Top 20 Most Common Weeds in Dominica

Dominica's tropical climate, with ample rainfall and fertile soils, creates an ideal breeding ground for prolific garden weeds. Notable among these are Graceful spurge, Hyssop-leaf sandmat, and Artillery plant. Their prevalence poses challenges for gardeners and landscapers, necessitating regular maintenance to prevent overrun gardens and disturbed ecosystems. The battle against these invasive greens is ongoing due to the island's conducive growing conditions.

Most Common Weeds

1. Graceful spurge

Graceful spurge (Euphorbia hypericifolia) is a perennial flowering bush that blooms all year round. This species grows best in full sunlight or partial shade. Graceful spurge is resistant to rabbits and deer due to its toxic sap. This species is often cultivated as an ornamental plant and grown in containers, hanging baskets and gardens. Gardeners should wear gloves when handling graceful spurge due to its toxic sap.

Growth Rate:

Moderate

2. Hyssop-leaf sandmat

Hyssop-leaf sandmat (Euphorbia hyssopifolia) is a sandmat that’s indigenous to the southwestern part of the United States. A sandmat is a plant in the genus of Euphorbia that thrives best in deserts. Hyssop-leaf sandmat has a milk-white sap in its stem—just like the milkweed. It’s also known as hyssop spurge, eyebane, wart weed, and chicken weed.

Growth Rate:

Rapid

3. 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

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4. 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.

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. Prostrate sandmat

Prostrate sandmat (Euphorbia prostrata) is a plant species native to tropical regions of North and South America and the central United States. Prostrate sandmat has spread all over the globe and is considered an invasive species. This resilient plant often sprouts up through cracks in asphalt on roadsides.

Growth Rate:

Rapid

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. Virginia pepperweed

Virginia pepperweed (Lepidium virginicum) is a plant species native to North America with the exclusion of certain parts of Canada. Every part of the virginia pepperweed plant is edible and has a peppery taste. This plant can be used as a substitute for black pepper.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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

12. Blue porterweed

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

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. Straggler daisy

The straggler daisy is a low-growing ground cover plant that tolerates shade and can withstand moderate foot traffic. The straggler daisy blooms for the entire spring, summer, and well into fall. In frost-free areas, year-round blooming is possible and the flowers of this plant are a sunny yellow color.

16. 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.

17. 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.

18. Lilac Tasselflower

Lilac Tasselflower (Emilia sonchifolia) is an annual herb that will grow to 61 cm tall. Native to China and the western Pacific, it is considered a weed in most regions of the United States. It grows in full sun in open areas and features edible leaves and lavender pink flowers. Flowers are followed by seed heads with white, fluffy seeds that are easily dispersed by the wind.

19. 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.

20. 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

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More Plants in Dominica

Most Common Toxic Plants

Dominica's lush, humid climate and rich volcanic soil create an ideal environment for a wide variety of flora, including toxic plants. With heavy rainfall and diverse habitats, the island supports the growth of plants that can pose risks to local biodiversity, ecosystems, and human health. Among these, , , and are noteworthy, reflecting the broader concern for toxic plant prevalence in this ecologically vibrant region.

Most Common Flowers

Dominica's tropical climate and fertile soil create the perfect conditions for a diverse array of native flowers to bloom. Three noteworthy blossoms in this enchanting location include , , and . Each of these flowers showcases the visual beauty, symbolic significance, and ecological importance that make them characteristic of the region. Reliable sources validate the information presented, ensuring the accuracy and trustworthiness of this summary.

Most Common Flowers of Spring

As Dominica's lush landscapes awaken with Spring's touch, myriad flowers unfold in a spectacle of renewal. Among them, , , and make their vibrant entrance, gracing the island with vivid hues and symbolic emblems of growth. These botanical beacons not only signal the season's arrival but also paint a canvas of natural beauty that epitomizes the island's rejuvenating spirit.

Most Common Spring Fruits

In Dominica, Spring breathes life into a lush tapestry of flora, fostering a symphony of fruiting plants under its warm, nurturing skies. Vital to both culture and cuisine, , , and reach their peak, offering fresh, vibrant flavors that define the season's essence. These fruits become a beacon of the island's natural bounty, celebrated and savored by locals and visitors alike.

Most Common Fruits

Dominica's fertile volcanic soil and humid tropical climate are ideal for cultivating a variety of local fruit plants. Among the island's bountiful offerings, , , and stand out for their cultural significance. These fruit plants not only contribute to the nation's unique culinary identity but also support the livelihoods of local farmers, reflecting the island's rich agricultural heritage.

Most Common Trees

Dominica's tropical climate and fertile soil provide ideal conditions for the growth of a variety of indigenous trees. Among the most emblematic are , , and . These trees hold great significance in the region, both culturally and ecologically. They serve as important habitats for wildlife, contribute to the island's unique biodiversity, and have traditional uses in local customs, medicine, and construction. Dominica takes pride in preserving and protecting these valuable trees, ensuring their continued presence for future generations.

Most Common Tall Trees

Nestled in the Lesser Antilles, Dominica's humid tropical climate and rugged volcanic landscape set the stage for some of the Caribbean's most majestic arboreal giants. The island's fertile soil and ample rainfall allow species like , , and to stretch skyward, often emerging as keystone structures looming over the rainforest canopy. Towering above the diverse flora, these colossal trees not only punctuate the landscape but also serve as vital pillars for the ecosystem and beacons of the island's botanical heritage.

Most Common Flowers of Winter

Winter in Dominica brings a serene and frosty environment, where certain flowers brave the chill. In this season, three specific blooms , , and blossom, showcasing their resilience and unique beauty. These Winter flowers provide a symbolic depth to the cold landscape of Dominica, adding color and vibrancy to an otherwise stark season.

Most Common Plants

In Dominica, you can find Graceful spurge, Seagrape, Manchineel, Hyssop-leaf sandmat, Rough cocklebur, 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.