Let me begin by saying that if you’ve found today’s column by doing a Google search for “weed,” this most likely isn’t the kind you were looking for.
Now that that’s settled, let’s move on to the definition of a weed according to Mirriam-Webster: a plant that is not valued where it is growing and is usually of vigorous growth.
Note the part about vigorous growth. As my friends in the south would say, “Ain’t it the truth?”
Another definition I’ve heard is that a weed is but an unloved flower. I agree, unless we are talking about quackgrass. Quackgrass, as everyone knows, is the root of all evil and the hair of the devil’s armpit. But I digress.
Maybe weed is in the eye of the beholder.
The first time I’d ever heard of Amur honeysuckle was when I found one of the plants for sale at Aldi. I’d never seen a bush honeysuckle before, having just moved to the area. Where I lived in the south, honeysuckle grows as a vine and is considered a weed. I’ve seen those for sale here, as well.
Jewelweed even has “weed” in the name, but, as far as I can tell, is considered a wildflower. It’s vigorous and pretty, attracts hummingbirds, and offers medicinal uses. The plant also has these cool exploding seed pods, giving it the alternative name of “touch-me not.” Kids love those, and more than a few adults. No one here, though, because I certainly would never wander the woods laughing hysterically each time a pod exploded. Nope, that must’ve been that gal that looks a lot like me but isn’t me. No. Really. Stop laughing.
Queen Anne’s lace is a favorite of mine. I love the way it looks growing among the brown-eyed Susans. I intentionally planted the brown-eyed Susans, a native flower that spreads like the dickens, so that I wouldn’t have to mow certain areas, like hills, the meadow, the yard…now that I think of it, the stuff doesn’t spread nearly fast enough.
Fleabane is another favorite. It’s actually one of the many types of Erigeron, a member of the Aster family. As I understand it, it’s native to the U.S., and gets its name because the smoke from burning it deters fleas and gnats. Another article said the name came from the seeds which are small and prolific, like fleas. Either way, I think it’s kind of cute.
Teasel is considered a weed, and is invasive. We have it in our meadow but it has yet to take over even a portion of it. The butterflies like it, and it has an interesting story – it was initially used in wool production, and is also known as a “gypsy comb.”
Of course everyone has heard of Echinacea. There are many varieties, but Echinacea purpurea, or the purple coneflower, is not only beautiful, but native. It spreads well and blooms for a long time.
In summary: a rose by any other name would smell as sweet, and whether you call flowers weeds or wildflowers, they are still lovely. I am not an expert on native plants, or weeds. I just know what I like. And anything that blooms and helps me avoid mowing is a friend of mine.