Top 20 Most Common Weeds in Uruguay

Uruguay's temperate climate and abundant rainfall create an ideal environment for a variety of garden weeds. Among the most common is Common purslane, known for its rapid growth and resilience. Also widespread is Common sowthistle, a weed that competes aggressively with crops for nutrients. Lastly, Small Nettle poses a persistent problem for gardeners with its prolific seed production. Together, these weeds challenge Uruguay's gardeners, requiring constant vigilance and management to maintain healthy gardens and 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. 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.

3. 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

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. 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.

5. Artillery plant

The artillery plant is often utilized as a groundcover or an ornamental in many landscapes. It's commonly named the "artillery plant" because the males generally produce pollen in an explosive way. It grows best in a humid environment in partial shade or indirect sunlight. It's a particularly popular plant in indoor rock gardens.

6. Moth plant

Moth plant (Araujia sericifera) is a perennial vine native to South America. Moth plant has been introduced around the world. This species is used as a food source for monarch butterflies, although it is not their preferred food.

Growth Rate:

Rapid

7. Common chickweed

The common chickweed gets its name due to the fact that chickens love to eat it, though they're not alone in that respect. Though it's often considered a nuisance weed, most parts of this plant can be consumed raw or cooked and used similar to spinach. The saponins in common chickweed are slightly toxic but will only have an effect if ingested in huge quantities.

Growth Rate:

Rapid

8. Tapa cloth tree

Another name for tapa cloth tree (Broussonetia papyrifera) is paper mulberry. Ancient Austronesian peoples used the inner bark of tapa cloth tree to make clothing, a practice that continues among some Pacific peoples. This inner bark is also used to make high-quality paper in China and Japan.

Growth Rate:

Rapid

9. White mouth dayflower

White mouth dayflower (Commelina erecta) is a perennial wildflower found in coastal uplands, scrub habitats, and pinelands. The flower consists of two large petals situated right at the top of the stem. These blooms are purplish-blue, and there's a much smaller white petal below these two. This is why the flower has "White Mouth" in its name.

10. 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.

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

12. Lily Of The Valley Vine

Lily Of The Valley Vine (Salpichroa origanifolia), a member of the nightshade family, is a perennial creeping plant native to South America but widely naturalized elsewhere. While it is often grown as an ornamental, it can also be considered an invasive weed because its vigorous growth may smother other plants and extensive, shallow roots make it difficult to eradicate.

13. 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

14. Bull thistle

Bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare) is a thistle plant native to Europe, Africa, and Asia. Bull thistle produces a large amount of nectar and attracts pollinators. Bull thistle is considered a noxious weed in areas of Europe and Australia.

15. Pellitory of the wall

Pellitory of the wall (Parietaria judaica) is a species of flowering plant that is native to Europe, North Africa and parts of west Asia. It is an introduced species elsewhere in the world and is widely considered a weed. It proliferates in disturbed areas and is sometimes known as “asthma weed” because its pollen is an allergen for many people.

16. Common plantain

While native to Europe, the common plantain was one of the first plants to reach North America through early European explorers. Native Americans have referred to Plantago major as 'white man's footprint', as it disrupted many local ecosystems by its introduction.

Growth Rate:

Moderate

17. 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.

18. Poison hemlock

As the name infers, the poison hemlock is a highly poisonous plant and has been known to intoxicate a variety of livestock. The leaves are similar to carrots and parsley, fooling most herbivores into consuming it. Poison hemlock can be lethal when ingested.

19. 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.

20. 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

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 Uruguay

Most Common Toxic Plants

Uruguay's temperate climate and diverse landscapes, ranging from grasslands to coastal sand dunes, create favorable conditions for a variety of flora, including , , and . While Uruguay's government and scientific community work to monitor and manage ecosystems, the prevalence of toxic plants poses an ongoing risk to local agriculture, native species, and human health. These plants thrive across the nation's ample rainfall areas and fertile soils, contributing to environmental concerns.

Most Common Flowers

Uruguay's temperate climate and fertile soils create the perfect habitat for a rich variety of native flowers. Among them, , , and stand out for their enchanting beauty, symbolic significance, and ecological importance. These blossoms add vibrant colors and fragrance to the landscape of Uruguay, attracting both locals and tourists alike. Reliable sources confirm the authenticity of this information.

Most Common Flowers of Spring

As Uruguay welcomes Spring, nature's canvas blossoms under a milder sun, coaxing a mosaic of florals into life. Emblematic of the season's renewal, unfurls in a burst of hues, while the delicate adorns the panorama with its symbolic vibrancy. Not to be outdone, the robust stands tall, underscoring the perennial dance of flora that marks Spring's jubilant arrival.

Most Common Spring Fruits

In Uruguay, Spring blankets the landscape with a warm, nurturing sun and revitalizing rains. This prolific season witnesses a surge in fruit cultivation, yielding bountiful harvests. Among the cornucopia of fresh produce, , , and stand out. Each represents the zest and abundance of the season, showcasing the remarkable fecundity of Uruguay's springtime orchards. These fruits, bursting with flavor and nutrients, mark a period of renewal and celebration in the local culture.

Most Common Fruits

Uruguay's temperate climate, fertile soils, and adequate rainfall create an optimal environment for cultivating a variety of local fruit plants. Among them, , , and stand out both in agriculture and cultural heritage. These plants are deeply woven into the local cuisine and traditions, reflecting the country’s rich botanical diversity and the importance of fruit agriculture in the nation's identity and economy.

Most Common Trees

Uruguay's climate and soil conditions provide an ideal environment for the growth of native trees. Among these, , , and stand tall as emblematic species. These trees hold great cultural and ecological value within the region. Each tree plays a significant role in maintaining the biodiversity and ecosystem balance of Uruguay. The presence of these trees reflects the rich natural heritage of the country and highlights the importance of conserving its native flora.

Most Common Tall Trees

Uruguay's temperate climate and rolling landscapes provide a nurturing ground for a variety of towering arboreal giants. Among the green colossi, , , and stand as testaments to the country's rich biodiversity, often forming a vital part of the ecosystem. These magnificent trees not only dominate the skyline but also bear historical and ecological significance, anchoring the region's natural heritage and supporting myriad forms of life.

Most Common Flowers of Winter

Winter in Uruguay is a serene but cold time, yet it is surprisingly home to several beautiful flowers. Despite the frosty environment, , , and bloom with resilience and beauty. These flowers bring a touch of color and symbolism to the winter landscape in Uruguay, proving that even in the harshest season, nature finds a way to thrive.

Most Common Plants

In Uruguay, you can find Golden dewdrops, Florist kalanchoe, Blue passionflower, Snake plant, Corn plant, 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.