Weed datasheets

Ribwort plantain is a common perennial weed of arable fields and grassland, widespread throughout the UK on a range of soils. It is a common roadside plant.

Rosebay willowherb is an erect, rhizomatous, perennial, native on waste ground, embankments, rocky places, mountain scree and open woodland throughout the UK.

An aromatic perennial with a branching rootstock, mugwort is native in waste places, waysides and hedgerows. It is common throughout lowland Britain and is tolerant of a wide range of soil types and pH

Common sorrel is an erect perennial, native in a wide range of grassy places including grass leys. It is found in open woodland, woodland rides and edges, in maritime and river shingle, and on mountain ledges.

Selfheal is a native perennial found in grassland, lawns, wood clearings, field margins and rough ground. It is abundant in grassy places except the most acid. It is sometimes an aggressive weed in short or open turf.

Sheep’s sorrel is a perennial plant native in open ground, short grassland and cultivated land mostly on acid, sandy soils throughout Britain. It is infrequent on calcareous soils.

Common ragwort is a weed of wasteland and pasture that occurs in every county in the UK. The natural habitat is sand dunes but it is prevalent on light, low fertility soils and on grassland that is overgrazed.

A rhizomatous to stoloniferous perennial, common nettle is abundant and generally distributed in the UK and is recorded up to 2,700 ft. It is native on riverbanks and in hedgerows, grassy places, near buildings and where the ground is littered with rubble.

Thyme-leaved speedwell is a common native perennial. The subspecies serpyllifolia is found on waste and cultivated land, paths, lawns, open grassland and woodland rides throughout the UK. It is a common weed on light soils and is often abundant on chalk.

Wild radish is an annual or biennial weed that occurs on cultivated and rough ground, waste places and tips. It is a troublesome weed, especially of non-calcareous soils.