Top 20 Most Common Weeds in Colombia

Colombia's warm climate and abundant rainfall create a hospitable environment for vigorous garden weeds. These persistent invaders challenge gardeners and landscapers, demanding constant vigilance and management. Among the most common, Artillery plant, Creeping woodsorrel, and Common sowthistle particularly thrive, each adapting to Colombia's diverse regions from the cool highlands to the humid tropics. These species are emblematic of the wider struggle against garden weeds across the nation.

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. 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.

3. Shaggy soldier

A member of the daisy family, Galinsoga quadriradiata can be an invasive weed that is especially harmful to organic crops. The sticky seeds can hang on to livestock and people, creating an additional nuisance. Each plant can produce over 7000 seeds, and it can reduce crop production by up to half.

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4. 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.

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. 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.

7. 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

8. 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

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. 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.

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

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. 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.

16. 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.

17. Spiny sowthistle

The spiny sowthistle is considered a noxious and invasive weed in many areas. Its flowers resemble those of a dandelion and its leaves, although covered in spines, are edible. This plant can grow up to 1.8 m and sap that resembles milk will leak out of the leaves and stem if they are broken or cut.

Growth Rate:

Rapid

18. 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.

19. 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

20. 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

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Most Common Toxic Plants

Colombia's diverse environment, with its tropical climate, lush rainforests, and varying altitudes, presents an ideal habitat for a variety of flora, including toxic plants. The prevalence of such plants is a concern, with species like , , and rooted in the region's rich biodiversity. These plants potentially pose risks to both human and animal health, highlighting the need for awareness and careful management of Colombia's natural resources.

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Colombia's diverse climate and fertile soil create a perfect environment for a variety of native flowers to flourish. Among these, three stand out as the most characteristic: , , and . These flowers showcase the region's stunning visual beauty and hold significant symbolism and ecological importance. Precise and trustworthy sources confirm the splendor of these blooms in Colombia.

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As Spring breathes life into Colombia's landscape, myriad flowers burst into color in response to the milder weather and increased sunlight. The season sees the radiant bloom of , symbolizing new beginnings. The iconic adds vibrant hues to the countryside, while the beloved marks Spring's arrival with its unique fragrance. Together, these blossoms encapsulate the essence of Spring's revival.

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In Colombia, Spring's warm rains and balmy sunlight enliven the verdant landscapes, setting the stage for a season of fruitful abundance. This period nurtures the ripening of , , and , each bursting with freshness. These fruits, emblematic of Colombian Spring, offer a taste of nature's seasonal renewal and are celebrated for their contribution to the local flavors and nutritional bounty.

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Colombia's diverse climate, ranging from tropical rainforests to Andean highlands, cultivates conditions ripe for some of the world's tallest trees. In the lush canopies, , , and pierce the heavens, their monumental heights a testament to the region's rich biodiversity. These arboreal giants are not only spectacular in stature but also serve as key ecological pillars and bearers of cultural significance.

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Winter in Colombia may be cold and frosty, but it is also home to a variety of beautiful flowers that bloom during this season. Among these are , , and . These flowers showcase the resilience and beauty of nature, braving the chill to bring vibrancy to the winter landscape.

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In Colombia, you can find Corn plant, Snake plant, Jade plant, Aloe vera, Flamingo flower, 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.