Top 20 Most Common Weeds in United States

The diverse climates across the United States provide a fertile ground for myriad garden weeds to flourish. Factors like warm summers, abundant rainfall, and rich soils contribute to the persistent spread of Pokeweed, Poison ivy, and Horseweed, amongst others. These invaders pose a constant challenge for gardeners and landscapers trying to maintain pristine lawns and beds. Controlling these tenacious weeds often requires a multifaceted approach combining cultural, mechanical, and sometimes chemical strategies.

Most Common Weeds

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

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

3. 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

Your Essential Companion for Global Plant Exploration

From American natives to Philippine tropics, discover plants worldwide with our app.

Download the App for Free

4. 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.

5. 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

6. 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.

7. 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

8. 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

9. Bittersweet

The species known as bittersweet is a semi-woody vine found in forests, marshes, shrublands, and hedgerows. All parts of the plant contain alkaloids (especially the bright red berries), which are extremely poisonous to humans and livestock if ingested. In spite of its toxicity, bittersweet was hung as a talisman in the past to ward off witchcraft.

Growth Rate:

Moderate

10. 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.

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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.

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. Black nightshade

Native to North America, eastern black nightshade is attractive but poisonous. Like many Solanum ptychanthum plants, all green portions of the plant contain the solanum alkaloid, which is highly toxic. Eastern black nightshade is shade-tolerant, so it can often be found growing in the shadow of crops. Bees and some beetles feed on the plant, but most other wildlife avoids it.

19. 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.

20. 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.

Discover 4 Exciting Reasons to Choose PictureThis

Instantly identify plants with a snap

Identify toxic plants around you

Easily find your perfect green friends

Get full care tips and tricks for your plants

Download the App for Free

A Botanist in Your Pocket

Scan QR code to download

More Plants in United States

Most Common Toxic Plants

The diverse climates across the United States create ideal conditions for a multitude of flora, including toxic plants. With environments ranging from humid subtropical areas to arid deserts, the region can support a variety of poisonous species. Concerns over toxic plants are underscored by the prevalence of , , and , which pose potential risks to humans and wildlife.

Most Common Flowers

The United States is home to a diverse range of native flowers that thrive in its varied climates and soils. From the arid deserts of the Southwest to the lush forests of the Pacific Northwest, each region offers a unique environment for indigenous blossoms to flourish. Among these are , , and , which add splashes of color and significance to the landscape. These flowers are celebrated for their visual beauty, cultural symbolism, and ecological importance, making them essential components of the nation's natural heritage.

Most Common Flowers of Spring

As the chill of Winter melts away, the United States embraces the warm embrace of Spring, coaxing a variety of flora to awaken. Emblematic of the season's vitality, , , and burst forth in a symphony of colors, each symbolizing rebirth and renewal. These flowers not only garnish the landscape with vibrant hues but also signify the cycle of life as they return year after year.

Most Common Spring Fruits

In the United States, Spring unfurls with vibrant blossoms and warmer breezes, nurturing the growth of a luscious array of fruits. Among these, begins to ripen, signaling a season of renewal and abundance. The tart-sweet and the succulent also reach harvest, their fresh flavors emblematic of Spring's rejuvenating spirit. These fruits not only delight the palate but also mark the country's rich agricultural diversity in the Spring season.

Most Common Fruits

The United States benefits from diverse climates and rich soils, nurturing the growth of various local fruit plants. From the temperate orchards to the subtropical fields, these conditions support staples like , , and . These fruits not only hold significant nutritional value but also possess deep cultural roots, symbolizing American agricultural prowess and tradition. Their cultivation shapes the local economy and dietary customs, standing as a testament to the country's favorable farming landscape.

Most Common Trees

The United States possesses diverse climatic and soil conditions that foster the growth of native trees. Among the emblematic trees in this region are the iconic redwood , the majestic oak , and the resilient maple . These trees hold great cultural and ecological value within the United States, with the towering redwoods symbolizing longevity and strength, the oaks representing stability and wisdom, and the maples showcasing beauty and adaptability. They serve as vital habitats for wildlife, contribute to the country's heritage, and provide numerous environmental benefits.

Most Common Tall Trees

Within the United States, diverse climates and extensive, rugged terrains nuture some of the planet's tallest trees. In the misty reaches of the Pacific Northwest and California’s fertile valleys, conditions are ripe for arboreal giants. Towering prominently are , , and , whose enormous height is a beacon of ecological magnificence and symbolizes natural history's untamed legacy. These sentinel species stand as living testaments to the enduring grandeur of America's forest ecosystems.

Most Common Flowers of Winter

Winter in the United States is known for its serene cold and frosty environment, but it is also a haven for certain flowers. Despite the harsh conditions, , , and brave the chill and blossom in this season. These resilient flowers not only add beauty to the winter landscape but also symbolize the strength and perseverance that can thrive even in the coldest of times.

Most Common Plants

In United States, you can find Pokeweed, Poison ivy, Virginia creeper, Golden pothos, 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.