Flowering plants that complete their life cycle within one growing season are called annuals. Perennials are flowering plants whose life cycle extends up to three years.

Below is a list of annual plants and their botanical names

1. Marigolds (Tagetes erecta)

Marigolds are some of the most common garden flowers. These annual flowers have a strong scent that repels insects. 

Marigolds are native to southwestern North, South, and Central Americas. There are 30 recorded Marigold species

Characteristics

• Marigolds grow up to 160 cm in height.
• They come in red, orange, or yellow colors
• They do well in sunny weather

Fun Fact: Marigolds are edible. Their flowers contain lutein, which is good for our eyes.

2. Zinnia (Zinnia elegans)

This plant is native to North America, where it is a common garden flower. There are 22 recorded Zinnia species of herbs and shrubs.

Zinnia is perennial when growing in the nativity, mostly in the Southern United States and Mexico.

Zinnia are annuals in other areas.

Characteristics

• Zinnia grows up to a height of 120cm.
• Colors range from white, green, red, pink, yellow, orange, salmon, lavender, and mauve.

3. Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)

Sunflowers are annual plants grown mainly for their seeds. 

These plants are native to the United States of America, with approximately 70 species available.

Characteristics

• Sunflowers grow up to 180cm tall
• Sunflower leaves are long and grow out in spirals
• The head of a sunflower plant can have a diameter of up to 30cm

Quick facts about sunflowers

1. Sunflowers can absorb harmful substances from the soil – scientists are known to plant sunflowers to help the land recover in areas affected by nuclear disasters.
2. Sunflowers follow the sun –These miniature suns have biological clocks that help them follow the sun as it moves during the day, then back to their original position by night.
3. The tallest sunflower ever recorded was at a height of 9 meters.

4. Petunia (Petunia x hybrida)

Petunias are among the most easily recognizable flowers worldwide. They are annual flowering plants that belong to the nightshade family. Petunias are native to South America.

The common garden varieties are grouped into 2: the compact, erect type, which grows to a height of 15-25cm. On the other hand, the long-stemmed petunias grow up to 46cm tall.

Characteristics

• Petunia leaves are oval-shaped and have smooth margins
• The flowers have a funnel shape with five petals and sepals.
• Grows well in a temperate climate

5. Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus)

These annual ornamental flowers are native to Mexico and South America. 

Cosmos has a total of 40 species on record. The more common garden varieties are Cosmos sulphureus and Cosmos bipinnatus.

Characteristics

• Cosmos foliage has a fern-like appearance
• The flowers of the common garden varieties come in shades of pink|yellow to dark rose, orange or red

6. Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus)

Nasturtium is an annual flower native to Spain. These plants have a mild peppery flavor with a mustard-like aroma. Both the leaves and petals of this plant have nutritional value.

The plant contains high levels of Vitamin C, which helps improve the immune system. The leaves are most effective before flowering because of their antibiotic properties.

Characteristics

• Nasturtium leaves are almost circular and have light-colored leaves.
• The flowers are brightly colored red, yellow, and orange and spread over 21/2 inches wide.
• These plants can grow to a height of 30cm.

7. Impatiens (Impatiens walleriana)

More commonly known as Touch-Me-Not, Impatiens are perennial flowers native to Kenya and Mozambique. 

The plant has also naturalized in other parts like North America and Australia.

Characteristics

• Impatiens can grow to 61 cm tall
• The leaves have a glossy appearance, with toothed edges that have pointed tips

Fun fact: Impatiens get the name touch-me-not because a ripe seed capsule can explode violently when touched.

8. Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritima)

Also known as sweet alison, sweet alyssum is an annual plant grown as a short-lived perennial. 

The herb is native to the Mediterranean region.

Characteristics

• Sweet alyssum has four-petaled flowers in lavender, purple or pink.
• The flowering stalks grow to 30cm tall.

9. Barley (Hordeum vulgare)

Barley is the fourth largest grain crop after wheat, rice, and corn. It is also an annual crop whose nativity can be traced back to Egypt.

This annual crop is commonly used for baking, although primarily grown as animal fodder and malt for alcoholic beverages.

Characteristics

• Barley grows from erect stems with few alternate leaves
• The plant thrives near desert areas

10. Oats (Avena sativa)

Oats are annual plants originating in Asia Minor. These crops are a breakfast staple in many places around the world. 

Countries widely cultivating oats include Russia, the USA, Poland, China, Canada, France, and Australia.

Characteristics

• Oats can grow to a height of 1.5 meters
• Grow well in temperate regions

11. Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor)

Sorghum is also known as great millet or Indian millet. 

This annual plant originates from Africa and is grown as a food crop.

Characteristics

• Sorghum grows to a height of 2.4 meters. Sometimes it grows as high as 4.6 meters.
• Sorghum stalks and leaves are coated with a whitish wax.

12. Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum)

Cotton is an annual crop native to tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, like Africa, USA, and India.

Characteristics

• Grows to 1.2 meters in height
• Leaves are broad and heart-shaped with coarse veins

13. Sisal (Agave sisalana)

Sisal is a perennial plant native to Mexico. This succulent plant is grown for its fiber.

Its characteristics include the following:

• Sisal plant stalks can grow to 90cm tall.
• Sisal stalks are 60-180 cm long and 10-18cm wide.
• Its flowers are yellow.

14. Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius)

Safflower is an annual flowering plant. It is native to parts of Africa and Asia. 

Dried safflowers can be used to obtain a red dye used in textiles.

Characteristics

• Grows up to 1.2 meters tall
• Flowers come in red, yellow, orange, or white

15. Red deadnettle (Lamium purpureum)

Red or purple deadnettle is an annual flowering plant native to Europe and Asia.

The most common features of a red deadnettle are:

• It grows to a height of 10-30cm
• Its stems are square-shaped

Characteristics of annuals

In general, these are the characteristics of annual plants:

• They produce flowers and fruit within the first year of growth
• Their growth cycle falls between Spring and Summer

How many types of annual plants are there?

Annual plants can be grouped into three categories according to their uses:

• Annual crops
• Seasonal flowers
• Garden weeds

Annual crops

The perfect example of annual crops is cereals like wheat (Triticum aestivum). Others include corn, rice (Oryza sativa), and oats (Avena sativa). 

Most legumes and vegetables like beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) and peas (Pisum sativum) are also annuals.

Seasonal flowers

Most seasonal flowers are garden favorites. Seasonal flowers maintain their life cycle regardless of whether they’re in their place of origin or have been planted elsewhere. 

Sunflowers (Helianthus annus) are the most common seasonal flowers.

Garden weeds/ wild plants

Garden weeds are annual plants that grow abundantly in the wild. Most of the plants in this category are used in herbal medicine. 

For instance, Poppy (Papaver sp.) flowers are considered a pain reliever for mild aches and pains.

Carter

IW’s Chief Editor and a lover of green spaces.

The post 15 annual plants and their botanical names appeared first on InsightWeeds.

Ornamental flowers are quite a delight, whether indoors set in a vase or outside blooming in the garden. But to find the flowers you need, you have to know them by name or picture –that’s where our list of ornamental flowers and their botanical names comes in.

These are the 10 most common ornamental flowers and their botanical names:

1. Sunflower (Helianthus)

Considered a symbol of happiness and positivity, the sunflower blooms a radiant yellow and is a favorite in outdoor gardening. Sunflower stems grow to an average of 2m in height, with serrated leaves growing alternately along it.

Native to North America, there are a whopping 24,000 species of sunflowers with varieties that have petals in shades of orange and red.

Sometimes considered a weed, this pest and high temperatures-resistant flowering plant grow annually.

2. Lily (Lilium)

Lilies have 3 petals that are surrounded by an equal number of sepals. The Lily natively grows in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia like Japan, China, and India.  

The fragrant white flowers, which are a common symbol of purity, also come in pink, yellow, purple, and more.

These ornamental plants can grow to a height of 2m.

Disclaimer for cat owners: These perennial plants can be dangerously fatal to our feline friends.

3. Orchid (Orchidaceae)

Orchids are among the largest flowering plants in terms of species, accounting for 10% of the world’s flowering species.

This flower has its origins in Japan and China but has since spread to 6 other continents, that is, except Antarctica.

Like lilies, orchids have 3 petals and sepals. These ornamental flowers are perennials.

4. Tulip (Tulipa)

Tulips are native to Central Asia. However, they were first cultivated in Turkey. Once the most expensive flowers, these garden, and outdoor space favorites are perennial in nature.  

Tulip stems stand firm, two to three inches long, with broad leaves and a flower at the tip.

It is interesting to note that all tulip flowers have six petals.

Fun Fact: From late 1636 to early 1637, some of the hybrids of tulips in the Netherlands cost more than a house in what is now referred to as “Tulipomania.”

5. Rose (Rosa)

Shakespeare once wrote: “Of all flowers, methinks rose is best”.

The prominence of the rose flower as a symbol of love and beauty remains unmatched. Native to Central Asia, these flowers come in pure white, yellow, pink, orange, red, lavender, plum purple, burgundy, and – quite surprisingly – green.

They have long prickly stems and glossy leaves that have serrated edges. Roses grow perennially and could take up to 2 years to bloom.

Wild rose flowers have 5 petals, while cultivated rose flowers grow multiple sets of petals.

6. Peony (Paeonia)

Peonies are perennial flowering plants that grow to a height of 1m. The scientific name for these flowering plants is Paeonia.

These ornamental flowers have a shrub-like appearance. Cultivating peonies requires quite some patience as they are slow-growing.

These flowers are considered symbols of luck and prosperity. They are native to China, Europe, and parts of Western North America.

It is no surprise that peonies are also associated with romance.

7. Daffodil (Narcissus)

Next on our list of ornamental flowers and their botanical names is Daffodils, which are native to Europe and Northern Africa. Their scientific name, Narcissus, is derived from Greek mythology.

The daffodil plant has a long green stalk with green leaves at the base and a flower at the top.

The daffodil flower petals are yellow or white in color and can grow to a height of 80cm.

Note: Worth noting for pet owners; these perennial flowers are potentially poisonous to cats and dogs.

8. Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus)

Carnations are native to Greece, Italy, Spain, and other Mediterranean countries. They have fluffy flowers with fringed petals and grow to a meter tall.

These flowers bloom perennially and are among the most cultivated ornamental plants.

The botanical name Dianthus roughly translates to “flower of the gods”, with reference to how carnations were used for garlands worn during coronations in Ancient Greece and Rome.

9. Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis represents the collective names of ornamental flowers that have a trumpet-like shape and come in the colors red, orange, yellow, pink, or purple.

Hibiscus are ornamental plants that grow perennially. The original 8 hibiscus species are believed to give rise to the modern exotic varieties and were said to be from Mauritius, Madagascar, Fiji, Hawaii, and China.

The flower, in its powder or tea leaves form, is used to regulate blood pressure, reduce body fat, improve metabolism, and protect the liver.

10. Hydrangea (Hydrangea)

Hydrangeas have 70-75 species and were first discovered in Japan. The botanical names of these flowers are pretty much the same as their English name.

These perennial flowering plants are also used for medicinal purposes to treat bladder infections, prostate infections, enlarged prostate, kidney stones, and others.

Hydrangeas are shrub-like with round flowers that are arranged in clusters. The flower petals in hydrangeas come in white, pink, or blue colors.

Different flowers possess unique charms and characteristics. The list above only touches on 10 ornamental plants with their scientific and common names, but there are approximately 400,000 different flowering plant species in the world.

Carter

IW’s Chief Editor and a lover of green spaces.

The post 10 ornamental flowers and their botanical names appeared first on InsightWeeds.

While weed plants with yellow flowers might look appealing and beneficial (pollination, medicinal properties, etc.), they can be very distractive if they sprout your gardens and lawns.

In addition, some of these weeds can be very aggressive, easily overwhelming other plants on your lawn. Others are resilient and can keep returning after every eradication attempt, making them very frustrating.

Identifying weeds with yellow flowers is the first step to efficiently eradicating these unwanted plants. Below, we have compiled a list of the most common 20 weeds with yellow flowers and their unique characteristics.

Top 20 common weeds with yellow flowers

Below are some of the most common weeds with yellow flowers and how to identify them:

1. Yellow sorrel

Yellow sorrel (Oxalis stricta) is a common weed in North America, Europe, and Asia. It goes by several local names, such as sourgrass, sheep weed, lemon clover, and prickle plant.

The plant commonly attacks gardens, lawns, and fields. It is a very invasive species that spread through runners and seeds (germinating once they touch the soil).

Yellow sorrel is very similar to clover, with its leaves (trifoliate) originating from a single point on the stem. These leaves are bright green, with the stem, branches, and leaf stalks having fine hairs. On top of that, it produces small yellow flowers (five petals), which bloom from spring to fall.

You can get rid of yellow sorrel by pulling the plant from the ground, but you should ensure you get the entire root system; else, it will sprout back. You can also eradicate it using systemic herbicides such as glyphosate (Roundup).

2. Creeping cinquefoil

Creeping cinquefoil (Potentilla reptans) is a flowering plant found in North Africa, Europe, and North America (Ontario, Quebec, Alabama, Florida, and Texas).

It commonly grows on roadsides, grasslands, and borders but can easily invade lawns, gardens, and yards. Its attractive sight can fool you, but it is a highly invasive weed plant that spreads quickly and aggressively using quick-rooting runners.

You can identify creeping cinquefoil by segmented, jagged, 5-lobbed green leaves, similar to the strawberry plant.

The plant grows from the main taproot, with long runners (blackish) in all directions, reaching up to one foot. The plant also has little yellow flowers (five-petalled), which bloom around June to September.

You can eradicate creeping cinquefoil by pulling it from the ground or other mechanical means such as raking. However, chemical weeds (selective or systemic, depending on where it is growing) are the best option to control them completely.

3. Dandelion

Dandelion is one of the most common yellow-flowered weeds. It is a perennial plant native to Eurasia, but a common sight in North America, South America, Oceania, and India.

Some people consider it a beneficial plant due to its high nutritional benefit – it has lots of vitamins and minerals, and the flowers are even used to make wine. However, it is a highly invasive species that spread aggressively through seeding.

It also forms deep root systems, making it hard to eradicate. The plant usually grows in crop fields, orchards, lawns and turf, gardens, yards, and roadsides.

Dandelion has distinct basal leaves that have toothed edges. The leaves are dark green and produce a milky sap.

The plant has long, hollow stems on which yellow flowers bloom at the top in clusters, forming a flower head. Dandelion also produces a seed head, like a puffball, from where the wind scatters seeds.

Due to their deep-rooted system, removing dandelions by hand or with gardening tools is difficult. Therefore, herbicides are the most effective eradication technique, especially systemic weed killers such as Roundup.

4. Common evening primrose

Common evening primrose (Oenothera biennis), or evening star, is a flowering plant native to the North American region. It commonly grows in landscapes (newly established), nurseries and seed beds, and crop fields but can occasionally invade lawns.

Common evening primrose is considered highly beneficial, with edible roots and shoots, and even used to produce evening primrose medicinal oil. However, it is highly invasive, as it has copious amounts of seeds, which easily spread and germinate.

You can identify common evening primrose with its narrow, lance-shaped leaves with smooth margins and red veins. The leaves grow in a rosette pattern in the first year before sprouting spirally from the stem as the plant matures.

Common evening primrose also has large, four-petalled, trumpet-shaped yellow flowers, which form a loose pattern on the stem.

You can eradicate common evening primrose through mechanical means – pulling by hands or digging tools from the ground. In case of widespread infestation, you can spot-treat with systemic herbicides such as glyphosate.

5. Golden clover

Golden Clover (Trifolium aureum) is a flowering plant native to Eurasia but widespread in other parts of the world, such as North America. It is one of the weeds with yellow flowers you are likely to find on your lawn. You can also see it in the fields, woodlands, roadsides, etc.

Golden clover produces compound leaves (in threes), which grow at the end of a short stalk. They are finely toothed from the tip of the leave but have a fine margin as you near the base. The plant’s stems are smooth but can occasionally have fine flattened hairs.

Golden clover also blooms a round to oval flower head, which feature small yellow flowers that turn creamy to rusty brown as the plant nears the seeding stage.

You can control golden clovers by pulling the weeds by hand from the ground. You can also use herbicides such as glyphosate if you prefer chemical control.

6. Birdsfoot trefoil

Birdsfoot trefoil is a perennial herbaceous native to Eurasia and North Africa but common around several regions worldwide. The plant can grow in diverse habitats, from lawns to crop fields, roadsides, woodlands, etc.

It is sometimes cultivated for forage and soil erosion control. However, it is an aggressive species that spreads fast and forms a dense mat, choking out other vegetation.

Birdsfoot trefoil is a low-growing plant with semi-erect stems (sometimes lying on the ground). It produces five leaflets – three compound leaflets similar to clover and two stalkless leaflets at the base of a stem.

It also has small, pea-like yellow flowers, which form a cluster pattern at the top of the stem. You can eradicate the weed plant through broadleaf herbicides such as 2-4-D, triclopyr, and dicamba.

7. Black-eyed susan

Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) is a wildflower plant native to North America. It commonly grows in fields, open woodlands, roadsides, and abandoned areas.

Some people do not consider the plant a weed due to its appeal. It is even used as a symbol for the University of Southern Mississippi and Maryland. However, the plant is tolerant to harsh conditions and self-seeding and thus can spread fast if not controlled.

Black-eyed Susan is a tall growing plant that can reach up to 100 cm. It produces long, ovate leaves that are winged, deeply veined, and coarse, which grow irregularly along the stalk.

However, its most unique feature is the flower; it has singular flowerheads positioned at the top of the stalks. The flower heads have a prominent black to dark-brown cone at the centre, with bright yellow petals (like rays of the sun) surrounding them.

You can control the growth of black-eyed Susan by cutting the plant down to the ground. Immediately after cutting, you should treat the roots with a systemic herbicide to kill the plant.

8. Common ragwort

Common ragwort (Jacobaea Vulgaris) is a wildflower found in Europe, Asia, North America, and other parts of the world. It is known by several local names such as ragwort, stinking willie, tansy ragwort, etc.

It can be a beneficial plant, especially in attracting butterflies. However, it is highly invasive (spreading prolifically through seeds) and can be poisonous to humans and animals.

Common ragwort is one of the several tall weeds with yellow flowers you will likely come across. It has upright growing stems, reaching up to one meter in height. It also produces large, pinnately lobed leaves, which produce a stinking smell.

The plant also has singular flower heads perched at the top of the stalk, with several small, bright yellow petals forming a cluster.

You can eradicate common ragwort by pulling the plant from the ground (before it seeds) and burning it or disposing of it inside a tightly sealed plastic bag.

In case of widespread infestation, you can deploy chemical herbicides.

9. Creeping buttercup

Creeping buttercup is a common weed with yellow flowers, which grows in gardens, woodlands, borders, and other areas with wet soil. It is an attractive plant but highly invasive due to its fast-spreading runners.

Creeping buttercup produces hairy leaves divided into three lobes at the top of the plant’s stalk. It also has bright yellow flowers with five to seven petals. You can also distinguish the plant by how it spreads on the ground through runners.

You can eliminate creeping buttercup by pulling it from the ground. However, if the weed is well established, you might need chemical herbicides to eradicate it effectively.

10. Common sow thistle

The common sow thistle (Sonchus oleraceus) is a flowering plant native to Europe and Asia but widespread in North America. It usually grows in crop fields and other disturbed areas.

The plant is pretty beneficial – forage for animals, pollination, and even cuisine (leaves are edible). However, it is highly invasive and can lower crop production on agricultural land.

Common sow thistle has smooth, erect thick stems, which produce a milky sap when cut. Its leaves are a bluish-green, with a smooth surface and lightly toothed margin.

During flower season, it blooms singular flowerheads (very similar to those of dandelions), with bright yellow petals forming a cluster at the tip of the stem. You can control the plant through chemical herbicides such as 2,4-D.

11. Lesser celandine

Lesser celandine (Ficaria Verna) is a low-growing flowering plant in the buttercup family. It is native to Europe and Asia but also widespread in North America.

It is sometimes grown as an ornamental plant but is highly invasive and can overcrowd other vegetation. It usually grows in gardens, lawns, roadsides, fields, and other natural areas.

Lesser celandine is a low-growing plant that forms a mat on the ground. It has relatively long stalks, which grow in clusters of about four to ten stems. It also produces glossy-green heart-shaped leaves and small, bright yellow flowers that bloom in spring.

Lesser celandine is very hard to control once it establishes itself. You can try to remove the plant from the ground before it flowers – by digging by hand or shovel. However, systemic herbicides such as glyphosate are the most effective eradication.

12. Common purslane

Common purslane (Portulaca oleracea), also known as little hogweed, is an annual plant widespread across Europe, North America, Africa, Asia, and Australia.

It grows in various habitats, from landscapes to gardens, lawns, and crop fields. Some people consider it beneficial because its leaves are edible – either cooked or eaten raw. However, it is fast-spreading and easily overwhelms other vegetation, such as in crop fields.

Common purslane has smooth, glossy, and fleshy-appearing green leaves with red margins. The leaves, which form a teardrop shape, are attached to the stems without a stalk and form clusters of four leaflets at the top.

The stems grow close to the ground, forming a dense mat. The plant also produces yellow flowers (either individually or in clusters), which bloom from May to September.

You can control common purslane by pulling it from the ground and disposing of it in sealed bags. You can also use cultural control means such as mulching or solarization.

You can consider herbicides such as benefin, dithiopyr, and trifluralin if you prefer chemical control.

13. Cypress spurge

Cyprus spurge (Euphorbia cyparissias) is a flowering plant with yellow flowers native to Europe. However, it was introduced to the North American region as an ornamental plant, where it has become widespread.

It commonly grows in grasslands, pastures, meadows, roadsides, and gardens. It is also found in graveyards, the nickname graveyard moss or weed.

Cypress spurge is a relatively low-growing plant, reaching 20 to 40 cm in height. It produces several branched stems, which are covered with narrow green leaves – forming cypress-like foliage.

It also produces small, inconspicuous yellowish-green flowers, which bloom at the end of the stems.

Cypress spurge is fast-growing and spreads through roots and seeds, thus making it hard to control once established. It is also poisonous to animals.

You can try to eradicate it by pulling it from the ground. However, chemical treatment using herbicides such as glyphosate is the most effective solution.

14. Canada goldenrod

Canada goldenrod (Solidago canadensis) is a herbaceous plant native to Canada and USA. It grows in moist to dry fields, swamp areas, clearings, forest edges, orchards, along roadsides, streams, ponds, cultivated fields, and gardens.

It is very beneficial as it provides forage for livestock and attracts insects with its pollen and nectar. However, it is invasive, spreading aggressively through seeds and rhizomes.

Canada goldenrod is a tall growing plant, reaching up to six feet. It has branching stems from where lanceolate (sometimes broadly linear) leaves grow alternatingly. The leaves are hairy on the underside and are prominently toothed on the edges.

The plant also produces branching flowerheads consisting of several bright yellow clustered flowers, forming a pyramid pattern.

You can control the Canada goldenrod by cutting the plant down to the ground before it produces seeds. However, chemical herbicides, such as broadleaf weed killers, are the best control mechanism.

15. Oxalis

Oxalis, also known as wood sorrels, are small weeds with yellow flowers native to North America. They usually grow on lawns, garden areas, and sunny to shady landscapes. They are considered by some people to be ornamental but are very aggressive and can suffocate other plants.

Oxalis weeds have smooth, trifoliate, heart-shaped leaves, which are green in colour (sometimes purplish or brownish-red).

The leaves tend to fold up at night (or under stress, for example, direct sunlight) before opening up in the morning. The plant also produces small yellow flowers with a cup-like shape, which bloom around summer and fall.

You can control oxalis by mulching your garden (prevention) or pulling them from the ground when they sprout. You can also use chemical control (broadleaf herbicides) to eradicate them.

16. Velvetleaf

Velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti) is an annual broadleaf plant native to Southern Asia. It was introduced into the North American region as a potential fibre crop, only to turn into a weed plant affecting several crops. It usually grows in crop fields, nurseries, gardens, orchards, roadsides, and disturbed land.

Velvetleaf is an upright-growing plant that can reach up to eight feet. It has a stout, hairy stem, on which large, round to heart-shaped leaves emerge in an alternating pattern.

The leaves are also hairy, with a velvety feel, hence the name. In summer, the plant produces yellow flowers with five petals, which can be found in clusters or growing singularly.

You can control the velvetleaf plant by pulling it from the ground. Depending on the growing season, you can also kill the weed with pre- and post-emergent herbicides.

17. John’s-Wort

St John’s-Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a flowering plant native to Eurasia but widespread in North America, South America, Africa, and Australia.

It has been used in folk medicine for centuries and cultivated commercially. However, it has a strong tap root system with creeping rhizomes, which allows it to spread aggressively.

St. John’s-Wort plant has dark green, oblong-shaped leaves with small dark dots. The leaves are stalkless and attach to the stem in an alternating pattern. The plant also produces bright yellow flowers (five petals), which grow from the tip of the stem.

You can control the St. John’s-Wort plant by removing it from the ground by hand before it seeds. You should ensure you dig up the entire root system to prevent it from sprouting. However, if the invasion is widespread, you should use broad-spectrum herbicides such as glyphosate and 2,4-D.

18. Butterweed

Butterweed (Packera Glabella) is a weed plant found in North America’s central and southeastern regions. It usually grows in pastures, meadows, waste areas, and other disturbed areas. It produces a large number of seeds and thus usually grows in clusters.

The Butterweed plant has simple, lanceolate-shaped leaves with smooth margins. They are dark green to greenish-yellow, with the underside being covered with fine hairs. The plant also blooms with yellow, daisy-like flowers, which grow in clusters at the top of the stem.

The deep-rooted tap root system of the butterweed plant makes pulling them from the ground by hard almost impossible. Therefore, the best solution is to spray with systemic herbicides such as glyphosate when the plant is actively growing.

19. Marsh yellowcress

Marsh yellowcress (Rorippa palustris) is a flowering plant part of the mustard family. It is native to Eurasia and North America and usually grows in ponds, small rivers, marshy fields, ditches, and poorly drained crop fields.

Marsh yellowcress leaves start growing in a basal rosette pattern and are often oblong-shaped. As the plant matures, the leaves become deeply lobbed and grow from the stem in an alternating pattern.

Each leaflet has several pairs of irregularly toothed leaflets. The plant also produces flowers, which develop at the tip of the stems or the leaf axils. The flowers are small, yellow, and consist of four petals.

You can remove marsh yellowcress plants from the ground by hand as long as you remove the entire root system to keep it from sprouting. You can also use systemic herbicides to eradicate the infestation completely.

20. Skeletonweed

Skeletonweed (Chondrilla juncea) is a flowering plant native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia but commonly found in several temperate regions worldwide.

It is hardy, with a deep tap root system, which allows it to survive harsh environments and spread. It can also easily invade cultivated fields, landscapes, flower beds, and even lawns.

Skeletonweed is a tall growing plant, reaching up to 5 feet in height (with its taproot growing up to 7 feet deep). When sprouting, the leaves form a basal rosette pattern, which is deeply toothed, with the lobes bending backwards.

However, as the plant matures, it produces branching stems with very few leaves. However, it produces several small, bright yellow flowers, which form clusters in singular or grouped flowerheads.

Due to how deep the roots of the Skeletonweed plant grow, mechanical removal is impossible.

Instead, the best way to eradicate the weed is by applying systemic herbicides such as dicamba, 2,4-D, glyphosate, and others. You might need several applications of herbicides to kill the plant completely.

Conclusion

Are you looking to identify weeds with yellow flowers? You can come across several types of weeds that bloom yellow flowers, whether in your lawn, garden, crop fields, or other areas near your property.

The above are some of the most common weeds you need to be aware of. Despite some of these weeds appearing beneficial, they are quite invasive and can be hard to control if left unchecked.

Fortunately, with the above information, you can easily identify them and choose the best solution for eradication.

More Guides

• 7 plants that look like chamomile
• 10 common weeds with purple flowers
• 20 weeds with huge leaves
• 10 common weeds in New England and removal tips

Carla Etheridge

Carla is a student pursuing a B.S in Agricultural Systems Technology. With a passion for landscaping for over 4 years, Carla loves plants. She has previously contributed to several other sites in the space before joining InsightWeeds.

The post 20 common weeds with yellow flowers appeared first on InsightWeeds.

Many weeds are difficult to remove. They also take up valuable space and compete with other plants for important resources like water, sunlight and nutrients.

Since there are many types of weeds, many of them bearing similar characteristics, it can be hard to identify and distinguish them. Here, we’ll help you identify weeds with purple flowers and provide removal tips that work.

1. Creeping Charlie/ Ground Ivy

Creeping Charlie, scientifically known as Glechoma hederacea, is a very problematic weed. It is low-growing, usually between a few inches to two feet above the ground. As the name suggests, this plant is a creeper with fibrous roots that spread far and wide.

So if you spot a vine weed with purple flowers on your lawn, it could be a creeping Charlie.

Another thing to note about ground ivy is its shiny dark green leaves with serrated edges, which grow in opposite pairs along its square-shaped stems. The purple flowers bloom in the spring and summer.

This lawn weed is particularly problematic due to the large number of seeds it produces and its ability to spread vegetatively by rooting at the leaf nodes.

We’ve previously discussed several ways to get rid of creeping Charlie. Here’s a list of the most effective methods:

• Pulling: Most common for small pieces of land
• Digging: Better for relatively larger spaces which you intend to utilize
• Spraying: Use of herbicides for large areas
• Mulching: This prevents creeping Charlie from growing back.

2. Henbit

This weed with tiny purple flowers in the grass (where it is often found) is often confused with creeping Charlie. Although they belong to the same family, they are not the same plant. Henbit is the less aggressive cousin to creeping Charlie.

This one, however, has hairy stems, rounded leaves, purple funnel-shaped flowers, and short stature, growing 10-25 cm above the ground. It also has a shallow fibrous root system.

A single henbit plant could produce up to 2,000 seeds in the spring, and you may want to get rid of it if you are a cattle farmer or have other plants growing around it, especially those that do not coexist well with other plants.

The removal techniques for henbit are similar to those of the creeping Charlie. However, you can also use other chemicals, as indicated here.

3. Canada thistle/creeping thistle

The scientific name for creeping thistle is Cirsium arvense. It is a perennial weed with a deep root system, making it very difficult to remove by hand.

The leaves are dark green, and its small purple flowers grow in clusters. They spread very fast, so early removal is key.

This is best done by trimming the plant down to ground level and then digging deep enough that the entire root system is removed. Note that you have to trim the plant multiple times to get rid of it completely.

4. Black nightshade

Solanum nigrum, a problematic garden weed, grows about two feet tall with small dark green leaves. The flowers could be white or purple.

It is particularly dangerous because many confuse it with the edible nightshade, but if ingested, black nightshade causes stomach pain, diarrhoea and vomiting. The sap can also irritate the skin.

Removal can be done by hand pulling (wear gloves to avoid irritation), and if it has already produced seeds, dig up the entire plant and double-check the garden to ensure you got everything out.

5. Crane’s bill/Dove’s foot

Geranium molle has a deep root system and grows to about 20 cm in height. The leaves are lobed, and the small flowers have five petals.

For removal, it is best to hand pull or dig the root out, and it is best to do this in spring or fall. Mulching prevents the weed from sprouting again, but be careful to keep the mulch away from the base of trees.

6. Common thistle/Spear thistle/Bull thistle

Cirsium vulgare is among the easiest purple-flowered weeds to detect. It can grow quite tall, even reaching 6 feet. The leaves are prickly, and the stem is covered in tiny thorns. It grows both in the wild and in gardens.

The best way to get rid of it is by hand pulling from the root if you have a small piece of land. For larger areas, you can use herbicides, but be careful not to get them on your other plants.

7. Forget-me-nots

Myosotis sylvatica, commonly known as Forget-me-nots, is a weed with tiny purple flowers often found in gardens and lawns. It grows low, with a height of up to 12 inches, with hairy leaves, and is considered quite invasive.

For removal, it is best to use a pitchfork to loosen the soil and hand-pull them by the root. You may need to repeat this a few times. If you don’t have a pitchfork, use a closely similar tool from this list of weeding equipment.

You can also use a glyphosate-based weed killer such as Roundup, but be careful not to damage other plants.

8. Wild violets

Viola Odorta is a beautiful but problematic weed with dainty purple flowers growing at the top. Once they take root, they become hard to control. They are very competitive with other plants and spread quite fast.

To get rid of these, hand pulling is the most effective method, but it can be time-consuming, especially if you have a large piece of land. The alternative is using herbicides and taking the necessary precautions to avoid damaging other plants.

9. Selfheal/Healall

Prunella vulgaris is a perennial weed with small tubular flowers and serrated leaves, mostly found in moist, shady areas. It is edible, with the leaves being cooked or eaten raw in salads and the flowers used as tea.

Removing this fast-spreading plant by hand-pulling them or mowing them before they flower is most effective in preventing seed production. It is not advisable to use herbicides on this plant, as they barely work.

10. Musk thistle/Nodding thistle

Carduus nutans are among the purple weeds found in grass and meadows. It takes two years for this plant to complete its life cycle, growing leaves from a rosette to the ground in the first year and a flowering stalk of up to 6 feet sprouts in the second year.

The flower comprises a cluster of many smaller flowers at the top of the stalk. Its spiny leaves form underneath the flower and produce up to 50,000 seeds per plant, which remain viable in the soil even after ten years.

This problematic weed is very competitive with other plants and can be poisonous to livestock if consumed in large amounts.

For removal, hand pulling is the best option, but it is best to protect your skin from the spiny leaves. Another option is using herbicides. The best time to remove musk thistle is during the rosette stage (first year) or the flowering stage in the second year.

More about weeds

• The most common weeds in New England
• These 10 weeds that stick to your clothes
• List of plant identification apps for Android

Carla Etheridge

Carla is a student pursuing a B.S in Agricultural Systems Technology. With a passion for landscaping for over 4 years, Carla loves plants. She has previously contributed to several other sites in the space before joining InsightWeeds.

The post 10 common weeds with purple flowers appeared first on InsightWeeds.

Weeds are everyone’s nightmare; some are highly invasive and can easily overwhelm other crops or grass.

Unfortunately, most of them are also pretty hard to eliminate and can keep coming back.

However, if you know what weeds you are dealing with, you can have an easier time getting rid of them.

You must identify the weeds to know the best eradication technique to use. One of the easiest ways to identify weeds is by photo and other characteristics that stand out.

These are the 10 most common weeds with white flowers and how you can identify and get rid of them:

1. White clover

White clover is the most common among lawn weeds that have white flowers. It is a herbaceous perennial plant native to Central Asia, Europe, and the British Isles.

However, it can also be found in several parts of the world, including North America.

White clover has trifoliate (three oval-shaped) leaves and distinctive white (sometimes pink) flowers that form a cluster-like arrangement.

It is also a creeping plant, which uses stolons to spread, forming a mat-like coverage on the ground. White clover is aggressive and can be hard to eradicate when it takes hold.

However, there are a few techniques you can use. The first one is to pull it by hand or with digging tools. You can also use homemade weed killers such as vinegar and dish soap.

Lastly, you can use selective herbicides, for example, those containing dicamba, quinclorac, clopyralid, and fluroxypyr.

2. Bindweed

Bindweed is a perennial field weed native to Europe but also very common throughout North America. It is a climbing weed with thin, thread-like vines that grow around plants and other erect objects.

It has arrowhead-shaped leaves and trumpet-shaped white (sometimes pink) flowers. Bindweed is hard to eliminate due to its large and resilient root system.

Therefore, pulling it by hand might not work. Instead, you should use organic methods such as vinegar, dish soap solutions, and boiling water.

You can also use chemical herbicides such as glyphosate and dicamba.

3. Yarrow

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a flowering weed plant native to North America, Asia, and Europe. It is a common sight around fence rows, open forests, meadows, lawns, gardens, and yards.

Yarrow has trifoliate leaves with a smooth surface and an egg-like shape. It is a herbaceous plant with stems that function as stolons.

You can also identify the plant by its little white flowers in the grass, which form a cluster arrangement and rise above the leaves.

Yarrow is a resilient plant that is hard to eliminate. However, you can kill it using selective herbicides such as triclopyr or dicamba.

You can also use non-selective weed killers such as glyphosate, but at the risk of killing other plants.

4. White nettle

White nettle (also known as white dead nettle) is a flowering plant native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa.

However, it is now found worldwide, including in North America. It commonly grows on roadsides, waste areas, woodlands, and even gardens with fertile soils.

White nettle is a tall-growing weed plant with green, four-angled stems. It produces broad, triangular-shaped leaves with soft hairs, serrated margins, and a rounded base. It also produces white flowers on the upper part of the stem.

There are two effective techniques for getting rid of white nettle. The first one is homemade remedies such as vinegar, boiling water, dishwasher soap, etc.

The second is to use systemic herbicides such as glyphosate, which can target and kill the entire plant.

5. Black nightshade

Black nightshade is a flowering weed plant, which is native to Europe, parts of Africa, North and South America, Asia, and Australian regions.

The plant usually grows in dump areas, under tree shades, in woody areas, near quarries, and old ruins. However, it can also be found in gardens, either as a cultivated plant or having invaded the fertile soil.

Black nightshade is a perennial shrub that can grow up to more than a meter high. It has broad, heart-shaped leaves, which can have a wavy or toothed margin.

The leaves are hairy on both the upper and bottom surfaces. The plant also produces small white flowers with yellow anthers and green berries that turn dark when they ripen.

You can eliminate black nightshade using mechanical weed control methods such as pulling by hand (or digging tools) or mowing.

However, chemical herbicides such as glyphosate will be effective if dealing with a persistent infestation.

6. Daisy weeds

Daisy weeds are flowering plants native to Europe and Asian regions but have spread worldwide, including the Americas and Australia.

They are among the most common lawns and grass weeds in various areas, from neglected grasses to properly managed lawn turfs.

Daisy weeds have spoon-shaped, dark green leaves with a smooth surface. However, their most unique feature is their flowers – the plant produces solitary flowers with yellow inner florets.

While daisies are considered flowers by most people, they are pretty aggressive and can spread easily through their rhizome root system.

However, you can control them using various techniques. For example, pulling by hand or digging tools is effective when you have a few plants.

You can also use selective herbicides such as 2,4-D, dicamba, or triclopyr when dealing with a large infestation.

7. Dandelions

Dandelions are another common weed found in lawns, gardens, fields, forests, wastelands, etc. It is native to Europe and Asia but widespread in other regions such as North America.

The plant is easily identifiable by its basal rosette leaves, which have widely spaced teethed edges. It also produces white or yellow blooms, which grow on a single, hollow stem.

You can eliminate dandelion weeds by mowing your lawn during the flowering stage. Frequent pulling by hands or special tools can also eliminate small infestations.

However, chemical herbicides are more effective when dealing with a huge invasion of dandelions. These include pre and post-emergent herbicides and selective lawn weed killers.

8. Common chickweed

Common chickweed is a low-spreading perennial weed plant native to Europe but widespread in most regions. It primarily grows in fields, gardens, nurseries, lawns, and turf grass.

While low-spreading, common chickweed has erect stems with leaves growing opposite to each other along the stem.

The leaves are broad and egg-shaped, with pointy tips. The weed also produces showy, white flowers with five deeply cut petals at the end of each stem.

Common chickweed has shallow roots and thus can be eliminated by pulling or digging with a shovel or other tools.

However, chemical herbicides such as selective weed killers for lawns are ideal when dealing with several weeds. You can also spot-treat with non-selective herbicides, which risk killing other plants.

9. Thorn apple

Thorn apple, also known as Datura stramonium or jimsonweed, is another weed with white flowers. It is also one of the most popular weeds with thorns.

The weed is native to Central America but has spread over several regions. It commonly grows in disturbed soils, river banks, agricultural fields, and gardens.

Thorn apple has thick erect stems, which branch off repeatedly from where leaves and flowers grow.

The leaves are large, have a smooth surface, and a toothed margin. The plant blooms trumpet-shaped white flowers that have a pleasant odor.

It also has conspicuous green, egg-shaped seed capsules covered with spikes – hence the name thorn apple.

You can eliminate thorn apples by pulling or digging out the entire plant. If you decide to pull, make sure to use proper gardening gloves to protect you from its thorns.

However, you should dispose of it entirely by burning or burying it in plastic wrap if it has produced seeds.

Use broad-spectrum chemical herbicides to kill the plant, but take care not to spray other crops.

10. Henbit weed

Henbit weed is another popular type of weed those blooms white (sometimes purple) flowers. It is common in Europe, South America, North America, Asian regions, and Australia.

You can find it growing in lawns, gardens, waste areas, crop fields, roadsides, pastures, etc. Henbit weed has a square-shaped stem, from where scalloped, heart-shaped leaves emerge.

The lower leaves grow from the stem in a petal formation, while the upper leaves are directly attached. Flowers (white or purplish) are grown at the top of each branch.

You can eradicate henbit weed using natural remedies such as pulling by hand or applying vinegar, corn gluten meal, and dish soap solution.

You can also use chemical herbicides such as selective lawn herbicides, for example, roundup for lawns.

Conclusion

Are you dealing with unidentified weeds with white flowers on your lawn, garden, crop field, or property?

The above are some of the most common weeds that have white flowers. Included is information on where they are likely to grow, identifying features, and effective solutions you can use to eradicate them.

Related Guides

• Common weeds with pink flowers
• Weeds that look like small trees
• Is bamboo the tallest grass?
• Types of weeds with burrs
• List of common weeds with scientific names

Carla Etheridge

Carla is a student pursuing a B.S in Agricultural Systems Technology. With a passion for landscaping for over 4 years, Carla loves plants. She has previously contributed to several other sites in the space before joining InsightWeeds.

The post 10 common weeds with white flowers appeared first on InsightWeeds.

As a result, many people spend a lot of time and money eradicating weeds from their gardens, lawns, backyards, and around their properties.

However, not all weeds are bad. On the contrary, some can be beneficial; for example, some are edibles, while others are excellent flowering plants.

Furthermore, some can have medicinal properties and several other benefits.

There are 7 common weeds that produce pink flowers:

1. Mallow

Mallow weed, or common mallow (Malva neglecta) as it is known, is one of the most widespread weeds you will come across.

It is an annual broadleaf weed commonly found in lawns, gardens, nurseries, and poorly maintained landscapes.

Mallow weed has bright green leaves with hairy stems. It typically grows by spreading but can grow upright in favourable conditions. It also produces flowers, which are light pink or white.

The weed is considered invasive as it has a robust taproot system, which guarantees its survival even under harsh conditions.

While mallow is a weed plant, it also has several beneficial properties. You can forage it for its medicinal properties, particularly the roots that have anti-inflammatory benefits.

Mallow is also edible (roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and fruits). It is highly nutritious, rich in vitamin A, B, and C, and contains calcium, potassium, and magnesium.

2. Clover

Clover (Trifolium ssp.) is a perennial wild flowering plant. It is commonly found in lawns and flower beds and is regarded as a weed as it is invasive in poorly maintained areas.

It is also hard to eradicate since it can easily survive mowing and some types of herbicides. Clovers are easy to identify as it is one of the few weeds with small pink flowers you will come across.

The flowers bloom around early spring and form a cluster that appears like a small ball of light pink petals. The plant also has three-lobbed leaves, which are petal-shaped.

While finding a clover plant in your garden or lawn can be concerning, the plant does offer several benefits.

First, it is a flowering plant that can provide a nice appearance to your landscape. It is also a good source of nectar and can help pollinate your crops.

Lastly, clover is a nitrogen-fixing plant that enriches the soil and has a deep root system, preventing soil erosion.

If these benefits are nothing compared to the damage this plant has done to your lawn, follow these clover removal techniques.

3. Joe Pye weed

Joe Pye weed is among the most common tall weeds with pink flowers. You can quickly identify it by its towering size, with the plant reaching up to 7 feet or more.

Its flowers (which can also bloom in shades of purple and white) have a pleasant vanilla-like scent.

Some people consider the Joe Pye plant a weed as it has thick and deep rhizomes that help it spread. It also produces many seeds, which can scatter far.

However, the plant has several benefits. It is attractive and, therefore, a good ornamental plant that will help brighten your landscape.

Joe Pye provides nectar for bees and pollen to wildlife. You can also use it to provide shade for your plants.

4. Dead nettle

Dead nettle is a type of herbaceous flowering plant. It has green, nettle-like leaves with serrated edges and an arrow tip.

Non-stinging hairs on the bottom part also cover the leaves. It blooms beautiful flowers, which can appear in pink, red, and purple shades.

Dead nettle is considered an invasive weed plant, as it can produce several thousand seeds, which will easily overwhelm other plants or grasses.

However, it offers several benefits, making it worthwhile to cultivate. For example, its pink flowers and silvery leaves are quite attractive.

It is also edible and foraged for its leaves, which taste similar to spinach when cooked.

5. Herb Robert

Herb Robert (Geranium robertianum) is an annual or biennial flowering plant. It is a tall-growing plant – reaching up to 50 cm high – producing small, pink flowers.

The flowers, which have five petals, bloom around spring up to late summer and start of autumn. Herb Robert is considered a weed as it is a highly invasive plant.

It produces many seeds scattered far and wide by wind, wildlife, pets, and human beings. However, it is cultivated in some areas for its medicinal properties.

In folk medicine, it treats diarrhoea, toothaches, and nose bleeds. Furthermore, you can use the plant’s leaves as an insect repellent by crushing them and rubbing them over your body.

6. Dove’s-foot crane’s-bill

Dove’s foot crane’s-bill is a type of lawn weed with pink flowers. It has round-shaped leaves, which are slightly hairy.

Its flowers bloom from around spring to late summer and can vary in colour from shades of pink to purple.

Doves-foot cranes-bill usually invades poorly maintained lawns with poor soils.

It is quite invasive, with deep fibrous root systems that make it hard to eradicate. However, it is cultivated by some people for its medicinal benefits.

It is particularly helpful in treating external injuries and sores. Its extract is also useful in winemaking, which is said to help with gout and joint pains.

7. Rosebay willowherb

Rosebay willowherb (Chamaenerion angustifolium) is a perennial herbaceous plant. It is known by several local names, such as great willowherb, bomb weed, or fireweed.

You can identify it by its tall reddish stems (which can reach up to 2.5 meters high) and bright pink flowers.

Rosebay willowherb is an invasive plant that can spread far wide through its root system. As a result, it can easily take over large areas of poorly maintained landscapes.

However, it also does offer several benefits. To start with, it is an ornamental plant that can improve the curb appeal of your property.

It also provides pollen to wildlife and nectar to bees, which in turn help to pollinate other crops.

Conclusion

Having weeds invade your garden, lawn, or backyard can be worrying. However, the above weeds with pink flowers are not all that bad.

While they are invasive and can be pretty hard to eliminate, they come with several benefits ranging from medicinal and ornamental to edible.

Therefore, you can let them grow or even deliberately cultivate them.

Related Guides

• Weeds that look like small trees 
• Weeds that look like tomato plants
• List of weeds that look like rhubarb

Carla Etheridge

Carla is a student pursuing a B.S in Agricultural Systems Technology. With a passion for landscaping for over 4 years, Carla loves plants. She has previously contributed to several other sites in the space before joining InsightWeeds.

The post 7 common weeds with pink flowers appeared first on InsightWeeds.