Top 20 Most Common Weeds in Brazil

Brazil's warm, tropical climate creates a lush breeding ground for a diverse array of garden weeds. Among these, Artillery plant, Common purslane, and American black nightshade are particularly tenacious, often outcompeting cultivated plants for resources. These weeds have adapted well to the rich soils and humid conditions, becoming a common adversary for gardeners and horticulturists attempting to maintain well-kept gardens and landscapes across the region.

Most Common Weeds

1. 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.

2. 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

3. 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

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4. American black nightshade

American black nightshade (*Solanum americanum*) is a flowering herb with unknown native origins, and it is poisonous. Its berries should not be consumed, as berry consumption has resulted in death in children.

5. 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.

6. 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

7. Creeping woodsorrel

Creeping woodsorrel (Oxalis corniculata) is a flowering herb which grows aggressively. The leaves have a lemony flavor and are often made into tea that's rich in vitamin C. However, if ingested in large amounts the oxalic acid for which the genus is named can begin to block the body's calcium absorption.

8. Oriental false hawksbeard

Oriental false hawksbeard (Youngia japonica) is a plant species native to eastern Asia. The oriental false hawksbeard grows throughout regions all over the globe, and is considered an invasive weed. This species grows especially well in disturbed areas, lawns, and roadsides.

Growth Rate:

Rapid

9. Common sowthistle

Common sowthistle is a common weed originated in Europe and West Asia. Alongside many sister species that hard to distinguish, it is considered to be an invasive plant in many parts of the world. Its leaves with some bitter taste are editable either green as a part of a salad or cooked in various ways.

10. 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

11. White mouth dayflower

White mouth dayflower (Commelina erecta) is a perennial wildflower found in coastal uplands, scrub habitats, and pinelands. The flower consists of two large petals situated right at the top of the stem. These blooms are purplish-blue, and there's a much smaller white petal below these two. This is why the flower has "White Mouth" in its name.

12. 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.

13. 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

14. Pink knotweed

Pink knotweed (Persicaria capitata) is an evergreen perennial plant that grows up to 15 cm tall and 1.5 m long. Pink knotweed grows best in full sun and thrives in a variety of soil conditions. Pink knotweed is often cultivated as ground cover. It is considered an invasive weed in some regions.

15. 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

16. 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.

17. Purple amaranth

Purple amaranth (Amaranthus blitum) is an annual plant that often grows as a weed. It is not often cultivated, but some people around the world gather the leaves and stems to be eaten as boiled vegetables. It is particularly common in Greek and Lebanese kitchens.

18. 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.

19. Pigeonberry

The pigeonberry is a vine-like herb that can reach heights of 40 to 200 cm. It produces a bright red berry as a fruit that is tested to be safe to consume. The juice made from these berries was once used as a dye and ink.

20. 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.

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More Plants in Brazil

Most Common Toxic Plants

Brazil's rich biodiversity, humid tropics, and varying ecosystems from rainforests to savannahs create a haven for diverse flora, including toxic plants. Such conditions are prime for the proliferation of species such as , , and , raising environmental and public health concerns given their widespread presence and potential hazards.

Most Common Flowers

Brazil's diverse climate and fertile soil provide an ideal environment for a variety of native flowers to bloom. Among these resplendent blossoms are , , and , which are representative of the region's natural beauty and ecological importance. These flowers hold significant symbolism and contribute to the rich visual tapestry of Brazil's landscapes. This summary is based on reliable sources to ensure accuracy and credibility.

Most Common Flowers of Spring

As Spring unfurls in Brazil, the environment awakens, bathed in warmth and rich rainfall. This season catalyzes a spectrum of flora, prominently , basking in the gentle climate. erupts in vivid colors, symbolizing the country's diverse beauty, while unfurls, crucial for local ecosystems. These blossoms embody the vitality and renewal inherent to Brazilian Spring.

Most Common Spring Fruits

In Brazil, Spring whispers life into the land, as warmer rains and vivid sunsets promise a season of lush growth. Captivating the essence of rebirth, , , and reach their harvest, brimming with freshness. These fruits, integral to Brazil's vibrant cuisine, embody the rejuvenation of Spring, offering juicy, ripe flavors that are as much a feast for the palate as the season is for the eyes.

Most Common Fruits

Brazil’s tropical and subtropical climate, abundant rainfall, and fertile soils create a lush environment for a myriad of fruit plants. Chief among these are , , and , which are deeply ingrained in the country's cultural and culinary traditions. The warm temperatures and extended growing seasons in different parts of the country allow these fruit plants to thrive, contributing significantly to Brazil's agricultural diversity and gastronomy.

Most Common Trees

The diverse climatic and soil conditions in Brazil provide a fertile ground for the growth of various indigenous trees. Among the emblematic ones are , , and . These trees hold great cultural and ecological significance within the region. They contribute to the rich biodiversity of Brazil and provide habitat for many species. Their presence highlights the importance of preserving and protecting the native forests of Brazil.

Most Common Tall Trees

Brazil's vast and diverse landscape, ranging from the Amazon Rainforest to Atlantic Forest, offers a suitable canvas for the growth of immense vegetation. Among the towering giants, three notable species command the skyline: , , and . These colossal trees are vital to their ecosystems, supporting numerous life forms and standing as testaments to ecological grandeur. Each has played a significant role in Brazil’s natural and cultural tapestry, marking the country as a sanctuary for some of the world's most astonishing arboreal titans.

Most Common Flowers of Winter

Winter in 'Brazil' is a serene and cold season, but it is also a haven for certain flowers that brave the chill. Despite the frosty environment, , , and blossom beautifully. These resilient flowers not only add beauty to the landscape but also symbolize the strength and perseverance of nature.

Most Common Plants

In Brazil, you can find Dieffenbachia, Heart of jesus, Florist kalanchoe, Silver inch plant, Pepper, 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.