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Top 20 Most Common Weeds in Tennessee

Tennessee's warm, humid climate and fertile soil create an inviting canvas for persistent garden invaders. Among the green rogues, Pokeweed, Poison ivy, and Carolina horsenettle reign as the most notorious, insinuating themselves across home landscapes. These weeds not only assert dominance with their rapid growth but pose an ongoing battle for gardeners striving to preserve the harmony and health of their verdant retreats.

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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
Purple dead-nettle
3. 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.
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Carolina horsenettle
4. 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 blue violet
5. 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.
Mock strawberry
6. Mock strawberry
Often confused with true strawberries, the mock strawberry leaves, growth, and fruit is similar in appearance. While the mock strawberry is edible, it generally lacks flavor compared to true strawberries.
Growth Rate:
Moderate
Blue field-madder
7. Blue field-madder
Blue field-madder is a common weed found in fields, meadows, disturbed areas, and forest edges. It has tiny lavender or pink flowers. The fleshy roots of this plant can be used to make a red dye, however, it is not as potent as traditional madder.
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
Annual ragweed
9. 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
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
Common dandelion
11. Common dandelion
*Taraxacum officinale*, widely known as common dandelion, is a herbaceous perennial that can be found in temperate regions all over the world, in habitats with moist soils. The most popular feature of this plant is its fruits, furry spheres that are easily carried by the wind. Although it is generally considered a weed, common dandelion is actually edible and very nutritious.
Growth Rate:
Rapid
Birdeye speedwell
12. Birdeye speedwell
Birdeye speedwell (Veronica persica) is a plant species native to Eurasia. It has been introduced all over the world, but is generally considered to be a weed because it can adversely affect soil health. The fruit of the birdeye speedwell is roughly heart-shaped, with two lobes that angle away from each other.
Virginia springbeauty
13. Virginia springbeauty
Virginia springbeauty (Claytonia virginica) has tiny underground tubers (kind of like potatoes) that taste like chestnuts and are utterly delicious. Early American colonists consumed them, but only when they were desperate because it took a lot of time to collect enough for a meal. Its genus name is in honor of John Clayton, who made essential contributions to the study of plants.
Growth Rate:
Moderate
False solomon's seal
14. False solomon's seal
False solomon's seal (*Maianthemum racemosum*) is a flowering woodland plant native to North America. False solomon's seal is also called the Feathery False Lily of the Valley. This plant is named "false Solomon's seal" because it resembles Solomon’s Seal, a flowering plant with red or black berries. Both are in the same family and are frequently found growing together. Native American tribes used false solomon's seal leaves to brew tea.
Horseweed
15. 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.
Partridge berry
16. 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
Common mullein
17. 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
Frostweed
18. Frostweed
Frostweed is a tall biennial species that can reach heights up to 2 m. In the summer through the fall, it has sprays of white flowers, from which its name is derived. Frostweed is native to the southeastern United States, where it is often found at the edge of forests or in thickets.
Ribwort plantain
19. 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.
Oriental lady's thumb
20. Oriental lady's thumb
Oriental lady's thumb is a native of Asia and in that region it is a common weed in the rice paddies. Oriental lady's thumb can also be found in Europe and North America, where it is also considered a weed. It thrives in moist, wet soil such as floodplains, marshes, mudflats, and levees.
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More Plants in Tennessee

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Most Common Toxic Plants

Tennessee's diverse climate, ranging from mountainous east to low-lying west, and its fertile soils, spell ideal conditions for a variety of flora, including toxic species. Pervasive plants like , , and not only thrive here but pose rising ecological concerns. Their prevalence risks significant impacts on native species, human health, and agricultural productivity within the state.

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Most Common Flowers

Tennessee, United States boasts diverse landscapes that support a rich array of native flowers. With its distinct climatic and soil dynamics, the state provides the perfect conditions for the proliferation of , , and . These emblematic flowers not only add aesthetic beauty to the surroundings but also hold cultural and ecological significance in Tennessee. According to reliable sources, these native blooms thrive in the natural setting of the state.

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Most Common Flowers of Spring

As Tennessee ushers in Spring, the landscape undergoes a vivid rebirth, with stretches of wildflowers painting the terrain. , with its jubilant hues, heralds the season's arrival, while the delicate infuses the woodlands with its ethereal beauty. Not least, the iconic blooms in profusion, encapsulating the state's enduring spirit of renewal and growth.

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Most Common Spring Fruits

As Spring unfurls her verdant splendor across Tennessee's rolling landscapes, nature orchestrates the ripening of succulent fruits. The temperate clime and fertile soils nurture , offering juicy indulgence, while bursts forth with crisp, tart flavors true to Southern tradition. Nearby, emerges as a sweet herald of the season, each fruit embodying the state's rich agricultural tapestry.

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Most Common Fruits

Tennessee's temperate climate, fertile soil, and varied topography nurture an abundance of local fruit plants. Within this verdant landscape, fruits like , , and thrive, each harmonizing with the state's seasonal rhythms. These fruit plants not only reflect Tennessee's rich agricultural heritage but also contribute significantly to local biodiversity, forging a vital link between the state's cultural fabric and its natural ecosystem.

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Most Common Trees

Tennessee's unique climatic conditions and fertile soils provide a nurturing environment for a variety of native trees. Among the standouts are the majestic , the sturdy , and the resilient . These trees play a vital role in the state's ecosystem, providing habitat for wildlife, improving air quality, and contributing to the cultural heritage of Tennessee. Through their symbolism, cultural significance, and ecological contributions, these native trees hold a special place in the heart of the state and its people.

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Most Common Tall Trees

Nestled within a temperate climate and diverse terrains from Appalachian Mountains to fertile plains, Tennessee's landscapes are havens for majestic trees reaching skyward. Towering species like the (Liriodendron tulipifera), (Quercus alba), and (Pinus strobus) stand as silent sentinels of the state's rich arboreal heritage, embodying ecological importance and a touch of historical awe in their impressive stature.

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Most Common Flowers of Winter

Winter in Tennessee, United States, envelopes the state in a tranquil cold, seemingly inhospitable for flowers. However, amidst the icy climate, three distinct blossoms emerge as symbols of tenacity, allure, and emblematic significance. , , and brave the frigid embrace of Winter, defying the odds and casting a vibrant spell upon the frost-covered landscape. These native flowers not only survive but thrive, a testament to the resiliency of nature in the face of adversity.

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Most Common Plants

In Tennessee, you can find Virginia creeper, Pokeweed, Poison ivy, Tulip poplar, Chinese privet, 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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