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Top 20 Most Common Weeds in Charleston

Nestled amidst the humid, subtropical climate of Charleston, South Carolina, urban gardens face the tenacious grasp of invasive weeds. These unwelcome guests thrive on the balmy weather and plentiful rainfall, often outpacing desired flora. The presence of Poison ivy, Pepper vine, and Chamber bitter highlights the Sisyphean battle against these verdant invaders. Despite gardeners' best efforts, these pervasive species stubbornly reclaim territory, challenging the city's efforts to maintain its cultivated greenery.

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Most Common Weeds
Poison ivy
1. 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
Pepper vine
2. Pepper vine
Pepper vine (Ampelopsis arborea) is a plant native to the southwestern region of the United States. It is planted as an ornamental vine in gardens, but gardeners must be careful because it can rapidly grow and pull down the branches from other trees.
Growth Rate:
Rapid
Pokeweed
3. 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
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Chamber bitter
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
Dog fennel
5. 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
Southern dewberry
6. Southern dewberry
The southern dewberry is a delicious and edible fruit-bearing plant with dark blueberries that can appear black. The taste is sweet and can be used for jams or pies. The leaves, meanwhile, can be used to make tea. It is a special delicacy in the southern United States, where the Rubus trivialis originated.
Growth Rate:
Rapid
Partridge berry
7. Partridge berry
The partridge berry is a low-growing ground cover that thrives in shady, moist locations. It develops pretty, trumpet-shaped white flowers in the spring, followed by a scarlet red berry. The flowers grow in pairs and both flowers must be fertilized to produce a berry. It is said that the berries are edible, but tasteless and seedy.
Growth Rate:
Slow
Beach morning-glory
8. Beach morning-glory
Beach morning-glory (Ipomoea imperati) is a species of plant that scatters its seeds in seawater. The seedpod is buoyant and so can be carried away to populate new areas. This is why it’s been found on beaches on every single continent except for frigid Antarctica. Its flowers blossom in the morning and close their petals when afternoon rolls around, giving rise to its common name.
Oriental false hawksbeard
9. 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
Horseweed
10. 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.
Yellow passionflower
11. Yellow passionflower
Yellow passionflower is a hardy vine that grows naturally in forests, thickets, and woodlands. It produces fragrant flowers that attract birds and bees. This plant is great to grow in butterfly gardens as it attracts varieties such as Zebra Longwings and the gulf fritillary.
Growth Rate:
Rapid
Pink woodsorrel
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.
Earleaf Greenbrier
13. Earleaf Greenbrier
Earleaf Greenbrier (Smilax auriculata) is an evergreen climbing vine that produces fragrant green flowers from spring to summer followed by clusters of grape-like berries. It grows in full sun or partial shade in moist well-drained soil. Earleaf Greenbrier is a very aggressive grower and can tangle its way into ornamental plantings with roots that are almost impossible to fully extricate from the ground.
Henbit deadnettle
14. 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
Tievine
15. Tievine
Ipomoea cordatotrilobais a type of weed native to the southeastern United States, Mexico, and South America. Tievine has one heart-shaped leaf, and one leaf with three lobes. The flowers vary from pink to lavender to dark purple with five distinct lines that some say resemble a star pattern. Tievine is considered an invasive species in some areas.
Lizard's tail
16. Lizard's tail
Lizard's tail (Saururus cernuus) is a plant species that gets its common name from the phenomenon wherein its white flowers mature to a brown color and droop over. The flowers then resemble a lizard's tail. Lizard's tail grows in wet areas or shallow water, and it is an important source of food for many species, including beavers.
Growth Rate:
Rapid
Camphorweed
17. Camphorweed
Camphorweed (Heterotheca subaxillaris) is a fragrant herbaceous perennial plant native to North America and Mexico. The aromatic camphor smell of this plant comes from internal chemicals and gives the plant its name.
Common purslane
18. 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
Mexican fireplant
19. 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.
Virginia threeseed mercury
20. Virginia threeseed mercury
Virginia threeseed mercury (Acalypha virginica) is an herbaceous annual plant native to the eastern United States. Virginia threeseed mercury grows in woodlands and riverbank environments. This plant is considered an ecologically secure species, and is not endangered.
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More Plants in Charleston

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Most Common Toxic Plants

In Charleston, South Carolina, the warm, humid climate and coastal geography create an alluring mosaic for diverse flora, including potentially toxic species. Amidst the historic urban charm, , , and quietly prevail in parks and gardens. These green invaders pose underlying risks to residents and wildlife, suggesting a pressing need for awareness and management of these toxic botanical inhabitants.

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Most Common Flowers

Charleston, located in the heart of South Carolina, is home to a diverse array of native flowers that flourish in its urban landscapes. The city's abundant green spaces, including parks and gardens, provide the perfect environment for these flowers to thrive. Among the most representative blooms are , , and . These flowers add to the visual splendor of Charleston, symbolize the city's connection to nature, and contribute to its overall green ecosystem. Data from credible sources highlight the significant role these native flowers play in enhancing the city's ecological diversity.

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Most Common Flowers of Spring

As Charleston, South Carolina, ushers in Spring, a transformative buzz resonates through its urban landscape. The season renews the city’s charm with , , and blossoming amid storied cobblestone streets and antebellum architecture. These floral symbols are not mere splashes of color; they signify rebirth and are intrinsic to the city's springtime tapestry, contributing an iconic vibrancy that locals and tourists alike admire and celebrate.

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Most Common Spring Fruits

Spring in Charleston, South Carolina, cascades a palette of growth across the city, awakening the urban orchards to life. Amid historic cobblestones and Southern charm, , , and stand as verdant symbols, bearing their fruits. The lively spring air is imbued with the zest of these city-nurtured offerings, illustrating Charleston’s unique blend of natural abundance and cultural heritage, cherished by both locals and visitors in the sun-dappled streets.

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Most Common Fruits

Nestled within Charleston's humid subtropical climate and bolstered by public parks and community gardens, urban fruit plants find a hospitable environment. The warm temperatures, coupled with adequate rainfall, set the stage for species like , , and to thrive. These fruits, deeply woven into the cultural tapestry, not only add to the city's botanical diversity but also reflect the commitment to preserving green spaces amid urbanization.

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Most Common Trees

Charleston, South Carolina, United States boasts a diverse urban greenscape, nurtured by its warm, humid climate and rich soil. Amidst the city's urban development, three quintessential native trees, , , and , thrive and contribute to its green identity. These trees blend aesthetics, cultural significance, and ecological importance, serving as iconic symbols of Charleston's natural beauty. Trusted sources inform this concise summary, ensuring accuracy and reliability.

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Most Common Tall Trees

Nestled within Charleston's subtropical climate, lush parks and avenues showcase an aerial ballet of verdant splendor. The city's green tapestry thrives, headlined by the towering grandeur of , , and . Each species soars skywards, symbolizing resilience, offering ecological benefits like urban cooling, and often weaving through local folklore. These gentle giants are not just plants, but storied sentinels of Charleston's vibrant urban canopy.

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Most Common Plants

In Charleston, you can find Virginia creeper, Sweetgum, Cabbage palm, Spanish moss, Chinese tallow, 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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