Top 20 Most Common Weeds in Finland

Finland's temperate climate, marked by cold winters and relatively warm summers, creates a conducive environment for a variety of garden weeds. Commonly contending with diverse weed species, Finnish gardeners often grapple with Common mugwort, Stinging nettle, and Creeping thistle that tenaciously proliferate across residential lawns and open spaces. These weeds pose significant challenges due to their high adaptability and competitive growth, necessitating diligent management efforts within the country's gardens and landscapes.

Most Common Weeds

1. 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

2. 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

3. Bird vetch

Bird vetch (Vicia cracca) is a flowering species of vetch native to Europe and Asia. In North America, bird vetch is considered an invasive species and a weed. In these environments, the flowering plant often grows in industrial disturbed environments like oil fields.

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4. 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

5. 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

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. Autumn hawkbit

Autumn hawkbit (Scorzoneroides autumnalis) is also called “Autumn Hawkbit.” It’s native to Eurasia, but was brought to North America. Its common name references its resemblance to the common dandelion.

9. Garden sorrel

Garden sorrel (Rumex acetosella) is a flowering plant related to buckwheat. It can be found in acidic soil and tends to grow outside abandoned mines where other plants can't take hold. Farmers will often consider garden sorrel a weed; it is a particular problem for blueberry crops.

Growth Rate:

Rapid

10. Yellow rocket

Yellow rocket is a biannual herb endemic to Europe. Saint Barbara, the patron saint of artillerymen and mining workers, inspired the name Barbarea. This plant's leaves are edible, whether raw or cooked. It also has a natural resistance to several bug species.

Growth Rate:

Moderate

11. 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

12. Pineapple weed

Pineapple weed (Matricaria discoidea) is a common weed with cute cone shape "flowers", which are actually composed of many tubular yellow-green small flowers. Its leaves give off a sweet smell when crushed. The scent is regarded as somewhere between that of pineapple and chamomile - thus the plant's common names.

13. Prostrate knotweed

Prostrate knotweed (Polygonum aviculare) is a low-growing species that can root practically anywhere. It produces many small white flowers each summer and produces plenty of seeds that can survive for years. Its seeds can lay dormant in soils, and once they see sunlight, they will start to germinate. Because it grows so dwarf, mowing is not effective in removing it.

Growth Rate:

Slow

14. 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

15. Shepherd's purse

Shepherd's purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris) is native to Eastern Europe and Asia minor. Having spread and become naturalized around the world, this herbaceous plant is typically considered a weed. Shepherd's purse is considered a "protocarnivore" because it attracts nematodes (small worms in the soil) and poisons them with its seeds. By eliminating nematodes, this plant enriches the surrounding soil.

Growth Rate:

Moderate

16. 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

17. Curly dock

Rumex crispus, commonly known as curly dock, is a perennial plant that grows in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. It is a very adaptable plant, flourishing in a variety of different habitats including roadsides, the edges of woodlands, meadows, and shorelines. Some moth species like to lay their eggs on curly dock leaves.

Growth Rate:

Moderate

18. Mouse ear chickweed

Mouse ear chickweed (Cerastium fontanum) is a perennial flowering plant native to Europe, most commonly in Great Britain and Ireland. Mouse ear chickweed is commonly seen naturally growing alongside roadsides and adjacent grasslands. The specific epithet "fontanum" from its scientific name means "fountain", naming after their preference of damping soil and streamsides.

19. Bittersweet

The species known as bittersweet is a semi-woody vine found in forests, marshes, shrublands, and hedgerows. All parts of the plant contain alkaloids (especially the bright red berries), which are extremely poisonous to humans and livestock if ingested. In spite of its toxicity, bittersweet was hung as a talisman in the past to ward off witchcraft.

Growth Rate:

Moderate

20. Brown knapweed

Brown knapweed (Centaurea jacea) is a perennial flowering plant that grows in woodland clearings, yards, ditches, and pastures. Brown knapweed is native to Europe. This plant is categorized as an invasive species in most places where it grows.

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More Plants in Finland

Most Common Toxic Plants

Finland's diverse climate, ranging from temperate to subarctic, creates a habitat conducive to various plant species, including toxic varieties. Despite the often harsh winters, the long summer days contribute to vigorous plant growth during the growing season. Among the flora, there are concerns regarding the prevalence of toxic plants. Notable examples include , , and , each presenting its own set of potential risks to both humans and wildlife.

Most Common Flowers

Finland's climate and soil provide a conducive environment for a variety of native flowers to thrive. Among these blossoms, , , and stand out as the most characteristic. These flowers add a touch of visual beauty to the region, symbolize its rich heritage, and play a crucial role in the local ecology. Trustworthy sources verify the presence and significance of these flowers in Finland.

Most Common Flowers of Spring

As Finland thaws from its wintry embrace, Spring breathes new life into the landscape, coaxing various flora to break ground. Amongst the first to claim the sun's tender warmth are , , and , each adding a splash of vibrant color and symbolizing the nation's resilient nature. These blooms are not only a feast for the eyes but also signify the Finnish Spring's triumphant return.

Most Common Spring Fruits

In Finland, Spring unfurls with lingering daylight and a gentle thaw, coaxing life from the frostbitten earth. As nature reawakens, so too do the fruit plants, nurtured by the pure Nordic air and soil. Key among these are the , offering its succulent bounty; the aromatic , heralding the season's freshness; and the vibrant , a testament to Spring's vigorous return. Each fruit reflects the revitalizing spirit of Finnish Spring, eagerly anticipated by locals and gourmands alike.

Most Common Fruits

Finland's cool climate and long summer days create a unique environment that extends the natural growing season and imbues fruit with intense flavors. Fertile, acidic soils provide ideal conditions for a variety of local fruit plants. , , and are not just staples in Finnish diets but hold cultural significance, with each having its unique space in Finnish customs and cuisine. These fruits embody the resilience and adaptability of Finnish agriculture.

Most Common Trees

Finland's climatic and soil conditions favor the growth of several native trees. Among the emblematic trees, , , and stand tall in this territory. These trees hold great cultural and ecological significance within the region. They contribute to Finland's diverse ecosystem and are valued for their timber, wildlife habitat, and traditional uses. , , and are essential components of Finland's natural heritage, demonstrating the country's rich biodiversity.

Most Common Tall Trees

Finland's boreal forests and temperate climate lay the ground for sky-scraping arboreals. Amidst this realm, , , and stand as colossi, heralding the region's natural history and providing ecological bastions. These trees are not mere botanical entities but symbols of Finnish verdure, their lofty crowns touching the heavens while anchoring a rich biotic network below.

Most Common Flowers of Winter

Winter in Finland is a mesmerizing world of frost and snow, where the cold embraces the land. Surprisingly, amidst this frigid environment, there are certain flowers that brave the chill. Three notable blooms that appear in Winter are , , and . These flowers showcase the resilience and beauty of nature, bringing a touch of color and hope to the serene Finnish landscape.

Most Common Plants

In Finland, you can find Norway spruce, Scots pine, European mountain-ash, Common yarrow, Bilberry, 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.