Top 20 Most Common Weeds in Haiti

In the warm, tropical climate of Haiti, rich biodiversity and frequent rainfall create ideal conditions for a myriad of garden weeds, challenging gardeners and landscapers alike. Among these, Common purslane, Goosegrass, and Asthma-plant are particularly notorious for their resilience and rapid proliferation. Regular maintenance and diligent weed control are essential to manage the rampant spread of these invasive species in Haitian gardens.

Most Common Weeds

1. 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

2. 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

3. 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.

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4. 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

5. Blue porterweed

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

6. 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.

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. 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

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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

14. Climbing dayflower

The climbing dayflower can be used as a sprawling groundcover with light blue flowers that attract bees and butterflies. However, it spreads easily when nodes on its small branches touch the soil and begin to root. Since it can spread aggressively, it is sometimes seen as an invasive weed that is treated with herbicide.

Growth Rate:

Rapid

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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.

18. 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.

19. 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

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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More Plants in Haiti

Most Common Toxic Plants

Haiti's warm, tropical climate, coupled with its rich biodiversity, provides an environment conducive to the proliferation of a variety of plants, including those with toxic properties. Issues such as deforestation and biodiversity loss can increase the prevalence of certain toxic species like , , and , which thrive in disturbed habitats. These factors raise concerns regarding the potential impact on both human health and local ecosystems.

Most Common Flowers

Haiti, with its tropical climate and fertile soil, provides an ideal environment for a diverse array of native flowers. Amidst this vibrant tapestry, three characteristic blossoms stand out: , , and . These flowers are not only visually stunning but also hold great symbolism and ecological importance in the region. Trusted sources assure the accuracy of this information, ensuring an accurate representation of Haiti's resplendent flora.

Most Common Flowers of Spring

As Spring whispers into Haiti, the land awakens with a vibrant mosaic of flora. A shift in climate ushers in milder weather, setting the stage for a colorful symphony of blooms. Among them, the radiant , emblematic of new beginnings, the exuberant , symbolizing the island's rich heritage, and the arresting , a beacon of tropical beauty, all weave into Haiti's Spring tapestry, inviting admiration and celebration of life's renewal.

Most Common Spring Fruits

Spring in Haiti is a time of renewal, where gentle rains and warming sun combine to create a lush, fruit-bearing landscape. Among the abundance, , , and reach their peak, offering bursts of freshness that are integral to the local cuisine and culture. These fruits embody the rejuvenating spirit of the season, teasing the palate with the promise of sweet and juicy flavors.

Most Common Fruits

Haiti's tropical climate, marked by ample sunshine and rainfall, along with its fertile soil, create an ideal environment for a diversity of local fruit plants. Plants such as , , and thrive here and are integral to Haiti's cultural heritage and cuisine. These fruit plants not only contribute to the local diet but also play a role in the country’s economy as valuable agricultural commodities.

Most Common Trees

Haiti, with its tropical climate and fertile soil, provides a suitable environment for the growth of various native trees. Three emblematic trees in this region include , , and . These trees have significant cultural and ecological value, playing an essential role in the country's ecosystem and traditional practices. +

Most Common Tall Trees

In Haiti's tropical climate, with both lush lowland plains and soaring mountains, certain majestic tree species stand tall, symbols of the island's ecological diversity. Among them, , , and rise as towering testimonies of nature's grandeur. Each tree not only pierces the sky but also roots deeply into the nation's environmental and cultural tapestry, vital to local ecosystems and, by extension, the heritage of Haitian landscapes.

Most Common Flowers of Winter

Winter in Haiti is a serene time, where the cold and frosty environment reveals the resilience and beauty of certain flowers. Amidst the chill, , , and bloom, standing as beacons of resilience and hope in the frigid season. These flowers not only survive the winter, but they also bring a sense of warmth and color to the otherwise icy landscape of Haiti.

Most Common Plants

In Haiti, you can find Snake plant, Zanzibar gem, Aloe vera, Garden croton, Crown of thorns, 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.