Explore the fascinating world of weeds that have heart-shaped leaves. They are often overlooked, but these plant curiosity plants add a unique appeal for any landscape, however they must be carefully selected. Let’s look at nine of these fascinating plant species, examining their characteristics as well as their challenges and advantages.
What Types of Weeds Have Heart Shaped Leaves?
Image by and Credit to: Sonja-Kalee
The leaves of heart-shaped weeds are usually broadleaf species. Examples are Velvetleaf, Black Bindweed, Hairy Bittercress, Bermuda Buttercup, Violet, Japanese Morning Glory, Henbit, and Yellow Wood Sorrel.
The leaves usually display the distinctive butterfly or heart shape, and can also display different shades. The leaves join to the stems either in opposite directions or alternately. Examine the leaf’s texture, size, color and the base of it where it connects with the stem to distinguish the plant.
Quick Overview of Weeds that Have Heart Shaped Leaves
| Weed Type | Weed Features |
| Purple Deadnettle | Annual Heart-shaped leaves, with a purple-colored color |
| Velvetleaf | Annual Heart-shaped, large, velvety leaves |
| Yellow Wood Sorrel | Perennial with heart-shaped leaves and yellow flowers |
| Black Bindweed | Perennial with heart-shaped leaves and dark green hue |
| Henbit | Heart-shaped leaves; the color of purplish. |
| Hairy Bittercress | Annual with heart-shaped leaves and hairy texture |
| Japanese morning glory | An annual vine with heart-shaped leaves |
| Bermuda Buttercup | Perennial with heart-shaped leaves and shiny appearance |
| Violet | Perennial. Heart-shaped leaves of different shades |
9 Weeds that Have Heart-Shaped Leaves
Image by and Credit to: sukulenta
We present to you 9 weeds that are distinctive with heart-shaped leaves.
- Purple Deadnettle
- Velvetleaf
- Yellow Wood Sorrel
- Black Bindweed
- Henbit
- Hairy Bittercress
- Japanese morning glory
- Bermuda Buttercup
- Violet
1. Purple Deadnettle (Lamium Purpureum)
Image by and Credit to: Coernl
Purple Deadnettle (Lamium purpureum) is a lovely weed that is famous for its bizarre heart-shaped leaves. The tiny flora is vigorous and thrives in extreme conditions, which makes it an interesting addition to a garden with a sexiness that is difficult to ignore.
The leaves from Lamium purpureum don’t have any “sting” related to those of the nettle family that’s why it’s known as “dead-nettle.”
Despite its beautiful appearance and the ability to add the garden with a sweet heart-warming feel, the garden area, it’s a invasive plant. Hence, careful management must ensure it doesn’t disrupt your garden ecosystem.
Purple Deadnettle: Identification Summary
| Plant Type | Weed |
| Plant Size | 20-30 cm tall |
| Flower Size | 1-2 cm |
| Flower Timing | Spring |
| Flower Color | Purple |
| Leaf Color | Green-Purple |
| Leaf Shape | Heart Shapes |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Temperature Requirement | Cold-Hardy |
| Invasive or Not | Yes |
2. Velvetleaf (Abutilon Theophrasti)
Image by and Credit to: GoranH
Velvetleaf is scientifically known as Abutilon theophrasti is a dazzling weed with heart-shaped leaves covered with short hairs, providing them with a soft and silky texture.
Velvetleaf reproduces solely through seeds and produces as many as 10,000 seeds for each plant that can survive in soil for 50 years.
It is indigenous to India and native to tropical Asia. Velvetleaf is true to its name thanks to its huge, distinctively heart-shaped leaves as well as its distinctively long, slim appearance.
Be aware, Velvetleaf is a dangerous plant that requires effective management because of its aggressive nature and invading nature. It’s a truly agressive marvel that demands the respect of its ability to grow, even though it is best enjoyed at a distance!
Velvetleaf: Identification Summary
| Plant Type | Annual Weed |
| Plant Size | 4 to 5 feet in the majority of cases, could be as tall as 8 feet |
| Flower Size | Tiny, but growing to a quarter inch |
| Flower Timing | In the spring and summer |
| Flower Color | Typically Yellow |
| Leaf Color | Vivid green |
| Leaf Shape | Heart-shaped heart with a silky feeling |
| Growth Rate | Very fast, they can reach maximum height in only a few months |
| Temperature Requirements | Can tolerate a wide range of climates, is particularly thriving in zones 8-11. |
| Invasive or Not | Avasive; significant competition for crops, resulting in lower yields |
3. Yellow Wood Sorrel (Oxalis Stricta)
Image by and Credit to: Wyxina
Yellow Wood Sorrel, or Oxalis stricta is a fascinating annual plant, often misinterpreted as an shamrock because of it’s heart-shaped, compound leaves.
Oxalis stricta can be described as a small-growing plant that has clover-like leaves as well as numerous yellow flowers.
Despite its beautiful appearance, it is a weed that has a stunning aesthetic. Yellow Wood Sorrel has the undesirable title of a weed mostly due to its uncontrollable, rapid growth rate and its capability to thrive in all soil conditions, which makes it a common sight in gardens throughout the U.S.
To combat this weed, you must have high concentration, and a strategy that involves the systematic elimination from any evidence of the plant as early as possible and ensuring a well-maintained lawn. It’s an uphill battle worth the effort to avoid the appearance of a blight on the otherwise beautiful garden!
Yellow Wood Sorrel: Identification Summary
| Plant Type | Perennial Weed |
| Plant Size | up to 6 inches tall |
| Flower Size | Small |
| Flower Timing | Not stated |
| Flower Color | Yellow |
| Leaf Color | Green |
| Leaf Shape | Heart-shaped compound |
| Growth Rate | Rapid |
| Temperature Requirements | It adapts to different situations |
| Invasive or Not | Yes |
4. Black Bindweed (Fallopia Convolvulus)
Image by and Credit to: Stefan.lefnaer
Black Bindweed, scientifically known as Fallopia convolvulus is a distinct plant that is renowned for its beautiful heart-shaped leaves. They give its a charming appeal.
It is often used in cover crops in order to increase soil health and stop erosion.
A unique feature of this plant is the fact that it is interspersed in with different plants, and is able to grow rapidly so that it is referred to as “bindweed.. This characteristic together with the heart-shaped leaf, differentiates it from the vast landscape of horticulture.
Black Bindweed: Identification Summary
| Plant Type | Weed |
| Plant Size | It can grow to six feet if the conditions are ideal. |
| Flower Size | 2-inch trumpet-shaped |
| Flower Timing | Blooms in mid-summer, and last until the fall |
| Flower Color | White and a variety of shades of pink often stripe |
| Leaf Color | Green |
| Leaf Shape | Heart-shaped |
| Growth Rate | Fast and aggressive |
| Temperature Requirements | USDA hardiness range of 4 to 8 |
| Invasive or Not | Yes, it is invasive |
5. Henbit (Lamium Amplexicaule)
Image by and Credit to: JamesDeMers
Lamium amplexicaule or Henbit, is a jack of all trades, an ornamental plant as well as a nuisance weed as well as a tasty forage! It is renowned for its distinctive kidney-shaped leaves that look like hearts and its fascinating pink-purple flowers that look like an orchid.
Henbit is a popular choice for its stems that are square and leaves that wrap around the stem. They call it “amplexicaule,” which means “stem-clasping.”
The flowers bloom in a vibrant purple between March through August, these beautiful flowers create a stunning spectacle to behold despite its overgrown nature!
The Henbit’s endurance is due to its ability to self-pollinate creating a vast space of luxury in areas as sluggish as roadside verges.
The trick to control its wild appetite is inviting a lush, healthy lawn to the event. Inhibiting the henbit’s desire dominate the spotlight.
The mint family is the source of its origins that is that can grow up to 30 centimeters per day, displays tiny, pink-purple flowers against its vibrant green leaves. The plant’s quick growth and resilience is enhanced by its capacity to self-pollinate and expand nearly everywhere from sidewalk cracks to fields.
While it is possible for it to take over unsupervised gardens quickly but its spread is controlled by an enviable, healthy lawn that stops the weed from growing. When it is seasoned with a pinch of discipline and care, your garden will appreciate the charming look of the Henbit, without the overwhelming.
Henbit: Identification Summary
| Plant Type | Herb/Weed |
| Plant Size | As high as 1.3 feet |
| Flower Size | Small |
| Flower Timing | March-August |
| Flower Color | Red/Purple |
| Leaf Color | Bright Green |
| Leaf Shape | Heart-shaped, with teethed edges. |
| Growth Rate | Fast and Invasive |
| Temperature Requirements | USDA zones 4 – 8 |
| Invasive or Not | Yes |
6. Hairy Bittercress (Cardamine Hirsuta)
Image by and Credit to: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz
Hairy Bittercress, scientifically referred to as Cardamine hirsuta is a beautiful plant with round leaves. They can have the shape of a heart.
Hairy Bittercress is delicious and mildly spicy, making it a favorite salad green and foraged food.
It is found blooming in moist, cool soil. These weeds in the ground are a force to be reckoned with every spring by bursting forth of beautiful, tiny white flowers.
It can bring a distinct charm for your backyard, it’s overgrown nature could be a challenge because of its taproot-like system that is deep and the dispersal of seeds by wind.
Hairy Bittercress: Identification Summary
| Plant Type | Ground Weed |
| Plant Size | Small to Medium |
| Flower Size | Small |
| Flower Timing | Primarily in the spring (April-May) |
| Flower Color | White |
| Leaf Color | Green |
| Leaf Shape | Heart-shaped, in appearance |
| Growth Rate | Fast Growing |
| Temperature Requirements | The plant thrives in humid and cool conditions |
| Invasive | Yes, has a very deep taproot, and seedpods are that are blown around by the winds. |
7. Japanese Morning Glory (Ipomoea Nil)
Image by and Credit to: Dinesh Valke
This Japanese Morning Glory (Ipomoea nil) is a beautiful plant with heart-shaped leaves that add a touch of elegance in any yard. But, despite their beautiful presence, they are known for their invasiveness. invading.
The stalks and stems Ipomoea null are either splayed across the ground or are supported by other plants via twining.
Particularly especially in particularly in San Joaquin Valley, California which is a major threat on cotton farm. Their ability to live and blossom from seeds draws out their weed-like traits. They also pose a risk of toxicity to both animals and humans.
Japanese Morning Glory: Identification Summary
| Plant Type | Broadleaf plant |
| Heart-shaped leaves | Yes, it’s a glossy butterfly-shaped shape that could grow up to 3 inches in length |
| Plant Size | A climbing plant that is able to be 6 feet or more. |
| Flower Size | Funnel-shaped, and with a large size that stands out |
| Flower Timing | The flowers bloom between June and November, capturing the essence autumn and summer |
| Flower Color | Pale purple, with a stunning white base |
| Leaf Color | Fresh Green with purplish-red at the point of connection |
| Leaf Shape | Heart-shaped, the leaves alternate on the stem |
| Growth Rate | It is known for its rapid increase rate |
| Temperature Requirements | Needs a significant amount of moisture for growth Not able to withstand hard freezes |
| Invasive or Not | They are considered to be invasive, particularly in vineyards, gardens and orchards. |
8. Bermuda Buttercup (Oxalis Pes-Caprae)
Image by and Credit to: MathKnight, Zachi Evenor
Bermuda Buttercup is commonly referred to as Oxalis pes-caprae is a fascinating plant with heart-shaped leaves adding to its charm. Sometimes mistaken for clover and Shamrock due to its distinctive leaves shape.
Oxalis pes-caprae grows small bulbs frequently.
It is a South African native is an unwelcome weed that can take over and overtake agricultural areas. While it is beautiful, it can also be a delicate display of golden yellow flowers. The plant is harmful to livestock if it is consumed. It’s also extremely difficult to control because of its constant bulb production.
While admiring the heart-shaped leaves and bright yellow blossoms do not be deceived. Keep your backyard Bermuda Buttercup-free!
Bemud Buttercup: Identification Summary
| Plant Type | Weed |
| Plant Size | Predominantly Ground Cover |
| Flower Size | Small |
| Flower Timing | Peaks in Spring |
| Flower Color | Yellow |
| Leaf Color | Green |
| Leaf Shape | Heart-shaped |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Temperature Requirements | Temperate to Warm (Zones 8-11) |
| Invasive | Yes |
9. Violet (Viola)
Image by and Credit to: maxmann
Violet, also known as ‘Viola’ is a beautiful plant that is known for its beautiful heart-shaped leaves and a luscious sweet scent. The plant is distinguished by its unique feature that leaves and flower grow from the same place which is a sight which delights a lot of people.
The entire flower of a violet can be eaten, and the blossoms are crisp and succulent texture, with a slight fragrance.
Growing best in cool, moist locations, Viola can withstand even dry soils when established and shows its toughness. No matter the time of season or year, Violet returns faithfully, with remarkable persistence and endurance in its growth cycle!
Violet: Identification Summary
| Plant Size | Between 2-8 inches in height |
| Flower Size | Between 10 and 12 millimeters in length |
| Flower Timing | Blooms begin in April and continue until June. |
| Flower Color | Purple or Blue |
| Leaf Color | Green |
| Leaf Shape | Heart-shaped, with teeth rounded at the edges |
| Growth Rate | Larger patches form as the plant develops |
| Temperature Requirements | Hardy; able to withstand freezing, and rot in snow because of the absence of light |
| Invasive or Not | Yes, it is a vigorous growth because of a large system of rhizomes |
Conclusion
For a garden that is flourishing is vital to be knowledgeable of these attractive weeds with heart-shaped leaves. When you incorporate these plants, it is essential to adopt an approach that is strategic and carry out an exhaustive study because of their potential for invasiveness. If you select the correct heart-shaped weeds, you can bring a distinctive appeal to your backyard oasis and enjoy your passion for landscaping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the most frequent concerns about weddings with heart-shaped leaves:
What Kind of Plant Has Heart Shaped Leaves and Fuzzy Stems?
What Kind of Plant Has Green Heart Shaped Leaves?
What Type of Plant Has Three Heart-Shaped Leaves?
What Type Fern Has Heart Shaped Leaves?
What Kind of Plant Has Heart-Shaped Green and Red Leaves?
Featured and Pinterest images credits to: Charles de Mille-Isles