Top 20 Most Common Weeds in Syria

Syria's warm climate and arid to semi-arid conditions foster a diverse assemblage of garden weeds, which present persistent challenges for garden maintenance. Among the myriad of invaders, Common purslane, Black nightshade, and Common sowthistle are notably prevalent, exploiting the fertile soils of cultivated land. These opportunistic weeds compete with domestic plants for resources, necessitating continual vigilance and control measures by gardeners to protect the integrity of their landscapes.

Most Common Weeds

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

2. 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.

3. 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

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4. 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.

5. Prickly lettuce

Prickly lettuce, in spite of its appearance, is the closest wild relative of cultivated lettuce. Even though it is widely considered a weed, it can be used in the kitchen. Young leaves of prickly lettuce are edible and the bitter milky latex can also be made into a condiment or to add flavor to salads. Consuming in large quantities could cause digestive upsets.

6. Milk thistle

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is a biennial thistle that has white-mottled blossoms. The common name references the appearance of these blossoms, which look like they have been doused in milk. It grows up to 1.8 m tall. This species is often cultivated as an ornamental plant.

7. 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

8. 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.

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

10. 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

11. Horseweed

Horseweed is a North American herbaceous annual plant with a hairy stem, numerous pointed leaves, and waxy inflorescence. It has been naturalized in Eurasia and Australia, where it is a common weed in urban and agricultural regions. Horseweed can be used in a survival situation to start a friction fire.

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. Cheeseweed mallow

Cheeseweed mallow (Malva parviflora) is a plant species native to Europe, Asia, and Northern Africa. Cheeseweed mallow has a variety of other common names including Egyptian mallow, marshmallow, small-flowered mallow, and mallow. This species is naturalized in many places.

14. 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

15. Ribwort plantain

Ribwort plantain grows in a number of different habitats as long as it has enough sunlight. Its leaves have characteristic parallel veins that make it easy to identify. The heads of ribwort plantains get popped off in some common British children's games. Its seeds are critical food sources for songbirds, and its leaves are eaten by rabbits and deer.

16. Cleavers

Cleavers are widely-distributed weeds found around the world. They grow many nearly invisible hook-shaped spines on their stems. These make the plant feel sticky to the skin, and can cause contact dermatitis in some individuals. Cleavers come from the same family as coffee and can be used to create a less caffeinated version of coffee.

Growth Rate:

Rapid

17. 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.

18. Common vetch

Common vetch (Vicia sativa) is an annual herb plant also commonly called vetch, tare, and garden vetch. It is often considered a weed, but is also utilized for manure and animal feed for livestock across the world. When grown for agricultural purposes, it is sown in dense fields.

Growth Rate:

Rapid

19. 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

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 Syria

Most Common Toxic Plants

Syria's diverse environment, with its arid deserts and fertile coastal plains, offers varied habitats that could support the proliferation of toxic plants. The region's warm temperatures and sporadic precipitation create conditions suitable for certain harmful plant species. Currently, toxic flora such as , , and are found in this region, representing a potential threat to local communities and ecosystems.

Most Common Flowers

Syria's diverse climate and fertile soil nurture a rich array of native flowers. Among the most characteristic blooms are the vibrant , the delicate , and the aromatic . These flowers not only enhance the visual beauty of the region but also hold deep symbolic and ecological significance. Reliable sources attest to their presence and impact on Syria's natural landscape.

Most Common Flowers of Spring

As the Syrian landscape bids farewell to winter chills, the Spring breeze breathes life into the slumbering flora. Amongst the riot of colors, unfurls its petals, rejoicing in rebirth, while the delicate blossoms of signal the cycle's renewal with vibrant hues. The symbolic , entwined with local culture, triumphantly heralds the season's essence, epitomizing regeneration and the perennial hope embedded in the land's rich tapestry.

Most Common Spring Fruits

In Syria, Spring breathes life into the arid landscape, with mild temperatures and refreshing rains fostering a colorful bloom of fruit orchards. At this time, the begins yielding succulent fruits, while 's delicate blossoms give way to fragrant harvests. The taste of Spring is completed by , each fruit embodying the season's essence of rejuvenation and vitality, cherished by locals for their freshness and cultural importance.

Most Common Fruits

Syria's warm Mediterranean climate, with hot dry summers and mild winters, alongside fertile soil, particularly in the Orontes River basin, nurtures an array of fruit plantations. The cultivation of , , and is integral to local agriculture, reflecting deep cultural roots and economic significance. These plants stand as testament to the region's ability to produce diverse and flavorsome fruit, cherished and preserved through generations.

Most Common Trees

Syria's climatic conditions, including its dry and hot summers, make it suitable for the growth of diverse indigenous trees. Among the emblematic trees are the Aleppo pine (), which thrives in sandy and rocky soils and plays a vital role in stabilizing sand dunes. The evergreen oak () is also prominent, offering shade and sustenance for local wildlife. Moreover, the cypress () stands tall, symbolizing endurance and resilience in Syrian culture. These trees hold cultural and ecological importance, contributing to the country's biodiversity and heritage.

Most Common Tall Trees

Syria's diverse landscape, from arid deserts to the fertile plains, and Mediterranean coastline, has given rise to a variety of ecosystems conducive to supporting an array of vegetative life. Among the majestic flora, certain tree species stand out for their stupendous height. Prominent among them are , , and . These towering giants are not only a testament to nature's grandeur but also play a pivotal role in the region's ecological balance and historical tapestry.

Most Common Flowers of Winter

Winter in Syria is a frosty landscape that paradoxically provides a haven for certain flowers. Despite the chilling temperatures, , , and brave the cold and bloom with resilience, beauty, and symbolic depth. These winter flowers add a touch of color and vibrancy to the serene cold of Syria.

Most Common Plants

In Syria, you can find Pepper, Sweet basil, Aloe vera, Animated oat, Tomato, 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.