Top 20 Most Common Plants in United States

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Top 20 Most Common Plants in United States

In United States, you can find Pokeweed, Poison ivy, Virginia creeper, Golden pothos, Tomato, 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

Pokeweed

Although its berries look juicy and tempting, the fruits and the root of pokeweed are toxic and should not be eaten. Pokeweed is considered a pest species by farmers but is nevertheless often grown as an ornamental plant. Its berries can be made into pokeberry ink as well.

Poison ivy

In pop culture, poison ivy is a symbol of an obnoxious weed because, despite its unthreatening looks, it gives a highly unpleasant contact rash to the unfortunate person who touches it. Still, it is commonly eaten by many animals, and the seeds are a favorite with birds. The leaves turn bright red in fall. Its sister species, Western poison ivy (Toxicodendron rydbergii), is not considered to be invasive in the United States, but is noxious in Australia and New Zealand.

Virginia creeper

3. Virginia creeper

The virginia creeper is a North American vine from the grape family that has it all - vigorous growth, fragrant flowers, decorative blue-colored berries, and leaves that turn crimson in the fall. Using small forked tendrils with adhesive pads, the virginia creeper will cling strongly to almost all surfaces. It can grow over entire walls, providing shelter and food for wildlife.

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Golden pothos

4. Golden pothos

The golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a popular houseplant that is commonly seen in Australia, Asia, and the West Indies. It goes by many nicknames, including "devil's ivy", because it is so hard to kill and can even grow in low light conditions. Golden pothos has poisonous sap, so it should be kept away from pets and children.

Tomato

Solanum lycopersicum is an annual or perennial herbaceous vine native to Central and South America that produces a large, juicy, edible fruit known as tomato. Today there are over 10000 cultivated varieties. Although tomato is the world’s most popular vegetable, botanically it is a fruit.

Pepper

The pepper are commonly used for cooking in places such as the Southern U.S. and Central America. Most are moderately spicy, though because there are so many variants, the spice level can vary dramatically. Cayenne powder is also a popular seasoning product made from pepper plants.

Mulberry

A unique and easy-to-grow edible landscaping plant, the mulberry is prized for its tasty fruits as well as its exquisite ornamental appeal. Originally native to China, this plant was valued for its role in silk production: silkworms will only eat the leaves of mulberry trees, making them crucial for the product's creation. Ultimately, the trees were sold around the world and are used today in different countries that produce silk.

Red maple

The red maple is a common North American tree with distinctive red leaves and flower buds. Its sap can be made into maple syrup and the wood is good for furniture. Though non-toxic to humans, the leaves are very toxic to horses. According to the U.S. Forest Service, red maple is the most common tree in eastern North America.

Bigleaf hydrangea

9. 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.

Garlic mustard

10. Garlic mustard

Alliaria petiolata, colloquially known as garlic mustard is a herbaceous biennial plant known for the garlic aroma and smell of its crushed leaves. It can be found in partially shaded and moist places like woodland edges, trails, hedges, and roadsides. Leaves of garlic mustard are used in European cuisine as a spice herb for salads and sauces.

Oriental bittersweet

11. Oriental bittersweet

Celastrus orbiculatus is a vine that grows and spreads aggressively and has been deemed an invasive species in many areas. Oriental bittersweet is an opportunistic climber and climbs any available tree or structure. The vine wraps around itself as it climbs, and has been known to completely strangle or ‘girdle’ a mature host tree.

Norway maple

12. Norway maple

The norway maple is a tree species native to Europe and West Asia. It is 20 to 30 m tall and has bright green, lobed leaves which turn yellow or red in the autumn. Introduced as an ornamental shade tree in the United States, it is now considered invasive. Outside its northern range, it can be short-lived and susceptible to disease and damage.

Horseweed

Horseweed is a North American herbaceous annual plant with a hairy stem, numerous pointed leaves, and waxy inflorescence. It has been naturalized in Eurasia and Australia, where it is a common weed in urban and agricultural regions. Horseweed can be used in a survival situation to start a friction fire.

Common milkweed

14. Common milkweed

Asclepias syriaca, commonly known as common milkweed, is a flowering perennial herbaceous plant native to North America. It contains milky latex which can be toxic to sheep, cows, and other larger mammals (including humans) if it is consumed in large amounts. Many insect species are attracted to common milkweed, most notably monarch butterflies.

Rose of sharon

15. Rose of sharon

Hibiscus syriacus is a deciduous shrub with trumpet-shaped pink, lavender, or white flowers. Although it was first collected by Western botanists from Syrian gardens, “rose of sharon” is native to south-central and southeastern China. Because of its hardiness and prolific blooming, it is cultivated all around the world. It is the national flower of South Korea, mentioned in its national anthem.

White snakeroot

16. White snakeroot

When you're around white snakeroot, it is a good idea to exercise caution. This plant contains a toxin called tremetol which causes a potentially fatal illness. What’s more, if animals who are lactating eat white snakeroot, the tremetol is secreted in the milk and can be passed on to humans in this way. Many early European settlers are suspected to have died of this so-called "milk-sickness" before they understood the plant's hazards.

Black cherry

17. Black cherry

Black cherry (Prunus serotina) is a medium-sized, deciduous forest tree native to the Americas, but also naturalized in parts of Europe. It features inflorescence with small white blooms that become clusters of dark cherries, edible when pitted. Mature trees have gray-to-black, distinctly crackled bark. The glossy leaves are poisonous to livestock. It is a highly reproductive pioneer species with invasive potential.

Tree of heaven

18. Tree of heaven

While the tree of heaven has a lovely name, it has a bad reputation in many areas of the US. Several states consider it an invasive species because of its aggressive growth, rapid reproduction, and ability to thrive in poor conditions. The root system of this tree routinely damages sidewalks, sewer systems and other structures.

Corn plant

Corn plant (Dracaena fragrans) is an evergreen, slow-growing perennial shrub native to tropical Africa. Also, it is a classic houseplant, grown in Europe since the 1800s. Its glossy green foliage that resembles corn leaves grow on top of a thick cane, which is why the plant is sometimes called “false palm tree.”

Ground ivy

Ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea) is a perennial evergreen trailing plant, often found in grasslands and woodlands. Saxon peoples once spread the plant, but it has become invasive in some parts of the world now. The fast-growing ground ivy can be toxic to horses but generally cannot harm other animals or humans.

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More Plants in United States

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Most Common Toxic Plants

The diverse climates across the United States create ideal conditions for a multitude of flora, including toxic plants. With environments ranging from humid subtropical areas to arid deserts, the region can support a variety of poisonous species. Concerns over toxic plants are underscored by the prevalence of , , and , which pose potential risks to humans and wildlife.

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Most Common Flowers

The United States is home to a diverse range of native flowers that thrive in its varied climates and soils. From the arid deserts of the Southwest to the lush forests of the Pacific Northwest, each region offers a unique environment for indigenous blossoms to flourish. Among these are , , and , which add splashes of color and significance to the landscape. These flowers are celebrated for their visual beauty, cultural symbolism, and ecological importance, making them essential components of the nation's natural heritage.

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Most Common Flowers of Spring

As the chill of Winter melts away, the United States embraces the warm embrace of Spring, coaxing a variety of flora to awaken. Emblematic of the season's vitality, , , and burst forth in a symphony of colors, each symbolizing rebirth and renewal. These flowers not only garnish the landscape with vibrant hues but also signify the cycle of life as they return year after year.

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Most Common Spring Fruits

In the United States, Spring unfurls with vibrant blossoms and warmer breezes, nurturing the growth of a luscious array of fruits. Among these, begins to ripen, signaling a season of renewal and abundance. The tart-sweet and the succulent also reach harvest, their fresh flavors emblematic of Spring's rejuvenating spirit. These fruits not only delight the palate but also mark the country's rich agricultural diversity in the Spring season.

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Most Common Fruits

The United States benefits from diverse climates and rich soils, nurturing the growth of various local fruit plants. From the temperate orchards to the subtropical fields, these conditions support staples like , , and . These fruits not only hold significant nutritional value but also possess deep cultural roots, symbolizing American agricultural prowess and tradition. Their cultivation shapes the local economy and dietary customs, standing as a testament to the country's favorable farming landscape.

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Most Common Trees

The United States possesses diverse climatic and soil conditions that foster the growth of native trees. Among the emblematic trees in this region are the iconic redwood , the majestic oak , and the resilient maple . These trees hold great cultural and ecological value within the United States, with the towering redwoods symbolizing longevity and strength, the oaks representing stability and wisdom, and the maples showcasing beauty and adaptability. They serve as vital habitats for wildlife, contribute to the country's heritage, and provide numerous environmental benefits.

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Most Common Weeds

The diverse climates across the United States provide a fertile ground for myriad garden weeds to flourish. Factors like warm summers, abundant rainfall, and rich soils contribute to the persistent spread of , , and , amongst others. These invaders pose a constant challenge for gardeners and landscapers trying to maintain pristine lawns and beds. Controlling these tenacious weeds often requires a multifaceted approach combining cultural, mechanical, and sometimes chemical strategies.

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Most Common Tall Trees

Within the United States, diverse climates and extensive, rugged terrains nuture some of the planet's tallest trees. In the misty reaches of the Pacific Northwest and California’s fertile valleys, conditions are ripe for arboreal giants. Towering prominently are , , and , whose enormous height is a beacon of ecological magnificence and symbolizes natural history's untamed legacy. These sentinel species stand as living testaments to the enduring grandeur of America's forest ecosystems.

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Most Common Flowers of Winter

Winter in the United States is known for its serene cold and frosty environment, but it is also a haven for certain flowers. Despite the harsh conditions, , , and brave the chill and blossom in this season. These resilient flowers not only add beauty to the winter landscape but also symbolize the strength and perseverance that can thrive even in the coldest of times.

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