Top 20 Most Common Weeds in Kuwait

Kuwait's arid climate with extreme temperatures and occasional heavy rains creates a conducive environment for hardy garden weeds. Among the most common are London rocket, Common sowthistle, and Common purslane, each flourishing in residential and public landscapes. These pervasive species pose challenges to garden upkeep and native biodiversity, calling for rigor in management and control practices to mitigate their spread.

Most Common Weeds

1. London rocket

The london rocket is an annual herb in the Sisymbrium irio family that can grow up to 91 cm tall. The yellow flowers are small with four petals. The leaves, seeds, and flowers of this plant are all edible. The Bedouin people have been known to utilize the leaves of the london rocket as a substitute for tobacco.

2. 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.

3. Puncture Vine

Puncture Vine_ (Tribulus terrestris)_ is a poisonous plant. The fruit consists of burs with sharp spines, which can puncture the skin of human beings and animals. They can also rupture a bicycle tire (hence the name) and penetrate shoe soles. The leaves contain compounds known as saponins, which are toxic to livestock.

Your Essential Companion for Global Plant Exploration

From American natives to Philippine tropics, discover plants worldwide with our app.

Download the App for Free

4. 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

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. 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

7. 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

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. 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. 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

11. 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.

12. 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

13. Cheeseweed mallow

Cheeseweed mallow (Malva parviflora) is a plant species native to Europe, Asia, and Northern Africa. Cheeseweed mallow has a variety of other common names including Egyptian mallow, marshmallow, small-flowered mallow, and mallow. This species is naturalized in many places.

14. Devil's trumpet

Devil's trumpet (Datura metel) is a highly toxic annual species. Devil's trumpet ingestion can cause headaches, hallucinations, coma, and death. In spite of its toxicity, it is sometimes grown as an ornamental flower.

Growth Rate:

Slow

15. Petty spurge

Petty spurge (Euphorbia peplus) is an annual plant from Europe, Asia, and Africa. It is fast-growing and has become invasive in some countries because it outcompetes other species for resources such as moisture and sunlight. Petty spurge latex is mildly toxic, has nevertheless attracted the attention of researchers in the US and Germany who hope to isolate useful compounds from it.

Growth Rate:

Rapid

16. Flaxleaf fleabane

Flaxleaf fleabane (Erigeron bonariensis) is an annual plant with distinctive blue-green foliage. Flaxleaf fleabane is considered a weed. This species is often found growing along concrete cracks in driveways and sidewalks. Tt is also found in pastures, gardens and roadsides. Flaxleaf fleabane produces many seeds, which are dispersed by wind and transported by animals, vehicles and people.

Growth Rate:

Rapid

17. 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.

18. 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.

19. Milk thistle

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is a biennial thistle that has white-mottled blossoms. The common name references the appearance of these blossoms, which look like they have been doused in milk. It grows up to 1.8 m tall. This species is often cultivated as an ornamental plant.

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

Discover 4 Exciting Reasons to Choose PictureThis

Instantly identify plants with a snap

Identify toxic plants around you

Easily find your perfect green friends

Get full care tips and tricks for your plants

Download the App for Free

A Botanist in Your Pocket

Scan QR code to download

More Plants in Kuwait

Most Common Toxic Plants

Kuwait's arid climate, with its high temperatures and low rainfall, creates a challenging environment for plant life. However, certain drought-resistant species thrive, including potentially toxic varieties. These conditions may contribute to the presence of toxic plants such as , , and , which can pose risks to humans and animals. The prevalence of toxic flora is a concern in Kuwait due to the stark environmental influences promoting their survival.

Most Common Flowers

Kuwait, with its arid desert climate and sandy soil, provides a unique habitat for a variety of native flowers. Among these, , , and shine brightly. These flowers boast visual beauty and play a significant role in the region's symbolism and ecological balance. Trustworthy sources validate their prominence in Kuwait's flora, highlighting their importance in the local ecosystem.

Most Common Flowers of Spring

As Spring whispers into Kuwait's landscape, it courts a dramatic change, coaxing various flora to unfurl their petals. Among the blossoming ensemble, , , and emerge, splashing the terrain with vibrant hues and symbolizing the nation's seasonal renewal. These botanical marvels are not just a feast for the eyes but also signify the region's rich floral heritage and the reawakening of nature.

Most Common Spring Fruits

Bathed in mild, pleasant temperatures, Spring in Kuwait awakens the land from its brief winter slumber, encouraging lush growth and the harvest of local fruit plants. During this season, the gentle warmth and soft breezes nurture the ripening of , along with the juicy fullness of and the sweet bounty of . These fruits encapsulate the essence of Spring's freshness, gracing local markets with their vibrant, life-affirming presence.

Most Common Fruits

Kuwait's arid climate and sandy soils are surprisingly hospitable to certain fruit plant cultivation, due to innovative irrigation techniques and adapted farming practices. Among the prominent local fruit plants nourished here are , , and , each holding a distinct place in Kuwait's agricultural and cultural landscape. These plants not only adapt well to Kuwait's environment but also contribute to the local cuisine and traditions, marking their significance in the region.

Most Common Trees

Kuwait's hot desert climate and dry, sandy soil provide a unique habitat for indigenous trees to thrive. Three emblematic local trees include , , and . These trees hold significant cultural and ecological value within the region, serving as shade providers, windbreaks, and sources of medicinal or culinary ingredients. They are vital in preserving Kuwait's biodiversity and are cherished by the local communities for their resilience and adaptability in the harsh environmental conditions.

Most Common Tall Trees

In the arid climate and flat desert landscapes of Kuwait, a few trees defy the harsh conditions to reach impressive heights. Notably, , , and stand tall, their towering forms a testament to resilience and adaptation. These species not only punctuate the skyline but also play critical roles culturally and ecologically, serving as anchors in Kuwait's limited yet vital green infrastructure.

Most Common Flowers of Winter

Winter in Kuwait is a serene and cold season, but surprisingly, it is a haven for certain flowers. Amidst the frosty environment, three specific blooms brave the chill: , , and . These Winter flowers showcase resilience, beauty, and symbolic depth, making Kuwait's Winter landscape a sight to behold.

Most Common Plants

In Kuwait, you can find Golden pothos, Tomato, Aloe vera, Madagascar periwinkle, Chinese hibiscus, 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.