Top 20 Most Common Weeds in Bhutan

In the temperate climate of Bhutan, with its abundant rainfall and fertile valleys, garden weeds flourish amidst cultivated landscapes. Common amongst these are Black nightshade, Water hyacinth, and Common dandelion, each thriving in the region's conducive environment for plant growth. These persistent weeds pose a challenge for local gardeners, who strive to balance traditional practices with the need for effective weed management.

Most Common Weeds

1. Black nightshade

Native to North America, eastern black nightshade is attractive but poisonous. Like many Solanum ptychanthum plants, all green portions of the plant contain the solanum alkaloid, which is highly toxic. Eastern black nightshade is shade-tolerant, so it can often be found growing in the shadow of crops. Bees and some beetles feed on the plant, but most other wildlife avoids it.

2. 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

3. Redflower ragleaf

Crassocephalum crepidioides is a slightly succulent herb that can grow up to 1.8 m tall. The plant has mucilaginous and fleshy leaves, though its stems are eaten as a vegetable. It's largely prominent in tropical Africa.

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4. Common dandelion

*Taraxacum officinale*, widely known as common dandelion, is a herbaceous perennial that can be found in temperate regions all over the world, in habitats with moist soils. The most popular feature of this plant is its fruits, furry spheres that are easily carried by the wind. Although it is generally considered a weed, common dandelion is actually edible and very nutritious.

Growth Rate:

Rapid

5. 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

6. Common cocklebur

The common cocklebur (Xanthium orientale) is a variant of Cocklebur from the regions neighboring the Mediterranean. It is considered to be a weed as it invades cultivated land, outcompetes growing crops, and is toxic to livestock.

7. Ivyleaf morning-glory

Ivyleaf morning-glory is a Central American flowering vine. It has hairy leaves and lavender, white, and rose-colored trumpet-shaped flowers. It also bears egg-shaped fruits. This species flourishes in places with tropical climates. It grows well on railroads, abandoned sites, and landfills.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. Clammy ground cherry

Clammy ground cherry (Physalis heterophylla) is a member of the Nightshade family. When the fruit of this plant ripens, it turns yellow, and it can be consumed by human beings. It is a North American native. This perennial can reach heights of up to 49 cm. The stems and leaves feel clammy.

Growth Rate:

Moderate

12. 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

13. 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

14. Climbing false buckwheat

The climbing false buckwheat is a climber native to North America. Its seeds have 3 papery wings which could help them spread further.

15. Common bird's-foot trefoil

Common bird's-foot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) is a common flowering perennial plant that grows widely throughout Europe and North America. Commercially, it is often added to livestock feed to prevent bloating. In Britain, common bird's-foot trefoil is often referred to as "butter and eggs" due to its flowering appearance and golden color. It attracts bumblebees and is considered an invasive species in North America and Australia.

16. 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

17. Gallant soldier

Gallant soldier (Galinsoga parviflora) is named after the Spanish botanist Galinsoga for the genus, and parviflora means it has many small flowers. It is a plant species related to the sunflower, though its flowers are tiny. Nevertheless, each plant generates thousands of seeds. This species is poisonous to goats so ranchers need to avoid this weed as much as possible.

18. 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

19. Yellow salsify

The yellow salsify is a wildflower that can be considered an invasive weed in some areas. Its bright yellow flowers close at night and open in daylight. Once those flowers transition to seeds, they resemble large dandelion heads.

20. Pink woodsorrel

Pink woodsorrel (Oxalis debilis) is a flowering herb that can now be found on every inhabited continent. All the parts of pink woodsorrel are edible, but only in small amounts due to the presence of oxalic acid. The flavor is zesty and similar to lemon. This species can become a weed if not adequately controlled.

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Most Common Toxic Plants

Bhutan's diverse climate, ranging from subtropical to alpine, along with rich, moist soil, sets a conducive stage for a variety of flora, including toxic plants. The prevalence of toxic species is amplified by the country's lush vegetation and predominantly forested landscapes. Notable among these are , , and , which are part of the ecology, posing potential risks to humans and animals.

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Most Common Fruits

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Most Common Trees

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Most Common Plants

In Bhutan, you can find Asian Rice, Maize, Jade plant, Barley, False christmas cactus, 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.