Top 20 Most Common Weeds in Barbados

Barbados, with its tropical climate, consistent rainfall, and fertile soils provides a haven for a variety of garden weeds. Among the most widespread in this island's gardens are Common purslane, Blue porterweed, and Water hyacinth. These invasive species are notorious for their rapid growth and ability to outcompete domestic plants, posing persistent challenges to both amateur and professional gardeners seeking to maintain pristine landscapes in Barbados.

Most Common Weeds

1. Common purslane

Portulaca oleracea, colloquially known as common purslane, is an annual succulent species with reddish stems and tiny yellow, five-petal flowers. It is used for culinary purposes in various parts of the world, most often raw, in salads. Common purslane is also a good companion plant for crops that thrive in moist soils.

Growth Rate:

Rapid

2. Blue porterweed

Blue porterweed is native to the Caribbean and considered an invasive species in many areas outside.

3. Artillery plant

The artillery plant is often utilized as a groundcover or an ornamental in many landscapes. It's commonly named the "artillery plant" because the males generally produce pollen in an explosive way. It grows best in a humid environment in partial shade or indirect sunlight. It's a particularly popular plant in indoor rock gardens.

Your Essential Companion for Global Plant Exploration

From American natives to Philippine tropics, discover plants worldwide with our app.

Download the App for Free

4. Water hyacinth

Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is a fast-growing flowering plant species with ovular, waxy leaves. Water hyacinth is listed as a federal noxious weed in the United States. This species is invasive to ponds, lakes, rivers and other wetland habitats. It forms dense, floating mats of vegetation that restricts light to underwater environments.

Growth Rate:

Rapid

5. Three-lobed false mallow

Three-lobed false mallow (Malvastrum coromandelianum) is an annual and perennial herbaceous shrub native to North America and South America. This plant has been introduced to other areas of the world and is commonly found in Australia, Asia, and Africa.

6. Culantro

Culantro, not to be confused with cilantro or coriander, is a culinary herb with a strong flavor used in dishes across East Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Cultivation is increasing as demand for this herb grows in economies around the world. In tropical areas, this herb can be grown as a perennial, but it will likely only grow as an annual in colder areas.

7. Santa Maria feverfew

Parthenium hysterophorus or santa Maria feverfew is also called famine weed. It is an invasive weed that can disrupt the health of crops, pasture, livestock, and humans. A substance in the plant, called parthenin, is highly toxic and can cause dermatitis and breathing difficulties in humans and animals.

8. Mexican prickly poppy

Argemone mexicana has been naturalized in many parts of the world. It is extremely tolerant of drought and poor soil, but is poisonous to grazing animals. Its seed pods secrete a pale yellow latex when cut open. In India, the mexican prickly poppy is used in the Holika Dahan festival, in which adults and children worship by offering flowers.

Growth Rate:

Moderate

9. Goosegrass

When there is a famine or a lack of food, the seeds of goosegrass are eaten. This agricultural weed is utilized for cultivated crops, animal feed, and golf courses. It is classified as an environmental weed in various nations. Some Asian countries employ parts of this plant as herbal medicine.

Growth Rate:

Rapid

10. 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.

11. Asthma-plant

Asthma-plant (Euphorbia hirta) is a ground-hugging spurge weed whose branches can grow to 61 cm long. It blooms from summer through early fall, dying off after the first frost. A milky sap will seep from broken stems or leaves. It can be a nuisance weed that reproduces rapidly.

Growth Rate:

Rapid

12. Jimsonweed

Jimsonweed (Datura stramonium) is a species of nightshade plant native to Central America which is considered an invasive species in more temperate climates. It can be toxic if ingested in significant quantities. It has a distinctive, strong smell. The jimsonweed gets its common name from Jamestown, Virginia, where soldiers ingested the plants exhibited altered mental states afterward.

13. Matted Sandmat

Matted Sandmat is an annual weed that grows flat along the ground into a matted form. It has a long tap root and hardy seeds, which make it difficult to eradicate. This plant’s sap can irritate the skin and is toxic.

14. Chamber bitter

Chamber bitter is blooms in summer. Its striking branched leaf pattern makes it an attractive ornamental, but it is a weedy plant that takes careful management to stop its seeds from spreading to unwanted areas. It is considered invasive in the southern United States.

Growth Rate:

Moderate

15. Mexican fireplant

Mexican fireplant is native to tropical America, but it has been naturalized in other tropical and subtropical regions in the world. *Euphorbia heterophylla* is a poisonous plant to humans and livestock. It contains a toxic milky sap which can cause strong skin irritation.

16. Mexican tea

Mexican tea (Dysphania ambrosioides) is native to tropical parts of the Americas. Both the leaves and stems have tiny glands that give off a bad-smelling odor. It’s a weed that grows along the sides of roads and stream beds.

Growth Rate:

Rapid

17. Pepper elder

Pepper elder (Peperomia pellucida) is a perennial flowering plant that blooms all year. The entire pepper elder plant is edible and can be eaten raw or cooked.

18. Arrowleaf sida

Arrowleaf sida (Sida rhombifolia) is a perennial plant with delicate yellow blooms on stiff, almost woody stems. The stems are used to make brooms, giving it the common name "broom jute." It is also used to make cord and twine.

19. Fox-and-cubs

Fox-and-cubs (Pilosella aurantiaca subsp. aurantiaca) is a low-growing plant with shallow fibrous roots. Fox-and-cubs is an aggressive competitor of pasture grasses and has therefore been named as a noxious weed in many areas.

20. Cutleaf groundcherry

Physalis angulata is an annual plant belonging to the nightshade family Solanaceae. It has dark green leaves that are roughly oval, and often have tooth shapes around the edge. The flowers are a pale yellow and the yellow-orange fruits are wrapped inside a balloon-like calyx, which is toxic and should not be eaten.

Discover 4 Exciting Reasons to Choose PictureThis

Instantly identify plants with a snap

Identify toxic plants around you

Easily find your perfect green friends

Get full care tips and tricks for your plants

Download the App for Free

A Botanist in Your Pocket

Scan QR code to download

More Plants in Barbados

Most Common Toxic Plants

Barbados' warm climate and rich, moist soil create a hospitable environment for a diverse range of flora, including toxic plants. This island nation's abundant rainfall and sunshine support the cultivation of vegetation that can be hazardous to humans and animals. While not widespread, several toxic plants such as , , and have been identified, raising awareness and caution among the local population and authorities.

Most Common Flowers

Barbados, with its tropical climate and rich, fertile soil, provides the perfect environment for a vibrant display of native flowers. The island abounds with captivating blossoms such as , , and . These flowers not only add visual beauty to the landscape but also hold cultural and ecological significance. From their gorgeous colors to their enchanting fragrances, these flowers are a true reflection of Barbados' natural splendor and contribute to its rich biodiversity.

Most Common Flowers of Spring

As Spring unfurls its warm embrace in Barbados, nature responds with a symphony of blossoming flora. The rising temperatures and sun-dappled days act as a catalyst for vibrant flowers to emerge. Crucial to this season's tapestry are , whose hues ignite the landscape, , symbolizing the island's resilience, and , adding a touch of whimsy and fragrance. These blossoms are not just aesthetic delights but also pivotal in maintaining local biodiversity.

Most Common Spring Fruits

Spring in Barbados invites a vibrant transformation, with balmy breezes and scattered rains offering life to an array of flora. During this season, , , and erupt in bountiful harvests, their ripe fruits emblematic of rejuvenation and local culinary heritage. These succulent offerings, freshly picked, mark the essence of Spring's nourishment and the island's connection to its agricultural roots.

Most Common Fruits

Barbados, with its warm climate, year-round sunshine, and well-drained, fertile soils, creates an idyllic environment for a variety of local fruit plants. The island's agricultural landscape is enriched by , , and , each holding a unique place in the local heritage and diet. These fruits, aside from their nutritional value, exemplify the cultural richness of Barbados and contribute significantly to its biodiversity and culinary traditions.

Most Common Trees

Barbados, with its warm and tropical climate, along with rich soil conditions, provides an ideal environment for the growth of various indigenous trees. Among the most emblematic local trees are the , , and . These trees hold great cultural and ecological value in the region. They play a vital role in the local ecosystem, providing habitat for wildlife and contributing to the overall natural beauty of Barbados.

Most Common Tall Trees

Nestled within the warm, tropical climate and lush landscapes of Barbados, towering tree species thrive, nurtured by the island's nourishing rainfalls and fertile soils. Among the arboreal giants marking the skies, , , and stand out, not only for their impressive heights but also for their contributions to the ecological balance and the cultural tapestry of the island. These natural sentinels, often centuries old, are living testaments to Barbados' rich botanical heritage.

Most Common Flowers of Winter

Winter in Barbados may evoke images of warm sandy beaches, but surprisingly, it is also a time when certain flowers brave the chill. Amidst the serene cold, exquisite blooms such as , , and emerge, showcasing their resilience and adding a touch of beauty to the season. These winter flowers symbolize the strength and determination that can bloom even in the harshest of conditions.

Most Common Plants

In Barbados, you can find Pepper, Golden pothos, Heart of jesus, Flame of the woods, Maize, and more! There are 50 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.