Top 20 Most Common Weeds in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka's warm, humid climate and abundant rainfall create an ideal environment for a variety of garden weeds to flourish. Among the most common, Lambsquarters, Blue porterweed, and Chamber bitter are particularly prevalent, posing challenges for gardeners and landscapers in managing their growth and spread. These pervasive weeds compete with cultivated flora for resources, making their control a crucial aspect of maintaining healthy and aesthetically pleasing gardens.

Most Common Weeds

1. 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

2. Blue porterweed

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

3. 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.

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4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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.

8. Common blue violet

The common blue violet is an attractive wildflower known for its blue to purplish white hues. It is common in North America, where it is sometimes associated with a weed. The plant is popular as an ornamental, and it is a state flower in several states in the US. Its flowers and leaves are edible and safe to be planted near pets.

9. 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

10. 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

11. Lily Of The Valley Vine

Lily Of The Valley Vine (Salpichroa origanifolia), a member of the nightshade family, is a perennial creeping plant native to South America but widely naturalized elsewhere. While it is often grown as an ornamental, it can also be considered an invasive weed because its vigorous growth may smother other plants and extensive, shallow roots make it difficult to eradicate.

12. Barnyard grass

Barnyard grass (Echinochloa crus-galli) is a type of wild grass that's indigenous to tropical parts of Asia. It is a destructive weed. This is because it reduces crop yields by removing most of the soil nitrogen. A dense growth of this weed can even make it difficult to mechanically harvest crops.

13. Dog fennel

Dog fennel is a perennial herb that has finely divided, towering leaves that emit a scent when crushed. Its feathery foliage and clustered flowers sway delicately in the breeze, adding to its decorative appeal. Wind-blown seeds help the plant flourish throughout the field. However, it is dangerous when consumed and has been used as insecticides and fungicides.

Growth Rate:

Rapid

14. 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.

15. 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.

16. 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.

17. 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.

18. Purple amaranth

Purple amaranth (Amaranthus blitum) is an annual plant that often grows as a weed. It is not often cultivated, but some people around the world gather the leaves and stems to be eaten as boiled vegetables. It is particularly common in Greek and Lebanese kitchens.

19. White mouth dayflower

White mouth dayflower (Commelina erecta) is a perennial wildflower found in coastal uplands, scrub habitats, and pinelands. The flower consists of two large petals situated right at the top of the stem. These blooms are purplish-blue, and there's a much smaller white petal below these two. This is why the flower has "White Mouth" in its name.

20. 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.

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More Plants in Sri Lanka

Most Common Toxic Plants

Sri Lanka's moist and warm climate coupled with rich and varied ecosystems, ranging from dense rainforests to misty highlands, creates a fertile ground for a diverse flora, including , , and . These conditions also contribute to the prevalence of toxic plants in the region. The country's unique biodiversity heightens the concern of encountering such poisonous species amidst its lush greenery.

Most Common Flowers

Sri Lanka's tropical climate and fertile soil create an ideal environment for an array of native flowers to flourish. Within this vibrant ecosystem, three specific blossoms stand out for their visual beauty, cultural symbolism, and ecological importance. , , and add a burst of color to the landscape, showcasing the rich biodiversity of Sri Lanka. These flowers serve as a testament to the country's natural beauty and are cherished by both locals and visitors alike.

Most Common Flowers of Spring

As Sri Lanka embraces Spring, the environment awakens, catalyzing a spectrum of floral life. The iconic unfurls, symbolizing renewal; blossoms herald the season's vibrancy, while the precious adds a touch of unique beauty to the landscape. These flowers are not just visually arresting but culturally significant, enriching the island's Spring aura.

Most Common Spring Fruits

Spring in Sri Lanka unfurls in a burst of vibrant hues and gentle warmth, breathing life into an array of fruit plants that thrive under the nourishing sun. During this season, , with its succulence, stands as a refreshing symbol of the seasonal transformation. Meanwhile, the rich, flavorful reaches peak ripeness, and the exotic is eagerly anticipated for its unique taste. These fruits, emblematic of Lankan fertility, celebrate the island's natural abundance and the unmistakable freshness of springtime harvest.

Most Common Fruits

Sri Lanka's tropical climate and fertile soil contribute to the thriving of many local fruit plants. The monsoon rains, coupled with warm temperatures, create a hospitable environment for species such as , , and . These plants not only hold a significant place in Sri Lanka's agriculture but are also deeply embedded in the cultural fabric, representing the island's rich biodiversity and tradition in local cuisine and medicine.

Most Common Trees

Sri Lanka is blessed with a tropical climate and fertile soil, providing an ideal environment for a rich variety of native trees. Among them, , , and stand tall as emblematic representatives of the region. These trees hold great significance both culturally and ecologically, serving as symbolical landmarks and supporting the local ecosystem. Their presence in Sri Lanka's landscape underscores the country's natural diversity and the importance of preserving its unique flora and fauna.

Most Common Tall Trees

Sri Lanka's lush, tropical climate and diverse terrains are conducive to the growth of colossal trees, reaching high into the sky. Prominent giants of this verdant isle include , , and , each standing as a testament to the country's rich ecological tapestry. These towering species are not only ecological marvels but also bearers of great historical significance, silently narrating tales of the island's natural heritage.

Most Common Flowers of Winter

Winter in Sri Lanka may bring a serene cold, but it is also a time when certain flowers bravely bloom. Despite the frosty environment, , , and thrive, showcasing their resilience and beauty. These winter flowers add a touch of color and symbolic depth to the otherwise chilly landscape in Sri Lanka.

Most Common Plants

In Sri Lanka, you can find Asian Rice, Pepper, Golden pothos, Guava, Garden croton, 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.