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Top 20 Most Common Weeds in Malta

Malta's warm Mediterranean climate, with its mild winters and hot, dry summers, provides an ideal environment for various garden weeds to flourish. Amongst the most common invaders disrupting local gardens are Common purslane, Common sowthistle, and Perennial wall-rocket, each thriving in Malta's conducive conditions. These weeds pose a persistent challenge to Maltese gardeners, as they compete with cultivated plants for resources and can be difficult to eradicate.

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Most Common Weeds
Common purslane
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
Common sowthistle
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.
Lambsquarters
3. 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
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Perennial wall-rocket
4. Perennial wall-rocket
Perennial wall-rocket (Diplotaxis tenuifolia) is a plant species that is a member of the Brassicaceae family. Perennial wall-rocket is named for the hardiness of this plant, as well as the plant's tendency to grow out of walls and cliff faces. Perennial wall-rocket foliage is aromatic when crushed.
Nut grass
5. Nut grass
Nut grass can be found all over the world. This perennial plant gets its name because its tubers resemble nuts. Nut grass is considered one of the most invasive plants in the world, and among the most difficult to eradicate. It reduces crop yields and is resistant to most herbicides.
Growth Rate:
Rapid
Pellitory of the wall
6. Pellitory of the wall
Pellitory of the wall (Parietaria judaica) is a species of flowering plant that is native to Europe, North Africa and parts of west Asia. It is an introduced species elsewhere in the world and is widely considered a weed. It proliferates in disturbed areas and is sometimes known as “asthma weed” because its pollen is an allergen for many people.
Graceful spurge
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
Matted Sandmat
8. 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.
Pokeweed
9. Pokeweed
Although its berries look juicy and tempting, the fruits and the root of pokeweed are toxic and should not be eaten. Pokeweed is considered a pest species by farmers but is nevertheless often grown as an ornamental plant. Its berries can be made into pokeberry ink as well.
Growth Rate:
Rapid
Petty spurge
10. 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
Yellow horned poppy
11. Yellow horned poppy
Yellow horned poppy (Glaucium flavum) is a perennial wildflower that will grow from 30 to 61 cm tall. In mid-spring to early summer, it blooms bright golden-yellow flowers that are 5 cm wide. Prefers full sun and can tolerate drought and seaside locations. Often found growing among sand dunes on beaches. The seeds have been used to make soap.
Small Nettle
12. Small Nettle
Small Nettle (Urtica urens) is a herbaceous annual flowering nettle known by many common names. Small Nettle is also called the dog nettle or burning nettle because it "bites" when touching (in the same way as stinging nettle). Small Nettle is native to the Eurasian continent. Butterfly species feed on this plant.
Downy thorn-apple
13. Downy thorn-apple
In warmer climates, the downy thorn-apple is an invasive perennial. In colder zones, it’s an annual that can be controlled. It is native to East Africa and is naturalized in China. It is not currently a problem in the United States, but it would become invasive if it were introduced. The reason for this is that the plant will quickly establish itself and spread rapidly. It is cultivated in gardens, but care must be taken to prevent it from overtaking other plants. The weed poses another threat: it is highly toxic to humans and animals. There are not any current bans on the sale, transport, or cultivation of the plant, but it is generally not encouraged.
Growth Rate:
Slow
Field bindweed
14. 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
Redroot amaranth
15. 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
Flaxleaf fleabane
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
Prostrate knotweed
17. 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
Black nightshade
18. 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.
Johnson grass
19. Johnson grass
Experts consider johnson grass (Sorghum halepense) to be one of the ten worst weeds in the world. If frost or heat causes the plant to wilt, it can produce enough hydrogen cyanide to kill livestock. It grows at such a prodigious rate, it can choke out other crops. It’s named after Colonel William Johnson, an Alabama plantation owner who sowed lots of its seed around 1840.
Growth Rate:
Rapid
Fourleaf manyseed
20. Fourleaf manyseed
Fourleaf manyseed (*Polycarpon tetraphyllum*) is an annual herb that thrives in sandy or coastal soils. It gets its common name because it grows in a four-leaf pattern and produces quite a lot of seeds. Native to Southern Europe and introduced elsewhere. The plant flowers in spring and summer.
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More Plants in Malta

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Most Common Toxic Plants

Malta's mild winters and hot summers create a hospitable environment for a diverse range of flora, including toxic species. Despite its limited land area, the island sustains a variety of habitats conducive to the proliferation of certain poisonous plants. The potential for encountering toxic flora such as , , and poses a noteworthy risk for both humans and wildlife in the region.

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Most Common Flowers

Malta, with its Mediterranean climate and fertile soil, provides an ideal environment for native flowers to flourish. Among the characteristic blossoms that bloom resplendently here are , , and . These flowers add visual beauty to the landscape while also holding important symbolism and ecological importance for the region. Trustworthy sources validate the information shared, ensuring accuracy and precision in conveying their significance.

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Most Common Flowers of Spring

As Spring breathes new life into Malta's landscapes, a myriad of flowers awake from their winter slumber. Amongst the first to flourish are , symbolizing rebirth with their vibrant hues, which paint the Maltese countryside with their distinct colors, and the iconic , celebrating the season's vitality. These blooms are a quintessential testament to the island's rich floral tapestry and the rejuvenating power of Spring.

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Most Common Spring Fruits

Spring in Malta ushers a mild, vibrant season where fragrant blossoms and gentle warmth stimulate fruitful abundance. During this period, local gardens and orchards come alive, yielding fresh, succulent produce. Pivotal to the Maltese spring harvest are , with its juicy offerings, , known for its refreshing taste, and , a significant contributor to the local palette and economy. These fruits capture the essence of the island’s springtime rejuvenation.

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Most Common Fruits

Malta's mild winters and long, hot summers, complemented by its fertile soil, create ideal conditions for fruit cultivation. Renowned local fruit plants include , , and . These fruits are not just agricultural products but also integral to Malta's cultural and culinary heritage, often celebrated in seasonal festivals and local cuisine. Their growth and consumption are steeped in tradition, symbolizing the island's agricultural abundance and biodiversity.

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Most Common Trees

Malta's climate and soil conditions provide a favorable environment for the growth of native trees. Three of the most emblematic trees in Malta are , , and . These trees hold significance in the region due to their cultural and ecological value. They contribute to the diversity and beauty of the Maltese landscape, offering shade, shelter, and habitat for local wildlife.

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Most Common Tall Trees

Bathed in the warm embrace of the Mediterranean climate, Malta's terrain gently nurtures a variety of trees to elevate its skyline. Amidst this green tapestry, three giants stand out: , , and . Each of these towering tree species commands attention, their immense canopies casting wide shadows. More than just tall structures, they represent key ecological assets or bear witness to Malta's rich history, monuments of nature that hold stories and sustain biodiversity.

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Most Common Flowers of Winter

Winter in Malta may be chilly, but it is also a sanctuary for certain flowers. Despite the frosty environment, , , and manage to blossom beautifully, showcasing their resilience and adding a touch of beauty to the season. These flowers not only endure the cold but also hold symbolic depth, reminding us of the power of nature in the harshest of conditions.

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Most Common Plants

In Malta, you can find Japanese pittosporum, Oleander, Golden pothos, Marijuana, Cape leadwort, 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.

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Identify grow and nurture the better way!
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