Top 20 Most Common Weeds in Belgium

Belgium's temperate climate, characterized by mild winters and cool summers, creates a nurturing environment for various garden weeds. The moist conditions, especially in rural and suburban areas, spell an ongoing battle for gardeners against invasive species. Among the numerous unwanted plants, Stinging nettle, Creeping buttercup, and Ribwort plantain are notably pervasive, often requiring persistent weeding efforts to manage their encroachment in both private and public landscapes.

Most Common Weeds

1. Stinging nettle

Although the stinging nettle has a variety of uses it is best known for its eponymous sting. It has sharp defensive hairs on its leaves and stems which will release pain-inducing chemicals when touched. Nevertheless, Dorset, England hosts an annual World Nettle Eating Championship, which started with a debate between two farmers over the severity of their nettle infestations. To consume them more safely, stinging nettles must be thoroughly boiled.

Growth Rate:

Rapid

2. Creeping buttercup

While originally used as an ornamental plant around the world, the creeping buttercup is now considered invasive in many places. Distribution usually occurs through the transportation of hay, making control difficult. The creeping buttercup is considered poisonous and can cause skin blistering.

3. Creeping thistle

This aggressive weed spreads across grasslands and fields via underground roots that creep horizontally, some for more than 5 m. It can cause major problems to agriculture if its growth is left unchecked. Its seeds feed many birds as well as pest insects. Creeping thistle is generally considered a noxious weed even in its native territory.

Growth Rate:

Rapid

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. Ribwort plantain

Ribwort plantain grows in a number of different habitats as long as it has enough sunlight. Its leaves have characteristic parallel veins that make it easy to identify. The heads of ribwort plantains get popped off in some common British children's games. Its seeds are critical food sources for songbirds, and its leaves are eaten by rabbits and deer.

5. 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.

6. Cow parsnip

Cow parsnip (Heracleum sphondylium) is a species of flowering perennial herb related to parsley and fennel. Its specific epithet, "sphondylium," means "vertebrate," and references its segmented appearance. This species produces extremely large amounts of nectar and thus attracts many bees.

7. 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.

8. Yorkshire Fog

Yorkshire Fog (*Holcus lanatus*) is a perennial grass that grows in dense stands and sometimes inhibits the growth of other naturally occurring grasses. Yorkshire Fog is a prolific seed producer. Its seeds are dispersed by wind and lawnmowers, allowing new growth in different locations. Yorkshire Fog tolerates cold temperatures, but it is intolerant to frost.

9. Common plantain

While native to Europe, the common plantain was one of the first plants to reach North America through early European explorers. Native Americans have referred to Plantago major as 'white man's footprint', as it disrupted many local ecosystems by its introduction.

Growth Rate:

Moderate

10. Lambsquarters

Lambsquarters has many other names, including pigweed, goosefoot, and bacon weed. This plant seems to appear out of nowhere and is considered by many to be a pesky weed. However, the greens of this plant are edible, can be prepared similar to spinach, and are packed with nutrients.

Growth Rate:

Rapid

11. Bitter dock

Bitter dock (Rumex obtusifolius) grows wild in shady, temperate areas around the world. Its leaves and stems are edible when young, as are the seeds. It was used in Medieval European folk medicine, and the roots can be used to make yellow dye.

12. Japanese knotweed

Hearing the name of japanese knotweed can strike fear in the heart of homeowners. When this aggressive and invasive weed is identified on a property, mortgage lenders sometimes deny loans or demand extensive chemical treatment. This is due to the fact that the root system of japanese knotweed is so extensive that once established, it can be nearly impossible to eradicate.

Growth Rate:

Rapid

13. Orchard grass

Orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata) is native to Eurasia and was introduced to North America around the 18th century as a forage grass. Now it is widely naturalized in the U.S., Australia, and New Zealand. It is also called "cat grass" because our feline friends love to chew on it.

Growth Rate:

Rapid

14. Cleavers

Cleavers are widely-distributed weeds found around the world. They grow many nearly invisible hook-shaped spines on their stems. These make the plant feel sticky to the skin, and can cause contact dermatitis in some individuals. Cleavers come from the same family as coffee and can be used to create a less caffeinated version of coffee.

Growth Rate:

Rapid

15. Common mugwort

Common mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) is an herbaceous plant often found in nitrogen-rich soils. The plant's scent is reportedly a mild insect repellant. Common mugwort is used as an offering in Nepalese temples. Tradition holds that it has cleansing properties, so believers also use it to sweep their floors to give them both a spiritual and physical cleaning.

Growth Rate:

Rapid

16. Bull thistle

Bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare) is a thistle plant native to Europe, Africa, and Asia. Bull thistle produces a large amount of nectar and attracts pollinators. Bull thistle is considered a noxious weed in areas of Europe and Australia.

17. Common chickweed

The common chickweed gets its name due to the fact that chickens love to eat it, though they're not alone in that respect. Though it's often considered a nuisance weed, most parts of this plant can be consumed raw or cooked and used similar to spinach. The saponins in common chickweed are slightly toxic but will only have an effect if ingested in huge quantities.

Growth Rate:

Rapid

18. Common St. John's wort

Common St. John's wort (*Hypericum perforatum*) is a plant species that is native to Europe and Central Asia. Common St. John's wort is considered poisonous to livestock and can cause problems for humans if consumed. This dense, fast-growing plant has been introduced to North America and Australia, where it is often viewed as an invasive species.

Growth Rate:

Moderate

19. Purple dead-nettle

Purple dead-nettle (Lamium purpureum) is an herbaceous annual weed, commonly found in meadows, wastes, gardens, and at the edges of roads and woodlands. Though it appears similar to true nettles, purple dead-nettle gets its name because it does not have "live" nettle poison that harms the skin. It originated in Asia and prefers environments with full sun.

20. 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.

Growth Rate:

Rapid

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 Belgium

Most Common Toxic Plants

Belgium's temperate climate and fertile soils create a conducive environment for a diverse range of flora, including toxic species. While the region supports abundant plant life, concerns regarding the proliferation of toxic varieties such as , , and persist. These plants pose risks to human and animal health, requiring awareness and management to mitigate potential adverse effects.

Most Common Flowers

Belgium's climate and soil provide an ideal setting for native flowers to thrive. Among these resplendent blooms are , , and . These flowers not only add visual beauty to the region, but also hold significant symbolism and ecological importance. Precise and trustworthy sources confirm the abundance of these characteristic flowers in Belgium.

Most Common Flowers of Spring

With Spring's embrace, Belgium's landscapes transform as warmer temperatures and lengthening days invite a floral spectacle. The vivid bursts onto the scene, a symbol of rejuvenation, alongside the delicately fragrant , heralding the season's freshness. Meanwhile, the iconic adds a kaleidoscope of color, each bloom celebrating the country's rich botanical heritage and the promise of new beginnings.

Most Common Spring Fruits

Spring in Belgium unfurls with mild temperatures and gentle rains, creating a verdant tapestry ideal for fruit cultivation. During this season, , , and reach their peak, offering fresh, succulent fruits that embody the essence of springtime renewal. These fruits, celebrated for their flavor and nutritional value, become staples at local markets, signifying the vibrant agricultural heart of the region.

Most Common Fruits

Belgium's temperate maritime climate, characterized by mild summers, cool winters, and ample rainfall, along with fertile loam soils, presents an advantageous environment for the cultivation of various local fruit plants. Key staples such as , , and not only thrive here but hold substantial cultural importance. These fruits are integral to Belgian gastronomy and are celebrated through numerous regional festivals, symbolizing the rich horticultural heritage of the country.

Most Common Trees

Belgium's climate and soil conditions provide a favorable environment for the growth of native trees. Three emblematic trees in Belgium include , , and . These trees hold significant cultural and ecological value in the region. They contribute to the biodiversity, provide habitat for wildlife, and have historical importance. Belgium's native trees are cherished for their beauty and play an essential role in the country's natural heritage.

Most Common Tall Trees

Belgium's temperate climate and fertile soils in regions like the Ardennes offer ideal conditions for tall trees to flourish. Among the titanic flora, , , and stand as natural skyscrapers. These species command respect for their impressive height and play significant roles, whether in biodiversity, carbon sequestration, or historical reverence within the landscape.

Most Common Flowers of Winter

Winter in Belgium is a frosty environment, but it is surprisingly a haven for certain flowers. Despite the chill, , , and bravely bloom, showcasing their resilience and beauty. These winter flowers bring a touch of color and symbolic depth to the serene cold of Belgium.

Most Common Plants

In Belgium, you can find Stinging nettle, English ivy, Common yarrow, Sycamore, Swiss cheese plant, 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.