Top 20 Most Common Weeds in Kenya

Kenya's warm climate coupled with seasonal rains creates a fertile breeding ground for various garden weeds. Among the most ubiquitous, Santa Maria feverfew, Jimsonweed, and Blue porterweed are rife in gardens, vying for resources with cultivated plants. Their proliferation poses a significant challenge for gardeners and horticulturists, necessitating persistent management efforts to mitigate their impact on desirable flora.

Most Common Weeds

1. 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.

2. Jimsonweed

Jimsonweed (Datura stramonium) is a species of nightshade plant native to Central America which is considered an invasive species in more temperate climates. It can be toxic if ingested in significant quantities. It has a distinctive, strong smell. The jimsonweed gets its common name from Jamestown, Virginia, where soldiers ingested the plants exhibited altered mental states afterward.

3. 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.

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4. Blue porterweed

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

5. Black nightshade

Black nightshade (Solanum nigrum) is a highly toxic plant and caution should be exercised around this plant. It's said that black nightshade fruits can technically be consumed if they are fully ripe and properly cooked and prepared. Generally though, due to the danger they present, no one would ever want to try to eat this plant.

6. 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

7. Three-lobed false mallow

Three-lobed false mallow (Malvastrum coromandelianum) is an annual and perennial herbaceous shrub native to North America and South America. This plant has been introduced to other areas of the world and is commonly found in Australia, Asia, and Africa.

8. 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.

9. Bull thistle

Bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare) is a thistle plant native to Europe, Africa, and Asia. Bull thistle produces a large amount of nectar and attracts pollinators. Bull thistle is considered a noxious weed in areas of Europe and Australia.

10. 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

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 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

13. 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.

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. 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.

16. Redflower ragleaf

Crassocephalum crepidioides is a slightly succulent herb that can grow up to 1.8 m tall. The plant has mucilaginous and fleshy leaves, though its stems are eaten as a vegetable. It's largely prominent in tropical Africa.

17. 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

18. Velvetleaf

Abutilon theophrasti is named after the Greek botanist Theophrastus, who was a successor of Aristotle. The velvetleaf is now considered to be an invasive species in many places of the world and is especially dangerous for corn and soybean crops. When left unmanaged, the velvetleaf can create 100s of millions of dollars in damage for farmers.

19. 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.

20. 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.

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More Plants in Kenya

Most Common Toxic Plants

Kenya's diverse ecosystems, ranging from coastal areas to savannahs and highlands, create ideal conditions for a variety of flora, including toxic plants. These environments offer rich soils and varied climates, potentially supporting the proliferation of harmful species such as , , and . Vigilance is necessary as the presence of toxic plants can pose risks to both human and animal health.

Most Common Flowers

Kenya boasts a diverse climate and fertile soil, providing an ideal habitat for a variety of native flowers. Among these are the enchanting , , and . These blossoms exhibit stunning colors and intricate patterns, symbolizing the vibrancy and diversity of Kenya's natural landscape. Not only are these flowers visually captivating, but they also play a vital role in the region's ecology, attracting pollinators and contributing to the overall biodiversity.

Most Common Flowers of Spring

As the Kenyan climate transitions into the mild warmth of Spring, a spectrum of blossoms unfurl to mark the season's arrival. The bursts with vibrant hues, symbolizing new life, while the delicate blankets the landscape in a vivid display of nature's renewal. Not to be outdone, the majestic stands tall, an emblem of the resilience and regrowth inherent to Spring's awakening. Together, these flowers encapsulate the essence of rejuvenation in Kenya's diverse flora.

Most Common Spring Fruits

Spring in Kenya bursts with life as gentle rains and warm sun fosters the growth of lush fruit plants. Among the bounty, begins to ripen, reaches its peak sweetness, and emerges fresh for harvest. These fruits symbolize the season's vitality, offering fresh, nutritious delights that embody the rejuvenating spirit of spring.

Most Common Fruits

Kenya's equatorial climate, with ample sunlight and occasional rainfall, paired with fertile red loamy soils, creates an ideal environment for the proliferation of local fruit plants. Notably, , , and thrive, benefiting from these conditions. Each species has carved a niche in Kenyan culture, revered not only for its nutritional value but also for its role in traditional practices and local cuisine. These fruit plants are staples in Kenyan households, representing a rich agricultural heritage.

Most Common Trees

Kenya, characterized by its diverse climatic and soil conditions, nurtures a rich variety of native trees. Among these, , , and stand out as emblematic species. These trees hold great cultural and ecological significance in the region. They provide essential habitat and food sources for local wildlife, contribute to soil fertility, and play a vital role in traditional medicines and cultural practices. Overall, Kenya's native trees are an integral part of its natural heritage and deserve conservation efforts.

Most Common Tall Trees

In Kenya, a land of diverse ecosystems ranging from coastal regions to highlands, certain climatic zones beckon grand arboreal giants. Amid this lush tapestry, trees such as , , and ascend majestically into the skies, embodying the ecological grandeur and historical tapestry of the region. These species, which dominate the canopy, play pivotal roles in sustaining local biodiversity and hold cultural significance, mesmerizing both locals and visitors with their sheer height and presence.

Most Common Flowers of Winter

In the serene cold of Winter in Kenya, amidst the frosty environment, certain flowers brave the chill and blossom. These resilient Winter flowers include , , and . With their beauty and symbolic depth, these blooms add a touch of vibrancy to the otherwise icy landscape.

Most Common Plants

In Kenya, you can find Common lantana, Golden dewdrops, Chinese hibiscus, Silky oak, Madagascar periwinkle, 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.