Top 20 Most Common Weeds in Nepal

Nepal's diversity of climates, from sub-tropical to alpine, creates a suitable breeding ground for a variety of garden weeds. In this lush topography, farmers and gardeners often contend with invasive weeds that can outcompete native flora. Notable among these are Goosegrass, Artillery plant, and Shaggy soldier, each presenting unique challenges in both agricultural and landscape settings. Their prevalence is a concern for those aiming to maintain the region's ecological balance and horticultural health.

Most Common Weeds

1. 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

2. 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.

3. 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.

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4. 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.

5. Crown Flower

The crown Flower has beautiful flowers that are used to make leis and were a favorite of the last queen of Hawaii. The outer petals of this flower curl back, and reveal what looks like a crown inside. The sap of this plant may cause skin irritation and can be considered toxic.

6. 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.

7. 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

8. 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.

9. 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

10. 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.

11. 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

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. 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.

14. 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

15. 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.

16. 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

17. 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.

18. Ricefield flatsedge

Ricefield flatsedge is a smooth, tufted annual sedge that often grows in rice paddies. It's considered a vigorous weed, causing many problems in rice fields throughout Asia. Ricefield flatsedge is distinguished by its yellowish inflorescence and yellowish-red roots.

Growth Rate:

Rapid

19. Mock strawberry

Often confused with true strawberries, the mock strawberry leaves, growth, and fruit is similar in appearance. While the mock strawberry is edible, it generally lacks flavor compared to true strawberries.

Growth Rate:

Moderate

20. 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

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More Plants in Nepal

Most Common Toxic Plants

Nepal's diverse topography ranging from lowland plains to high-altitude Himalayan regions, combined with a monsoon climate, provides a fertile ground for a variety of flora, including those of a toxic nature. The prevalence of toxic plants is accentuated by this rich biodiversity and specific environmental niches which sustain them. Among the notable toxic species are , , and , which pose a potential risk to humans and livestock, underlining the importance of awareness and education in these communities.

Most Common Flowers

Nepal's diverse climate and fertile soil provide an ideal environment for native flowers to flourish. Among them are the enchanting , , and . These flowers showcase the mesmerizing beauty, cultural symbolism, and ecological significance of Nepal's floral heritage. While captivates with its vibrant colors, represents resilience, and embodies harmony. With reliable sources confirming their local prominence, these flowers truly epitomize the rich cultural and natural tapestry of Nepal.

Most Common Flowers of Spring

As Spring unfurls its canvas across Nepal's diverse terrain, a plethora of flower plants awaken. The warmer sunlight and quenched soil invite vibrant blossoms such as , offering a specter of colors. The elegance of symbolizes new beginnings, while the fragrance of enriches the air, marking the season's joyous arrival. Together, these flowers are not just a visual feast but also a cultural tessellation, interwoven with local customs and festivities.

Most Common Spring Fruits

In the lively embrace of Nepal's Spring, valleys blossom and terraced hillsides green, fostering an ideal climate for fruit cultivation. Amid this season of renewal, comes to sweet fruition, while the zestful and the nutritious reach their harvest peak. These fruits, fresh and vibrant, embody the essence of Spring, offering flavors as rich as the cultural tapestry of the land.

Most Common Fruits

Nepal's diverse climatic zones, ranging from tropical to alpine, coupled with its fertile alluvial soil, create a hospitable environment for various local fruit plants. Due to the intricate blend of these conditions, fruit plants like , , and not only thrive but are deeply ingrained in the country's cultural fabric. These plants contribute significantly to local customs, diets, and even the economy, illustrating the distinct symbiosis between nature and culture in Nepal.

Most Common Trees

Nepal's climatic and soil conditions provide a favorable environment for native trees to flourish. Among the most emblematic trees in the region are the , , and . These trees hold great cultural and ecological value in Nepal, showcasing the rich biodiversity and natural heritage of the country. Each tree plays a vital role in the local ecosystem, providing habitat and resources for various species, as well as contributing to the overall beauty and serenity of the Nepalese landscape.

Most Common Tall Trees

Nestled amidst the varying altitudes of Nepal, where subtropical lowlands and high-altitude forests converge, conditions ripe for nurturing towering flora flourish. Here, the climate oscillates from the warm terai to the frosty Himalayas, enabling an eclectic assembly of arboreal giants. Among these, , , and are remarkable for their sky-piercing canopies. These species don't only contribute to the awe-striking panorama but also hold significant ecological and historical value in this rugged landscape.

Most Common Flowers of Winter

Winter in Nepal is a frosty time, but it holds an unexpected array of blooming flowers. Amidst the cold, three particular flowers stand out: , , and . These resilient blooms defy the chill and showcase their stunning beauty. Each flower holds deep symbolism, bringing hope and color to the serene winter landscape of Nepal.

Most Common Plants

In Nepal, you can find Asian Rice, Arrowhead plant, Golden pothos, African marigold, Snake plant, 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.