That unruly vegetation people refer to as “weeds” are like Rodney Dangerfields of the plant kingdom – They Get No Respect!
And that’s unfortunate, because the vital function they serve in nature can also be harnessed to benefit people.
In nature, these plants are often found in areas where the soil has been damaged or disturbed. They are the pioneers – tough, rugged, blazing a path for more tender plants and trees to follow in the natural cycle’s progression to forest.
Seeds can sprout in nutrient deficient soils then send roots deep into the earth to mine the minerals needed. These minerals accumulate in the plant’s roots and aerial parts. At the end of the plant’s life cycle, they decay back into the topsoil, releasing the nutrients for other plants and soil organisms to use.
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Harvested Dandelion leaves added to mulch in the garden
This is how nature amends the soil and prepares the way for the next cycle of life.
Everything in nature has a purpose. There are no such things as “waste” products, only misplaced resources. Familiarize yourself with what is growing around you, on the lawn and around the neighborhood. Learning about the characteristic and purpose of local wild plants has many rewards –
- Free food or medicinal source for people and wildlife
- Soil amendment for the garden
- A low maintenance companion for other plants
Below is a table showing just a few of the more common “weeds” and their benefits:
Source 1, Source 2 - (Chevallier, A (2000). Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine. DK Pub. ISBN 9780789406729)
These are only a few of the beneficials out there. Check local field guides for many more species found in your area.
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Dandelion, Plantain, and Stinging Nettle.
So the next time you spot a weed, instead of reaching for toxic herbicides, think about the possible benefits these gifts of nature can provide you and the environment. You may just find a new companion for your garden.
-JB