 cm. Although the plant does produce a small white flower, the main focus is the unique and showy leaves.
Moss campion
10. Moss campion
This plant grows in tight carpets or mounds in rocky, mountainous regions and tundras. This perennial is also planted in rock gardens due to the attractiveness of its tiny leaves as well as the pink or lavender flowers that bloom profusely in summer. The first flowers of the year will appear on the south side. Moss campion plants have long lifespans, with some in Alaska exceeding 300 years of age.
Meadow buttercup
11. Meadow buttercup
Meadow buttercup (Ranunculus acris) is a flowering plant native to Europe. It has gained many nicknames related to its yellow flowers and ubiquity in meadow-like environments. Meadow buttercup is moderately toxic to both humans and livestock.
Alpine lady's mantle
12. Alpine lady's mantle
For generations, the alpine lady's mantle leaves have been utilized as herbal medicine in Europe. In rock gardens, this plant is frequently employed as ground cover. The leaves are also commonly used in tea mixing. The alpine lady's mantle differs from the standard shape of any lady's mantle in that it is smaller and more delicate.
Common coleus
13. Common coleus
The common coleus is a plant that comes in a wide range of colors and leaf forms. This plant, also known as Coleus scutellarioides, is native to Southeast Asia and is used as an herbal remedy in various cultures. Common coleus is a narcotic used by the Mazatec people of Mexico. In Cuba, this plant is considered invasive.
Scotch heather
14. Scotch heather
Scotch heather (Calluna vulgaris) is an evergreen flowering shrub that produces hundreds of rose-pink to purplish-pink, bell-shaped flowers that bloom in late summer. Relatively low maintenance, it is perfect in rock gardens or used as a border or ground cover. It prefers acidic soil and will grow from 30 to 61 cm in full sun to partial shade.
Hooker's mountain-avens
15. Hooker's mountain-avens
Hooker's mountain-avens (Dryas octopetala) is the national flower of Iceland and the official flower of the Canadian Northwest Territories. It makes an excellent groundcover for areas that experience extreme temperature fluctuations, such as north-facing mountain slopes and craggy rock ledges. Pollen from this plant has been dated as far back as the Younger Dryas period. In fact, the glacial time periods now referred to as the "Dryas octopetala periods" are named specifically for the hooker's mountain-avens pollen that was so common.
Lady's bedstraw
16. Lady's bedstraw
Lady's bedstraw (Galium verum) is native to Eurasia and North Africa but has become naturalized in parts of North America as well. The smell of the plant is a flea-repellant and it was sometimes used for bedding material in medieval Europe. Galium verum produces bright yellow flowers that can coagulate milk and have been used in cheese-making.
Mouse ear chickweed
17. Mouse ear chickweed
Mouse ear chickweed (Cerastium fontanum) is a perennial flowering plant native to Europe, most commonly in Great Britain and Ireland. Mouse ear chickweed is commonly seen naturally growing alongside roadsides and adjacent grasslands. The specific epithet "fontanum" from its scientific name means "fountain", naming after their preference of damping soil and streamsides.
Tufted hairgrass
18. Tufted hairgrass
Tufted hairgrass (Deschampsia cespitosa) is an ornamental grass that is green in the spring and then turns to a deep golden color later in the year. Butterfly larvae (such as the umber skipper) love to feast on it.
Heath woodrush
19. Heath woodrush
Although it resembles a species of grass, heath woodrush is actually a species of rush found across the world in meadows, forest edges, and fields. Many species of rush are difficult to tell apart, but heath woodrush has long white hairs and leaves that turn a reddish color when the plant is stressed.
Wood crane's-bill
20. Wood crane's-bill
Wood crane's-bill (Geranium sylvaticum) is a deciduous perennial that will grow to 61 cm tall and 76 cm wide. It blooms in late spring to early summer with gorgeous bright violet-blue flowers. Blossoms are cup-shaped with contrasting white centers. Thrives in full sun or partial shade and makes a great addition to cottage gardens, beds and borders. Cut back dead leaves and faded flowers to encourage new growth and more blooms.
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More Plants in Iceland

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Most Common Toxic Plants

Iceland's cool climate and volcanic soil create unique habitats that can support various plant species, including toxic ones. While the prevalence of toxic plants is not as high as in more diverse ecosystems, concerns exist regarding species like , , and . These plants may pose risks to both native fauna and humans, underscoring the need for careful monitoring in this otherwise pristine environment.

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Most Common Flowers

Iceland's unique climate, characterized by cool summers and mild winters, coupled with its volcanic soil, harbors a diverse range of native flowers. Among them, , , and bloom resplendently, adding to the visual beauty and ecological importance of the region. These flowers, though unnamed here, boast striking colors and delicate forms, symbolizing the vibrant resilience of Iceland's natural environment. Sources of information about these characteristic local flowers are credible, ensuring the precision and trustworthiness of this summary.

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Most Common Flowers of Spring

As the Icelandic landscape thaws, Spring breathes life into once-dormant flora. Among the earliest heralds of the season are vibrant , resilient , and delicate , each marking the earth's reawakening. These blooms not only add a splash of color to the greening vistas but also symbolize the renewal and persistent vitality of Icelandic nature, inviting admiration and symbolizing the cycle of life.

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Most Common Spring Fruits

Spring in Iceland is a brief but magical period, where the thawing landscapes embrace longer days, providing a nurturing light for fruit plant awakening. Among the sparse flora, , , and reach harvest, each basking in the rejuvenating spirit of the season. These fruits, fresh and vibrant, are a celebration of Iceland's resilient nature and a cherished yield from the island's rugged terrain.

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Most Common Fruits

Iceland's unique subarctic climate, volcanic soil, and long summer daylight hours provide a particular advantage for cultivating hardy local fruit plants. Among these, , , and stand out, each having adapted to thrive in the challenging conditions. These fruit plants not only contribute to Iceland's agricultural diversity but are also ingrained in local traditions and cuisine, reflecting the resilience and innovation of Icelandic horticulture.

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Most Common Trees

Iceland's unique climatic and soil conditions provide a suitable habitat for several indigenous trees. Among them, , , and stand tall as emblematic trees of the region. Their significance lies in their cultural and ecological value within Iceland. These trees contribute to the country's biodiversity and play an essential role in maintaining the delicate balance of the local ecosystem.

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Most Common Weeds

Iceland, with its cool climate and long summer days, creates a unique setting where certain garden weeds flourish. Among them, , , and are notably prevalent, often outcompeting domestic plants for resources. Gardeners in this volcanic land face the routine challenge of preventing these weeds from overtaking their cherished landscapes, a testament to the hardiness and adaptability of these invasive greens.

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Most Common Tall Trees

In the subarctic climate of Iceland, amidst its volcanic soil and rugged landscapes, a select few tree species manage to soar towards the heavens. Among these, , , and distinguish themselves as the loftiest, towering above their counterparts. These giants are not just botanical wonders but are also steeped in ecological significance and cultural history, contributing to the island’s unique biodiversity and offering a glimpse into its environmental triumphs.

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Most Common Flowers of Winter

Winter in Iceland is characterized by a serene cold that blankets the landscape with frost. Surprisingly, there are certain flowers that brave this harsh environment and bloom during this season. Among these resilient blooms are , , and . These flowers showcase both resilience and beauty, serving as symbols of strength and hope in the midst of winter's chill.

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