7 Weeds that Look Like Trees

Suyash is a Master Gardener and the Editorial and Strategy Director at BalconyGardenWeb.com. With a focus on houseplant care, he combines over a decade of hands-on horticultural experience with editorial expertise to guide and educate plant enthusiasts.
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There are Weeds that Look Like Trees so much that you will be hard-pressed to tell the difference, especially in the wild!

Though you may find it hard to believe, there are weeds that have a similar appearance to that of a tree! Don’t be in awe! Find the below!


Weeds That Look Like Trees

Do note that these weeds have a similar spread and leaves structures as trees, but may not be as tall as them. 

1. Japanese Knotweed

Weeds that Look Like Trees 2

Botanical Name: Reynoutria japonica

Japanese knotweed is a highly invasive weed in gardens, spreading rapidly and proving extremely difficult to control. It resembles a small tree in appearance from a distance.

List of Weeds with Blue Flowers

2. Ricinus

Weeds With Tree-Like Appearance 2

Botanical Name: Ricinus communis

Ricinus is a visually appealing but unsafe plant. Under suitable conditions, it can reach a height of 6-15 feet. Its flowers, leaves, and seeds contain ricin, posing a lethal threat.

3. Pokeweed

Weeds That Look Like Trees 11
inaturalist

Botanical Name: Phytolacca americana

Next on the list of weeds that look like trees is pokeweed. It can be as high as 4-10 feet in the right growing condition. However, beware! The entire plant is poisonous (especially its berries).

4. Great Mullein

Botanical Name: Verbascum thapsus

Another weed that you can mistake for a tree is common mullein. It is a biennial plant that grows 6 to 10 feet tall and is found in fields, pastures, and other waste places.

5. Giant Reed

Weeds That Look Like Trees 5

Botanical Name: Ambrosia trifida

This is a weed that is being deliberately grown for erosion control and windbreak. Giant reed is a great source for producing biomass, but it is potentially invasive.

6. Himalayan Balsam

controlinroad

Botanical Name: Impatiens glandulifera

Another weed that looks like a tree – it has very beautiful flowers. However, it can cause erosion of river banks which can lead to floods, and can kill native plants.

7. Giant Hogweed

Weeds That Look Like Trees

Botanical Name: Heracleum mantegazzianum

Last on our list of weeds that look like trees is this tall guy! Its sap can cause scars and painful burns, so please stay away. It can grow upto 6-10 feet high overtime.

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