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Top 20 Most Common Weeds in Kansas

In Kansas, United States, the fertile prairies and fluctuating climate serve as a breeding ground for various garden weeds. Among the aggressors, Pokeweed, Poison ivy, and Garlic mustard stand as primary culprits, infiltrating gardens with tenacity. Gardeners often grapple with their pervasive nature, which poses ongoing threats to both manicured landscapes and native ecosystems.

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Most Common Weeds
Pokeweed
1. 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
Poison ivy
2. Poison ivy
In pop culture, poison ivy is a symbol of an obnoxious weed because, despite its unthreatening looks, it gives a highly unpleasant contact rash to the unfortunate person who touches it. Still, it is commonly eaten by many animals, and the seeds are a favorite with birds. The leaves turn bright red in fall. Its sister species, Western poison ivy (Toxicodendron rydbergii), is not considered to be invasive in the United States, but is noxious in Australia and New Zealand.
Growth Rate:
Rapid
White snakeroot
3. White snakeroot
When you're around white snakeroot, it is a good idea to exercise caution. This plant contains a toxin called tremetol which causes a potentially fatal illness. What’s more, if animals who are lactating eat white snakeroot, the tremetol is secreted in the milk and can be passed on to humans in this way. Many early European settlers are suspected to have died of this so-called "milk-sickness" before they understood the plant's hazards.
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Garlic mustard
4. Garlic mustard
Alliaria petiolata, colloquially known as garlic mustard is a herbaceous biennial plant known for the garlic aroma and smell of its crushed leaves. It can be found in partially shaded and moist places like woodland edges, trails, hedges, and roadsides. Leaves of garlic mustard are used in European cuisine as a spice herb for salads and sauces.
Growth Rate:
Rapid
Giant ragweed
5. Giant ragweed
Giant ragweed, a native plant to North America, is an allergy sufferer's nightmare. It causes dramatic allergic reactions in more than 23 million Americans annually. In spite of this, the wildflower is edible, and evidence suggests that Native Americans actually planted it as a crop and harvested the seeds for their oil. Giant ragweed can be invasive, however, and out-competes many native species. Modern horticulture practices recommend against planting it.
Lambsquarters
6. 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
Horseweed
7. 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.
Common milkweed
8. Common milkweed
Asclepias syriaca, commonly known as common milkweed, is a flowering perennial herbaceous plant native to North America. It contains milky latex which can be toxic to sheep, cows, and other larger mammals (including humans) if it is consumed in large amounts. Many insect species are attracted to common milkweed, most notably monarch butterflies.
Growth Rate:
Rapid
Velvetleaf
9. Velvetleaf
Abutilon theophrasti is named after the Greek botanist Theophrastus, who was a successor of Aristotle. The velvetleaf is now considered to be an invasive species in many places of the world and is especially dangerous for corn and soybean crops. When left unmanaged, the velvetleaf can create 100s of millions of dollars in damage for farmers.
Henbit deadnettle
10. Henbit deadnettle
Henbit deadnettle is a very important part of the North American and Eurasian ecosystems, as it is utilized by bees and other pollinators as a source of nectar. Additionally, the seeds are favored by birds and the leaves, stems, and flowers are edible to humans either raw or cooked.
Growth Rate:
Rapid
Green milkweed
11. Green milkweed
Green milkweed (Asclepias viridis) is a perennial herb native to the southeast and south-central U.S. The plant sports green flowers, and, like other milkweeds, produces a thick, milky white substance when cut. Milkweeds, green milkweed included, are the typical host plants of monarch butterflies, which lay their eggs on the plant's leaves.
Common blue violet
12. 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.
Carolina horsenettle
13. Carolina horsenettle
Carolina horsenettle (Solanum carolinense) is a perennial herb native to the southeastern United States that is related to nightshade. Carolina horsenettle is a nettle in name, but it is not taxonomically a true nettle. All the parts of the plant are poisonous.
Common purslane
14. 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
Common mullein
15. Common mullein
Common mullein (Verbascum thapsus) has been cultivated by farmers and gardeners since colonial times. This herb has a thick stem and leaves covered with a layer of “fur” that feels like flannel. Today, it grows wild in many areas of the U.S., including roadsides and vacant lots. Flowers of common mullein are occasionally brewed into a tea.
Growth Rate:
Rapid
Honeyvine
16. Honeyvine
The honeyvine is considered an invasive weed and reproduces quickly, with each plant capable of producing up to 50 pods. The root system is based on a central taproot that can reach up to 1.8 m deep. Flowers are white and shaped like a vase. This plant can be very tough to eradicate.
Purple dead-nettle
17. Purple dead-nettle
Purple dead-nettle (Lamium purpureum) is an herbaceous annual weed, commonly found in meadows, wastes, gardens, and at the edges of roads and woodlands. Though it appears similar to true nettles, purple dead-nettle gets its name because it does not have "live" nettle poison that harms the skin. It originated in Asia and prefers environments with full sun.
Field bindweed
18. 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
Annual ragweed
19. Annual ragweed
Annual ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) is one of the most notorious weeds in the world. It is an annual herbaceous plant with highly allergenic pollen and a very vigorous spread. Annual ragweed is a very competitive species, which is why its presence in cultivated plants is highly undesirable.
Growth Rate:
Rapid
Palmer's amaranth
20. Palmer's amaranth
Palmer's amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) grows very fast and is invasive in many countries. It is also toxic to some livestock, so it's often classified as a noxious weed. Palmer's amaranth can also be turned into green or yellow dye.
Growth Rate:
Rapid
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More Plants in Kansas

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Most Common Toxic Plants

Kansas, with its diverse prairies and variable climate, creates an accommodating backdrop for various flora, including , , and , all of which are toxic to a degree. Concerns arise as these species propagate, potentially threatening local ecosystems and human health, highlighting a pressing need for ongoing monitoring and management practices to mitigate their adverse impacts.

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Most Common Flowers

Kansas, United States, boasts a diverse range of native flowers that thrive in its unique climatic and soil conditions. Three standout blossoms include , , and . These flowers not only add to the aesthetic beauty of the state but also hold cultural and ecological significance. Cited sources ensure the reliability and accuracy of this information.

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Most Common Flowers of Spring

As Kansas thaws from winter's chill, nature reawakens with a vivid tapestry of burgeoning flora. Amongst the forefront, unfurls delicate petals, mirroring the softness of Spring's touch. Equally heraldic are , whose blooms paint the prairies with vibrant strokes, and , symbolizing new beginnings with their fresh blossoms. These flowers not only signal Spring's return but also embody the rejuvenation and spirit of the Sunflower State.

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Most Common Spring Fruits

As Kansas awakens to Spring's tender caress, with its warm zephyrs and fertile soils nurturing botanical revival, the rich tapestry of fruit plants begins to thrive. Among the tapestry, , with its juicy offerings, heralds the season's ripening symphony. The crisp soon follow, their blossoms a testament to regional agricultural heritage. Not to be outdone, emerge, embodying the vibrant freshness that defines Kansas's vernal bounty.

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Most Common Fruits

Kansas' continental climate delivers a rich mix of sun-kissed summers and apropos chill for dormancy, fostering a terrain ripe for , , and . Nestled amidst its rolling plains and fertile soils, these fruit plants are not just agricultural mainstays but also emblems of regional heritage, rooting the community in a shared harvest tradition and bolstering local biodiversity.

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Most Common Trees

Kansas, United States, boasts a unique blend of climate and soil conditions that provide the perfect foundation for a variety of native trees to flourish. Among the standout species are the majestic , the resilient , and the iconic . These trees hold great significance in the state, symbolizing its rich ecological heritage and cultural heritage. With their beauty and ecological importance, they play a vital role in maintaining the balance and harmony of Kansas' natural landscapes.

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Most Common Tall Trees

Nurtured by a continental climate and a mosaic of prairies and forests, Kansas' vast expanse supports robust arboreal giants. Predominating the skyline, , , and rise with regal stature, their canopies testament to the state's fertile soils. These species not only deliver an ecological haven for diverse fauna but also stand as living monuments, echoing the state's rich natural heritage and human history.

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Most Common Flowers of Winter

Winter in Kansas, United States brings a tranquil cold that seems inhospitable to most plants. However, amidst this icy climate, there are certain flowers that manage to bloom. Three such resilient blossoms are , , and . These Winter-blooming beauties showcase their tenacity, allure, and emblematic significance, defying the odds and adding color to the frosty landscape of Kansas.

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Most Common Plants

In Kansas, you can find Pokeweed, Virginia creeper, Amur honeysuckle, Mulberry, Eastern redbud, 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.

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Identify grow and nurture the better way!
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17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
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