Top 20 Most Common Plants in South Korea

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Top 20 Most Common Plants in South Korea

In South Korea, you can find Asiatic dayflower, Soybean, Annual fleabane, Japanese false nettle, Japanese spicebush, 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.

Most Common Plants

Asiatic dayflower

1. Asiatic dayflower

The asiatic dayflower is an annual creeper that is classified as an invasive species in many areas. Known for its beautiful blooms that only last one day, the asiatic dayflower has spread throughout much of the world. It is used in Japan and China to create blue and green pigments.

Soybean

Soybean (Glycine max) was domesticated by the Chinese 6,000 to 9,000 years ago. In the eighteenth century, Europeans used soybean for ornamental purposes. It’s a versatile plant grown both for consumption and as an ingredient in manufactured products. It was even used by Henry Ford to make plastic parts for his Model T.

Annual fleabane

3. Annual fleabane

While native to North America, the annual fleabane has been introduced to other places around the world, as well as in 43 states of the United States. It is a popular choice for bees, flies, wasps, and butterflies as a source of nectar, but is invasive and is threatening the native ecosystem where they grow.

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Japanese false nettle

4. Japanese false nettle

The japanese false nettle is gathered from the wild in most of Japan, primarily for its fiber, which is used to make ropes locally. Both the roots and leaves edible, and the leaves are also utilized in herbal medicine. Bees, birds, and other pollinators are drawn to this plant.

Japanese spicebush

5. Japanese spicebush

The japanese spicebush is a flowering herbaceous shrub that is endemic to several Asian countries. It is traditionally used as a medicinal herb in Southeast Asian countries. In early spring, it produces small, yellow flowers with a spicy aroma. The RHS awarded this plant the Garden Merit Award.

Chinese prickly ash

6. Chinese prickly ash

Chinese prickly ash is a fragrant, deciduous shrub from China and Japan that has small black fruits that can be dried and used as a pepper-like spice. This spice is commonly used in Sichuan cuisine in China. Because of this, the species is sometimes called Sichuan pepper tree.

Lace shrub

Lace shrub is a showy, deciduous shrub that is frequently planted as an ornamental and is particularly suitable for ground cover below trees. Its fruit is said to cause stomach discomfort if eaten. Its common name, Lace scrub, comes from the delicate white flower clusters it produces.

African marigold

8. African marigold

African marigold is a common garden plant with bright orange or red flowers. Its use in decorative and ceremonial gardens dates back to ancient Aztec civilizations. Not only does african marigold add bright colors, but it is also known to repel insects, rabbits, and deer thanks to its toxic latex.

Kudzu

Although it does have many uses, the kudzu is mostly known as a problematic weed that has the ability to quickly overtake other species and crowd them out. Kudzu can be used for food for both animals and humans, although this is more common in certain cultures than others. If bees lack other food sources, they will use kudzu as a food source, which creates a runny, purple honey.

Mongolian oak

10. Mongolian oak

The Quercus mongolica is native to Japan, China, Korea, Mongolia and Siberia. It provides useful timber since the tree can grow to be 30 m tall. The mongolian oak is commonly used in furniture and finishing lumber. It's drought-tolerant but does prefer moist, well-drained soils.

Hawthorn-leaved bramble

11. Hawthorn-leaved bramble

The Korean raspberry is a type of raspberry native to East Asia. The plant is collected in the wild for local consumption as food and herbal medicine. It is occasionally produced as a fruit crop and is also used as an ornamental.

Japanese red pine

12. Japanese red pine

The evergreen and conifer japanese red pine has thin, reddish bark and can grow up to 30 m tall. It has plumes of green needles, and as it grows older, the appearance may look like a flattened crown. The pine supports the larvae of the imperial moth that appear from spring to fall.

Bigleaf hydrangea

13. Bigleaf hydrangea

The bigleaf hydrangea is a deciduous shrub native to Japan, and is known for its lush, oval, colorful inflorescence. The two types of Hydrangea macrophylla are mopheads - with large, ball-shaped, sterile flower clusters, and lace capes - with small round fertile flowers in the center, and sterile flowers on the outer side of each inflorescence. Depending on soil pH, blooms can change color from pink to blue.

Gooseneck loosestrife

14. Gooseneck loosestrife

Gooseneck loosestrife is a strong, clump-forming perennial with arching flower spikes that resemble the neck of a goose. This plant's leaves, which are native to China, are utilized in various culinary preparations. This plant is commonly used by florists for cut flower arrangements and grows easily in humus-rich, moist conditions.

Korean rhododendron

15. Korean rhododendron

Korean rhododendron (Rhododendron mucronulatum) is a deciduous perennial shrub that will grow from 1.2 to 2.5 m tall. It blooms in spring with lavender flowers. Flowers appear before foliage returns in spring. Leaves are green and change color in fall to gold and then red. Prefers partial shade to full shade. Best grown in organically rich well-drained soil. Makes a nice hedge.

Thunbergs

Thunbergs are considered a weed, but are useful. They can be crushed to produce dye, and are an important pollen source for several bee and fly species. They can take up excess nitrogen and heavy metals, and so are now grown in areas polluted by these substances for this purpose. When the plant reaches maturity, it is plucked, taking the pollutants with it.

Oriental lady's thumb

17. Oriental lady's thumb

Oriental lady's thumb is a native of Asia and in that region it is a common weed in the rice paddies. Oriental lady's thumb can also be found in Europe and North America, where it is also considered a weed. It thrives in moist, wet soil such as floodplains, marshes, mudflats, and levees.

White clover

18. White clover

White clover (Trifolium repens) is a perennial herb, one of the most cultivated species of clover. It can be found on lawns and grasslands all over the world. White clover is often cultivated as a forage plant and used for green manure in agriculture.

Japanese callicarpa

19. Japanese callicarpa

Japanese callicarpa fruit is an important food source for deer and various bird species. This plant is grown ornamentally for its attractive flowers and fruit, and it is a good pioneer species that can be used to revegetate degraded soils.

Boston ivy

Boston ivy is not ivy at all but is a member of the Vitaceae family. This means that it is less damaging than traditional ivy; its tendrils do not exploit weaknesses in masonry but attach to structures via sticky pads. The leaves of boston ivy are glossy and green in summer and mature to beautiful scarlet or crimson in the fall.

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More Plants in South Korea

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Most Common Toxic Plants

South Korea's temperate climate, marked by high rainfall and fertile soil, offers an environment conducive to the growth of a variety of flora, including toxic plants. The prevalence of , , and within this region, poses potential risks to both humans and wildlife. Environmental vigilance is necessary to manage and mitigate the impacts of these hazardous botanical species.

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Most Common Flowers

South Korea boasts a diverse climate and fertile soil, creating a conducive environment for native flowers to bloom in abundance. Among these blossoms are the exquisite , , and . These flowers are not only visually stunning, but also hold great symbolic and ecological significance in the region. Precise information about these characteristic local flowers can be validated from trusted sources, highlighting their beauty and importance in South Korea.

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Most Common Flowers of Spring

As South Korea shakes off winter's chill, Spring breathes life into its landscape, painting it with fresh blossoms. The early blooms of , symbolic of renewal, punctuate the countryside, followed by the vibrant hues of , which represent grace. The organic tapestry culminates with the delicate , a ubiquitous adornment in traditional celebrations. These flowers not only signify the season's arrival but also embody the nation's enduring appreciation of natural beauty.

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Most Common Spring Fruits

Spring in South Korea blankets the landscape in a vibrant quilt of blossoms, signaling a time of renewal and growth. Amidst the gentle warmth and frequent rains, fruit plants like , , and awaken from their winter slumber to reach harvest. The juicy freshness of these fruits captivates locals and visitors alike, symbolizing the season's essence and its generous bounty.

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Most Common Fruits

South Korea's temperate climate, marked by clear seasonal changes, and fertile, well-drained soil create a robust environment for local fruit cultivation. Fruit plants such as , , and thrive in these conditions and are culturally significant, often celebrated in festivals and cuisine. Their importance is not just in agricultural success but also in the heritage and daily lives of Koreans.

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Most Common Trees

South Korea's climatic and soil conditions create a perfect environment for a variety of native trees to thrive. Three prominent tree species in this region include , , and . These trees hold significant cultural and ecological value within South Korea. Their majestic presence contributes to the vibrant natural landscape, providing habitat for diverse flora and fauna. Their importance extends beyond aesthetics, as they play crucial roles in air purification, soil conservation, and biodiversity conservation. Their preservation is instrumental in maintaining the ecological balance and cultural heritage of the region.

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Most Common Weeds

South Korea's temperate climate with its distinct monsoon season fosters a variety of plant life, including invasive garden weeds. Notable among these are , , and , which are commonly found wreaking havoc in both private and public landscapes. These weeds pose a continuous battle for gardeners, as they adapt quickly to various soil types and compete aggressively with cultivated flora for resources.

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Most Common Tall Trees

South Korea's temperate climate and diverse terrains, from mountainous regions to coastal areas, create an ideal setting for grand arboreal specimens to flourish. Among these, the trees reaching skyward include the majestic , substantial in both ecological presence and cultural significance. The soaring punctuates the landscape with its towering legacy. Likewise, the robust ascends towards the heavens, contributing to the country's rich biodiversity. These pillars of nature stand as natural monuments within South Korea's verdant expanses.

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Most Common Flowers of Winter

Winter in South Korea may be cold and frosty, but it is also home to a few brave flowers that bloom in this harsh season. Among them are , , and . These resilient blooms showcase the beauty and resilience of nature, offering a glimpse of hope and color amidst the winter landscape.

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