Top 20 Most Common Weeds in Singapore

Singapore's hot, humid climate and abundant rainfall create an ideal habitat for a variety of garden weeds. In this tropical environment, Pepper elder, Artillery plant, and Asthma-plant emerge as the most common culprits, tenaciously colonizing both manicured gardens and untamed landscapes. Their prevalence poses a continuous challenge for those endeavoring to maintain pristine green spaces, necessitating regular and strategic management to mitigate their unrelenting spread.

Most Common Weeds

1. 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.

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. 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

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. 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

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. Blue porterweed

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

7. 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.

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. 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. 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

11. 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.

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. 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.

14. 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

15. 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.

16. Cutleaf groundcherry

Physalis angulata is an annual plant belonging to the nightshade family Solanaceae. It has dark green leaves that are roughly oval, and often have tooth shapes around the edge. The flowers are a pale yellow and the yellow-orange fruits are wrapped inside a balloon-like calyx, which is toxic and should not be eaten.

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. Partridge pea

Partridge pea, is also known as Partridge Pea, Sleepingplant, and Sensitive Plant. This member of the pea family gets its name because its dainty flower petals fold up when touched. Partridge Pea makes great cover for wildlife and food for deer and. It is not fit for human or domestic animal consumption, however, this plant can be used as a nitrogen fixer and for erosion control.

Growth Rate:

Rapid

19. 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

20. 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

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 Singapore

Most Common Toxic Plants

Singapore's warm, humid climate and abundant rainfall contribute to a diversity of plant life, including toxic species. While urbanization limits their spread, natural areas can harbor such plants. The presence of , , and indicates the environment's capability to sustain toxic flora. Careful management and public awareness are essential to mitigate potential risks associated with these plants.

Most Common Flowers

Singapore's tropical climate and rich, well-drained soil provide an ideal environment for a diverse range of native flowers to thrive. Among them, three characteristic blossoms that bloom resplendently are , , and . These flowers, renowned for their visual beauty and ecological importance, contribute to the vibrant and diverse ecosystem of Singapore. From orchids to hibiscus, Singapore's native flowers symbolize the nation's natural heritage and are a sight to behold.

Most Common Flowers of Spring

As Spring's warmth kisses Singapore, a transformation unfolds, coaxing a floral pageant of colors and scents. Signifying fresh beginnings, flowers such as burgeon, their brilliant hues embodying vibrancy. Alongside, unfurls, synonymous with the season's exuberance. Not to be overshadowed, adds its fragrance to the symphony, a reminder of nature's cyclical rebirth. These blossoms are not just eye-candy but pivotal in the local celebration of Spring's arrival.

Most Common Spring Fruits

Spring in Singapore, though subtle, brings a moist warmth that encourages a burst of life, nourishing a plethora of flora. This season sees the ripening of , , and amidst a backdrop of urban greenery. These fruits, emblematic of Spring's vivacity, offer fresh treats that are integral to the local cuisine and cultural celebrations. Their harvest is a time-honored reflection of nature's perpetual renewal.

Most Common Fruits

Singapore's year-round warm, humid tropical climate and well-draining alluvial soils provide a fertile ground for local fruit cultivation. Among the proud bearers of the region's agricultural heritage are , , and , each embedded in the local culture and cuisine. These fruit plants not only contribute to Singapore's unique biodiversity but also resonate with the traditional practices and culinary habits of its people, representing a delicious spectrum of the country's natural wealth.

Most Common Trees

Singapore's tropical climate and rich soil create an ideal environment for a variety of native trees. Three emblematic trees in Singapore include , , and . These trees hold great significance both culturally and ecologically within the region. Their presence adds to the biodiversity and beauty of Singapore's landscape.

Most Common Tall Trees

Nurtured by its equatorial climate, Singapore's fertile landscape is home to a plethora of towering giants. Among these, , , and stand as proud sentinels of Singapore’s rich botanical heritage, piercing the skyline with their impressive heights. These arboreal behemoths are not only a testament to the city's lush urban greening efforts but also serve as crucial ecological bastions, underscoring Singapore’s commitment to preserving biodiversity amidst urban sprawl.

Most Common Flowers of Winter

Winter in Singapore may bring a serene cold, but it is also the time when certain flowers bravely blossom. Despite the chill, , , and bloom, showcasing their resilience and beauty. These winter flowers add a touch of color and symbolic depth to the frosty environment, highlighting the unique charm of Singapore's winter season.

Most Common Plants

In Singapore, you can find Heart of jesus, Golden pothos, Simpoh ayer, Chinese violet, Butterfly pea, 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.