Top 20 Most Common Weeds in Panama

Panama's humid tropical climate with abundant rainfall creates a lush environment conducive to a variety of garden weeds. Among the most common, Artillery plant, Culantro, and Common purslane persistently spring up in gardens, often outcompeting desired flora. They pose a significant challenge for gardeners and landscapers who strive to maintain pristine green spaces, requiring continual vigilance and management to curb their invasive growth.

Most Common Weeds

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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

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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. Pepper elder

Pepper elder (Peperomia pellucida) is a perennial flowering plant that blooms all year. The entire pepper elder plant is edible and can be eaten raw or cooked.

6. 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

7. Lilac Tasselflower

Lilac Tasselflower (Emilia sonchifolia) is an annual herb that will grow to 61 cm tall. Native to China and the western Pacific, it is considered a weed in most regions of the United States. It grows in full sun in open areas and features edible leaves and lavender pink flowers. Flowers are followed by seed heads with white, fluffy seeds that are easily dispersed by the wind.

8. Blue porterweed

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

9. 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.

10. Arrowleaf sida

Arrowleaf sida (Sida rhombifolia) is a perennial plant with delicate yellow blooms on stiff, almost woody stems. The stems are used to make brooms, giving it the common name "broom jute." It is also used to make cord and twine.

11. 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.

12. Pink woodsorrel

Pink woodsorrel (Oxalis debilis) is a flowering herb that can now be found on every inhabited continent. All the parts of pink woodsorrel are edible, but only in small amounts due to the presence of oxalic acid. The flavor is zesty and similar to lemon. This species can become a weed if not adequately controlled.

13. 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.

14. Pigeonberry

The pigeonberry is a vine-like herb that can reach heights of 40 to 200 cm. It produces a bright red berry as a fruit that is tested to be safe to consume. The juice made from these berries was once used as a dye and ink.

15. 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

16. Oriental false hawksbeard

Oriental false hawksbeard (Youngia japonica) is a plant species native to eastern Asia. The oriental false hawksbeard grows throughout regions all over the globe, and is considered an invasive weed. This species grows especially well in disturbed areas, lawns, and roadsides.

Growth Rate:

Rapid

17. 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.

18. 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.

19. 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.

20. Climbing dayflower

The climbing dayflower can be used as a sprawling groundcover with light blue flowers that attract bees and butterflies. However, it spreads easily when nodes on its small branches touch the soil and begin to root. Since it can spread aggressively, it is sometimes seen as an invasive weed that is treated with herbicide.

Growth Rate:

Rapid

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More Plants in Panama

Most Common Toxic Plants

Panama's humid tropical climate, rich biodiversity, and dense rainforest ecosystems create a fertile breeding ground for a variety of flora, including toxic plants. The country's ample rainfall, temperature range, and well-drained soils allow species like , , and to thrive. The prevalence of such toxic plants poses potential risks to humans and animals inhabiting or exploring these regions.

Most Common Flowers

Panama's tropical climate and rich soil provide an ideal environment for a diverse array of native flowers. Among them, , , and stand out as the most characteristic blossoms in the region. These flowers not only contribute to the visual beauty of Panama but also hold symbolic and ecological significance. With precise information from trusted sources, we can explore the captivating world of these flowers and appreciate their essence in the Panamanian environment.

Most Common Flowers of Spring

With Spring's balmy breezes gracing Panama, a transformation unfolds, awakening a floral tapestry. Among this vivid display, , , and emerge as nature's beacons of rebirth. Their blossoms not only paint the landscape with color but also symbolize the cycle of life and the vibrant energy that defines the season.

Most Common Spring Fruits

Spring in Panama unfurls under a canopy of vitality, with warm sunshine and nourishing rains stirring the soil to life. It's a season where , , and reach their peak, providing a burst of fresh flavors. These fruits, emblematic of the region's lush biodiversity, not only satiate the local palate but also play a pivotal role in Panama's agrarian tapestry, marking springtime with a celebration of growth and renewal.

Most Common Fruits

Panama's tropical climate and fertile volcanic soil create an ideal environment for a diversity of fruit plants. Renowned for both its humidity and rainfall, the country provides plenty of water to sustain vigorous growth. Among the myriad fruits, , , and stand out not only for their flavors but also for their cultural resonance locally. These fruit plants are deep-rooted in the country's culinary and export traditions, reflecting Panama's rich agricultural tapestry.

Most Common Trees

Panama's tropical climate and rich soil make it a haven for diverse native trees. Among the emblematic species are , , and . These trees play a significant role in the region's culture and ecology. provides valuable timber, while is known for its medicinal properties. is revered for its environmental benefits, such as providing habitat for wildlife. Together, these trees contribute to the unique and vibrant ecosystem of Panama.

Most Common Tall Trees

Panama, cradled between the Caribbean and the Pacific, is a hotbed for growth with its tropical climate and rich, varied terrain. Here, colossal trees such as , , and punctuate the landscape, surging skyward as emblems of the area’s verdant biodiversity. They stand as living monuments, vital to both the ecological harmony and the historical tapestry that nestle within the country’s lush rainforests.

Most Common Flowers of Winter

Winter in 'Panama' may be known for its serene cold, but it is also a haven for certain flower plants. Despite the chill, the , , and brightly bloom, defying the frosty environment. These resilient and beautiful flowers add a touch of color and give hope during the winter months, symbolizing strength and perseverance.

Most Common Plants

In Panama, you can find Madagascar periwinkle, Heart of jesus, Flame of the woods, Garden croton, 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.