A "weed" is a broad term for many plants. There is a clear distinction between them, noxious weeds and invasive species.
Noxious weeds are plants that are harmful to health, nature, agriculture and recreation. A federal, state, or local government determines this status. Poison hemlock is one example found locally.
Invasive species are one step above this. They are species that spread outside their native habitat and harm local ecosystems. In Indiana, garlic mustard and Asian bush honeysuckle are common examples.
Although definitions vary, most people think of a weed as an unwanted plant. People's unique perception of a species means one person's weed is another's treasure.
People dislike weeds for many reasons. They spread and crowd fast because of their many small seeds, fast growth and long viability. Weeds can take water and nutrients from the plants you want to thrive. Some, such as poison ivy, can hurt you or attract pests. Their deep root systems form thick mats under the soil, making them difficult to remove.
More to a weed than strife
To many, the goal of a weed is to cause gardeners strife.
There is more to a weed than that, though. Weeds can feed wildlife, serve as habitat for insects and attract pollinators. Their prolific nature allows them to play a key role in soil health and plant succession.
Weeds, or pioneer plants, establish fast to patch exposed soil so it can be restored in time. Their thick roots prevent erosion, store water, and encourage soil microbes to thrive.
Eventual decomposition allows for valuable nutrients to return to the soil. This decomposition ensures new shrubs and trees have the nutrients they need to grow and succeed the weeds. Turning the soil again only causes the cycle to renew. Weeds will return to protect the soil so native trees, flowers and shrubs can grow after their decomposition.
Weeds have been around for tens of thousands of years, but they took off with the evolution of agriculture. Humans disturb the soil often, creating environments where weeds thrive. Opportunist species fill the niches left by farming, roads and abandoned altered land.
Finding ways to fit weeds into your world
We hinder natural succession through our aesthetic gardens, monoculture farms and pristine lawns. This makes weeds stick around longer than they otherwise would.
Weeds are only trying to achieve their natural purpose and have benefits to nature. We can try to realign ourselves to find a way for weeds to fit into our world. This isn't to say that you should fill your flower beds with poison ivy, but there are many native plants with "weedy" reputations that can add beauty and benefits to your landscape.
For example, some blackberry species are considered weeds because of their fast spread and thorns. But they serve as important cover and food sources for birds and mammals.
Pokeweed is another native weed. It's known for its aggressive spread and being poisonous to people and pets. That doesn't stop more than 30 species of birds from snacking on its fruits, especially during early spring. With pokeweed, you can attract cardinals, flickers, hummingbirds and bluebirds. Pollinators also enjoy pokeweed.
Nature can seem antagonistic when we are working against it. At first glance, weeds appear to be pests. Diving deeper, they are only trying their best to promote plant succession. Consider the merit of a weed going forward as you garden.
Kendalynn Ross is an outreach coordinator who focuses on education and volunteers for Red-tail Land Conservancy.