Top 20 Most Common Weeds in Kazakhstan

In the diverse climatic expanse of Kazakhstan, varying from arid to continental, an assortment of hardy garden weeds finds a stronghold. These opportunistic plants exploit the fertile conditions created by human cultivation. Amongst the prevalent garden invaders are Field bindweed, Common purslane, and Common plantain, each asserting its own challenge for gardeners and landscapers who strive to maintain pristine environments. Their persistence and rapid growth render these weeds a prevalent nuisance in the region's gardens.

Most Common Weeds

1. Field bindweed

Field bindweed (*Convolvulus arvensis*) is a native Eurasian plant related to morning glory. It is considered an invasive species in non-native areas because it competes with other plants for sunlight and moisture. Field bindweed is very hard to eradicate because its taproots grow so deep, and its seeds can remain viable for decades.

Growth Rate:

Rapid

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. 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

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4. 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

5. Prickly lettuce

Prickly lettuce, in spite of its appearance, is the closest wild relative of cultivated lettuce. Even though it is widely considered a weed, it can be used in the kitchen. Young leaves of prickly lettuce are edible and the bitter milky latex can also be made into a condiment or to add flavor to salads. Consuming in large quantities could cause digestive upsets.

6. Redroot amaranth

While the redroot amaranth is considered a weed in most areas, some parts are edible. Fresh leaves may be included in soups and stews, while the dried leaves can be utilized in tea or ground into flour for bread or used as a thickening agent. Seeds can also be eaten, but the stalks, roots, and older leaves contain toxic substances. Redroot amaranth is sometimes used as fodder for livestock - it is nutritious in small amounts but toxic if too much is fed over a span of several days.

Growth Rate:

Rapid

7. Lambsquarters

Lambsquarters has many other names, including pigweed, goosefoot, and bacon weed. This plant seems to appear out of nowhere and is considered by many to be a pesky weed. However, the greens of this plant are edible, can be prepared similar to spinach, and are packed with nutrients.

Growth Rate:

Rapid

8. 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

9. Yellow sweet clover

Yellow sweet clover is a nitrogen-fixing legume often used in pastures. Yellow flowers attract pollinators, while the seeds make an ideal food for small animals. The dense habit provides nesting areas for ducks and small mammals. Yellow sweet clover can be used for livestock, however, they may initially reject the legume due to its bitter taste and will eat it only after their palates become used to the flavor.

10. 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

11. 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.

12. 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

13. 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

14. Common wormwood

Common wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) was the main ingredient in absinthe, a distilled, highly alcoholic beverage, BUT it's technically toxic. It can cause nervous disorders such as headaches, hallucinations, insomnia, convulsions, etc. and is therefore illegal in many countries. Common wormwood may grow like a weed on unmanaged areas, with silvery foliage and small yellow flowers in late summer.

15. Henbane

Henbane is a poisonous annual or biennial plant that is native to the Mediterranean. The plant is entirely covered with greasy hairs. Its seeds spread from mid-spring to early fall.

16. 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.

17. 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

18. 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

19. 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.

20. Nodding thistle

Nodding thistle (Carduus nutans) is a plant species native to Europe and Asia. The nodding thistle is considered an invasive species in North America, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia. It has been eradicated in Southern California.

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More Plants in Kazakhstan

Most Common Toxic Plants

Kazakhstan's diverse climate, ranging from arid steppes to mountainous terrains, cultivates a unique environment ripe for various flora, including toxic plants., , and are among those that thrive in its soil. The prevalence of such hazardous vegetation poses a silent threat to local wildlife and human populations, necessitating informed caution and preventive measures to mitigate potential risks.

Most Common Flowers

Kazakhstan's diverse climate and fertile soil create a haven for native flowers to flourish. Amongst the resplendent blossoms, three stand out. captivates with its vibrant colors and delicate petals, while enchants with its elegant form and alluring fragrance. Finally, showcases its ecological significance, providing nourishment for local fauna. These characteristic flowers add visual beauty, symbolism, and ecological importance to Kazakhstan's environment. Trustworthy sources validate their prominence in this region.

Most Common Flowers of Spring

As Kazakhstan's frozen landscapes thaw, Spring breathes life into the soil, coaxing a vibrant tapestry of flora to awaken. Silhouetted against receding snows, '' unfurl their petals, a symbol of new beginnings. The vivid hues of '' splash color across the awakening steppes, drawing admiration and pollinators alike, while the understated elegance of '' quietly signifies the season's gentle progression. These blooms not only dazzle the eye but also sustain local ecosystems entering the cycle of renewal.

Most Common Spring Fruits

Spring in Kazakhstan awakens the land with crisp air and a palette of blossoming flora. Amid this seasonal revival, local fruit plants flourish, nurtured by the gentle sun and fertile soils. Among the most notable are , whose tender shoots herald the arrival of freshness, , symbolizing the zest of the season with its robust flavor, and , offering a burst of spring's essence in every bite. These fruits are not just a delight to the palate but also embody the agricultural richness of Kazakhstan's springtime.

Most Common Fruits

Kazakhstan's continental climate, with cold winters and warm summers, along with fertile soil, creates a conducive environment for the cultivation of local fruit plants. These conditions allow for the growth of diverse fruit species, including the placeholders , , and . These fruit plants hold significant value in Kazakhstan's agricultural landscape, contributing to the country's culinary heritage and economy. Their cultivation reflects the adaptation of local agrarian practices to the regional climate and soil characteristics, underscoring their cultural importance.

Most Common Trees

Kazakhstan's climatic conditions, characterized by hot summers and frigid winters, offer a suitable environment for native tree growth. The diverse soil types, ranging from sandy to clayey, further support an array of indigenous tree species. Among the emblematic trees of this territory are , , and . These trees hold cultural and ecological value within the region, contributing to the country's biodiversity and providing habitats for various wildlife species.

Most Common Tall Trees

Amidst Kazakhstan's cold winters and hot summers, bolstered by its varied terrain from steppes to mountains, certain trees ascend the heavens. The tallest species, including , , and , tower amidst the landscape, standing as living monuments of nature's majesty. These arboreal giants are not just natural spectacles but also hold ecological and historical significance, contributing profoundly to the region’s biodiversity and culture.

Most Common Flowers of Winter

Winter in Kazakhstan brings a serene cold that surprisingly serves as a haven for certain flowers. Despite the frosty environment, , , and brave the chill and blossom with resilience and beauty. These winter flowers not only add a touch of color to the snowy landscape but also symbolize strength and perseverance.

Most Common Plants

In Kazakhstan, you can find Zanzibar gem, China rose, Box elder, Florist kalanchoe, African marigold, 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.